Adam Harkins spent 12 years as a Southport School Committee member before losing re-election to a fifth term. But it only took 21 days for him to return. On March 25, Southport School Committee held a special meeting to fill the vacancy created by Maddie Kaler’s resignation. She defeated Harkins March 4 in the municipal election. Kaler submitted her resignation March 7 after learning she could no longer substitute at the Southport school. 

Harkins reported school committee members Nick Ullo and Kathy Tibbetts contacted him about filling the sudden vacancy. During a special committee meeting, Ullo and Tibbetts appointed Harkins to fill the unexpired term.

On March 26, Harkins admitted losing the election was difficult.  He accepted the appointment because it was in the community’s best interest. “I ran for it, so I was definitely interested in serving,” he said. “I was hurt, but it’s not about me. It’s about the kids and the community.”

Harkins will serve until the next March town meeting. A special election will be held for the term’s remaining two years.

Harkins previously served as the school committee’s chairman. In his 12 years, Harkins cites the “incredible staff and administrators” working for the Southport school as his greatest contribution to local education. “I’ve been involved in hiring everybody working in the school and administration. We have an amazing staff, and I’m proud of that.”

The committee meets next at 4 p.m. Monday, April 22 in the school.