City Council, School Committee Elect New Presidents

So far, 2014 is off to an agreeable start for Woburn officials.

There was no debate as aldermen held their first, albeit brief, meeting of the year on Monday night and selected Richard Haggerty as the group's newest president.

The School Committee also met after the inauguration ceremony, selecting Rick Metters as its new president.

Haggerty said three major capitol projects are likely to be at the forefront of discussion at City Council meetings in the upcoming year. The library project, a new fire station and a new elementary school will all be in front of elected officials.

"It’s certainly very gratifying that the members of the council have given me their support and confidence," said Haggerty. "I think it’s a chance to run the meeting well and see that we’re a cooperative council, a dynamic council, and that we’re ready to change, go forward, move with the times and most importantly keep our city moving ahead."

Metters was similarly excited to be chosen for president of the School Committee on Monday night.

He said he also looks forward to working on the elementary school project, and foresees teacher and student evaluation along with the district's special education system as the topics that will be most important this year.

"It’s very humbling to have the confidence of my fellow School Committee members," said Metters. "I’m looking forward to working with members of the School Committee, City Council and the Mayor to implement a vision of an inclusive school system that holds our students, their teachers and our community accountable for their education."