School Committee appoints Dan Elias as DeCordova trustee in split vote

LINCOLN -- February 6, 2014, Lincoln School Committee picks Dan Elias for DeCordova trustee seat in split vote. The committee chose Elias, director of Newton's New Art Center and a former Antiques Roadshow host, over Lincoln School Foundation board member Libby Maynard for the three-year liaison post. Member Tom Sander said Elias's depth in the art world made him "a more fully functioning member" of the trustees on day one, while Mary Sterling flagged potential fundraising tension between Elias's two nonprofits. The committee also interviewed assistant superintendent finalists Nancy Milligan of Wakefield and Patricia Gincella of Brookline, approved warrants of $1,348,005.75 and $345,743.50, and previewed a Feb. 12 multi-board meeting on calling a special Town Meeting in October to ask voters whether to pursue a $50-60 million MSBA-funded comprehensive school renovation.