LEWISTON — The School Committee voted 5-4 Monday night to appoint Chairperson Megan Parks to another term, rescinding last week’s controversial vote that was in Parks’ favor as well.

The vote comes after members Janet Beaudoin, Craig Charpentier, Donna Gallant and Meghan Hird walked out in protest over Parks’ handling of the procedural rules last week.

Following a workshop and a new procedure that opened the floor to more than one nomination at a time, the committee decided between Ward 6 representative Meghan Hird and Parks.

According to district policy, the committee shall elect one of its members as chairperson by majority vote for a one-year term at its first meeting in January, “or as soon thereafter as possible.”

During the previous meeting, Ward 3 representative Elizabeth Eames nominated Parks for another term. Before City Council representative Scott Harriman could second the motion, Ward 2 representative Janet Beaudoin asked if she could nominate someone else.

Parks had claimed that the motion needed to be completed before another member could be nominated, citing procedural rules. According to Parks, another motion for a different nomination would have been possible if the earlier motion nominating herself had been rejected.

Later, there was a heated exchange between Parks and four committee members regarding the procedural rules and whether they were being followed. This led to a walkout shortly after a 5-4 vote that confirmed Parks as chairperson. Some members expressed frustration, claiming they had been silenced and were dissatisfied with how the nomination process was handled.

On Monday, Eames nominated Parks again, saying Parks “has done a very good job in my opinion, keeping us on track, getting us through all the disciplinary hearings that we are faced with.”

Lewiston School Committee members are, from left, Chairperson Megan Parks, Ward 3 representative Elizabeth Eames, Janet Beaudoin and Meghan Hird.

Beaudoin chose to nominate Hird after Ward 1 representative Phoenix McLaughlin signaled he was not interested in a leadership role. ”

“It’s true, Meghan and I are friends, but that’s not my reason for nomination, Beaudoin said. “Over the past three years, Meghan has been a strong advocate for her constituents and a respected voice within the committee and the community. She consistently demonstrates respect for all members, is willing to admit when she’s wrong, and seeks clarification when necessary.”

“I believe it is time for change in leadership, one that will unite us and allow us to move forward with the important work we have ahead,” Beaudoin added.

Following a roll call, Parks was elected.