HATFIELD — Voters approved a $1.25 million Proposition 2½ general budget override that will preserve and in some cases expand services in Hatfield, including educational opportunities at both Smith Academy and the Hatfield Elementary School, at Tuesday’s town election.

In a 602-444 vote, with nearly 58% of voters in support, the override was approved, meaning that money will be added to the $12.77 million default budget approved at Town Meeting on May 9.

The election also will bring a new member to the Select Board, with Gregory J. Gagnon earning 410 votes, a plurality of those cast in the three-way race. Kerry E. Flaherty got 343 votes and Amie M. Jones got 235 votes.

Gagnon, a 34-year member of the Easthampton Fire Department who served as its union president, has also spent 25 years as an EMT in Hatfield, managing the ambulance for the Fire Department for 15 years.

He will succeed Brian Moriarty, who stepped down after nine years on the board.

In the only other contest, Timothy J. Menz earned a three-year seat on the Board of Health in his second attempt, 538-471 over Susan M. Slysz. Menz will take the position held by Elizabeth Kugler, who opted against seeking reelection.

The successful override, which passed Town Meeting with no discussion, will allow the public schools to add foreign language instruction at the elementary school and keep the average class size at 12 students. At Smith Academy, the average class size of 10 will be preserved, and additional performance arts and computer science classes will be available.

The investment plan adopted by the School Committee would also add two teachers and one licensed support professional, and an on-staff school psychologist, to the 35.6 full-time equivalent teachers and 17.6 licensed support staff. Two preschool groups will also be maintained, as well as keeping electives at Smith  Academy, all sports teams, and rigorous professional development for staff.

Newcomers who won seats include Alaina E. Wilcox, the assistant town clerk, who will succeed Lydia Szych as town clerk; and Robert E. Betsold as moderator, who takes over for longtime moderator Joseph A. Lavallee.

Rebecca W. Bench and Christy L. Boudreau won reelection to three-year seats on the School Committee; James A. Lavallee earned another three-year term on the Board of Assessors; Jonathan W. Bardwell got another three-year seat on the Cemetery Commission; John Jeffress won a new five-year term on the Planning Board; Christopher G. Smith was elected to another five-year seat on the Redevelopment Authority; and Marsha L. Humphrey earned election to another three-year seat as library trustee.

Kathleen A. Sheehan, appointed to the library trustees, will complete her remaining two years, while Szych leaves the town clerk job for a one-year term as Elector under the Will of Oliver Smith.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>