Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 3/30/2023 12:56:59 PM
Catherine Schwenk, who has helmed the podium as moderator for the Mason School District since its inception, hung up her gavel this year, retiring after deciding not to run for re-election.
Before the Mason School District existed, when Mason was part of the Mascenic School District, Schwenk served as district moderator for Mascenic starting in March 1984. When Mason withdrew from the Mascenic district in 2009 to create its own district, Schwenk was elected district moderator the following year. She had served ever since until her decision to retire – a total of 39 years.
“Some school district meetings were more challenging, but together the voters reached a mutual agreement,” Schwenk said in her final moderator’s report. “It has been a wonderful journey. Thank you for electing me with the honor of serving the Town of Mason and its wonderful school administrative office and the people who work and teach there.”
Schwenk was also a familiar face as the moderator for Mason Town Meeting and elections, having held that position for a total of 36 years until last year, when she was unseated by Dotsie Millbrandt.
Millbrandt, who serves as the current Mason town moderator, will be taking over Schwenk’s position after running unopposed in this year’s election and receiving 159 votes.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.