Framingham School Committee picks replacement for open spot. Why he's joining the board
FRAMINGHAM — A candidate for Framingham School Committee in this fall's city election is getting a head start on the job, as Ricardo Robles was voted in this week to represent District 1.
Robles is finishing the less than four months that's left of Beverly Hugo's term. She resigned in June, citing a move out of Framingham.
In the Nov. 7 city election, Robles is the only candidate on the ballot for the District 1 position.
Robles was one of three residents seeking to finish Hugo's term, along with Camilla Wilson and Michael Conley. During a joint meeting of the City Council and the School Committee on Tuesday, the combined panel unanimously selected Robles for the post.
Earlier: Beverly Hugo steps down from Framingham School Committee
During Tuesday's meeting, Robles said he has had four children in Framingham Public Schools, including three in high school and middle school. Born in Guatemala, Robles said he moved to Framingham due to its diversity, and that he can relate to the city's many students from different backgrounds.
Robles family moved to Framingham due to its diversity
“I want to be part of this School Committee," he told city councilors and School Committee members. "Myself, coming from a different culture, I see myself in the lives of the students that are sitting in the seats here in Framingham. My wife and four kids moved to Framingham about two years ago. We moved here because we knew Framingham has one of the best Spanish immersion programs in the state.”
A resident of Fox Creek Lane, Robles is vice president and chief diversity officer at Boston Children's Hospital. He has also worked for Novant Health and Bank of America.
After Robles was voted in, City Council Chair Phil Ottaviani thanked all applicants for their desire to serve Framingham Public Schools, and added that Citizen Participation Officer Heather Gutierrez is seeking to fill many open vacancies on several city boards.
“We appreciate you all stepping up, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the city," Ottaviani said. "Just see Ms. Gutierrez before you leave, she is looking for volunteers on all kinds of boards and committees."
Robles was sworn in following his appointment. He began serving on the committee immediately, even voting on the final motion to adjourn Tuesday's meeting.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ricardo Robles will join Framingham School Committee ahead of election
