Two school board races top ballot

WILMINGTON » With the annual town election scheduled for April 24, here’s what you need to know about the contested races on the ballot.

The only races this year are for seats on the School Committee, as two committee members are up for re-election and one member resigned in February.

Resident James Defeo will take on Incumbents David Ragsdale and Mary Jane Byrnes for one of their spots, with voters having the option to select two candidates. Whoever is chosen will serve a three-year term.

This is the first time Ragsdale is seeking re-election, as he first joined the committee in 2018. Byrnes, however, was first elected in 2012 and is thus seeking her fourth term.

Three other residents will be seeking the unexpired term left open by former committee member Steve Bjork, who resigned one year into his latest term due to commitments in his personal and professional lives. He had previously served on the committee for seven years.

The residents running are Justin Cusce,

Yvonne Helbert and Melissa Plowman, with voters having the option to select just one of them. Whoever is chosen will serve a twoyear term.

In a letter published in the Wilmington Apple, Bjork endorsed Plowman for the role.

Registration for candidates in the election closed on March 5. The last day for residents to register to vote in the annual town election is Monday.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Boutwell School for Precincts 1 and 2, at the Wildwood School for Precincts 3 and 4 and at Town Hall for Precincts 5 and 6.