Three residents offered to fill the seat Victoria Hugo-Vidal left on Wiscasset's school committee. And Monday night, the committee picked Brycson Grover. Members said Grover is a regular at their meetings and will fit smoothly into their ongoing budget work.

"It'd be nice to have someone fully aware of everything you're working on," member Doug Merrill said in support of Grover's appointment. The term ends in June, according to the department. 

Grover, Danielle Clarke and Kelly Willey would all be great fits for different reasons, Vice Chair Jonathan Barnes said. Members praised them for offering to serve, and encouraged them and anyone else to consider running for school committee by election. Grover is being seated by appointment. Barnes, Chair Tracey Whitney and member Doug Merrill voted for him.

Member Christopher Hart voted for Clarke. Hart noted Clarke is a Partners in Education (PIE) officer and he said he asked about Clarke to people "who I think have broad community respect" and whose opinions he values.

Hart said Grover's "zeal and steadfast attention here is very much appreciated ... I'm concerned about a balance on the board. I think he's a fighter, and I don't think we need a fighter here. I don't mean 'fighter' in a negative sense. But I think we need somebody who's dispassionate, somebody who can approach whatever comes our way, without a lot of history and with an even keel."

Whitney asked Grover, "Can you bring an even keel to this?"

"What I wrote in the letter is where I'm at," Grover said. "This isn't technically an interview process. It's appointed. So, questions referred to me on the spot is not really what this meeting is for."

Barnes said Grover is "one of the most even keel people who speak up and ask good questions. And I don't think he's confrontational."

Merrill agreed. "He takes an answer and he goes and he sits."

A lifelong Wiscasset resident, schooled in Wiscasset from kindergarten through 12th grade, Grover is an active member of the fire department and coaches Wiscasset Parks and Recreation teams, his letter said.

"Through these roles, I have developed a deep connection and investment in the Wiscasset community. My interest in filling the current vacancy comes from years of following the School Committee’s work. I have attended regular, special, budget, finance, policy, and annual town validation meetings, among others. I have engaged in the process, participated in discussions, and asked questions to clarify if needed.

"My desire to be appointed comes from my commitment to this community and my understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a School Committee member," Grover wrote.

Willey wrote she is a lifelong resident of Wiscasset, a 1996 Wiscasset High School graduate, who deeply cares "about the direction of our schools and the well‑being of the students and families who rely on them." She wrote she is a Licensed Massage Therapist "and a business owner in the field of caring and community support. I have a clean background and fingerprinting record, and I have had many children attend Wiscasset schools over the years, including my current 10th grader. I now have grandchildren who will one day be part of this district as well. My connection to this community is personal, long‑standing, and rooted in a genuine desire to see our schools thrive.

"I believe strongly in fairness, open communication, and ensuring that every voice is heard, especially when situations become challenging. I approach difficult moments with a calm, clear, and open mind, always focused on what is best for students. My goal is to contribute to a school environment that is strong, educated, welcoming, and grounded in mutual respect. Serving in this interim capacity would allow the community to see my dedication, my consistency, and my commitment to supporting both the school and the families it serves. I would be honored to bring my perspective, my experience, and my care for this town to the (seat)."

Addressing the committee Monday night, Willey added she's in Wiscasset to stay and, as her work's boss and its lone employee, she can adjust her schedule and attend meetings on short notice.

Clarke was not there and Andersson said attending that meeting was not a "prerequisite" to being considered.

Clarke wrote she is a parent of a third grader and a kindergartener, has lived in Wiscasset nearly eight years, is PIE's secretary and, before becoming a stay at home mom last summer, she worked at J. Edward Knight as a commercial insurance agent in the Wiscasset office. "I was responsible for reviewing and processing renewals, quoting and writing new business, and processing changes for customers. Before I got my insurance license, I was a commercial property manager in Portland. I managed several class A office buildings, which involved communicating with tenants and owners, scheduling maintenance technicians for repairs, and meeting with vendors for larger repairs and projects. As a manager, I also created budgets, monthly reports, and invoices. 

"While my board experience is limited, I am a quick study. I believe that the skills I have gained throughout my career are valuable and can be applied in the school committee position. I love living in Wiscasset and want to increase my involvement in our community," Clarke wrote.

After the vote, the committee told Grover his service will start once the town clerk has sworn him in. Andersson said he will get a school department email address and be issued a laptop.