Taunton School Committee has these 3 new faces, adds Loura, Enos and Viera

Chris Helms, The Taunton Daily Gazette
·1 min read

TAUNTON — With three incumbents opting not to run for re-election, city voters were guaranteed to send at least three new faces to the School Committee.

And that's exactly how many they sent.

Incumbent Christine A. Fagan was top vote-getter at 2,727, according to unofficial results. Incumbent Joseph M. Martin placed second for the eight-person board. Voters returned Gregory C. DeMelo and Nathan S. Pawlowski.

School Committee candidate Louie Loura, left, delivered pizza to fellow candidates and supporters outside the Ward 3 polling place at the new Pole School on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. Looking on are State Rep. Carol Doherty, D-Taunton, who did not seek re-election, incumbent Gregory DeMelo and, not visible behind her sign, City Council hopeful Edna Isaac.

A familiar face to Taunton but new to the School Committee is Louis Loura. He's joined by Taunton fixture Jordan "Jody" Fiore, who won a term on the argument to voters that the new faces on the committee would need a steady, experienced hand.

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Challenger Gill E. Enos, budget director for Mayor Shaunna O'Connell (who was re-elected) gained a seat, as did Steven J. Viera, whom O'Connell had endorsed.

Finishing just outside the top eight was educator Derek M. George Sr. Others who did not win, in order of vote totals, were: Alison Rosa, Heather L. Baylies-Grigoreas, Marc Dunderdale, George L. Moniz Jr., Maria S. Collins, Allen L. Windle Jr. and Ronald P. Bouchard Jr.

The family of Taunton School Committee candidate Derek George held signs for him outside the Ward 3 voting place at the new Pole School on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. From left: Veronika George, wife of Derek George; Derek Jr., 11; and Victoria, 4.
The family of Taunton School Committee candidate Derek George held signs for him outside the Ward 3 voting place at the new Pole School on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. From left: Veronika George, wife of Derek George; Derek Jr., 11; and Victoria, 4.

The three Incumbents not running for re-election to the school board were State Rep. Carol Doherty, D-Taunton; Josephine "Jody" Almeida; and David Souza.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@tauntongazette.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Taunton Daily Gazette.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton School Committee: Louis Loura, Gill Enos, Steven Viera win