MONTAGUE — After making his cross-country journey from the San Francisco Bay area, newly appointed Gill-Montague Regional School District School Committee member John Irminger is bringing 24 years of classroom knowledge to the district.
A University of Massachusetts graduate who moved to Turners Falls in September 2020, Irminger replaces Joanna Mae-Boody on the School Committee after she resigned in November.
His involvement connects him more closely with a community and region he said drew him back as he made the decision to retire, having fallen in love with Massachusetts while attending high school and college in the state. Now, the former middle school math teacher is looking to fulfill a “technical role” on the School Committee, admitting he has no knowledge of issues or dynamics present within the district.
Irminger said that despite lacking knowledge about the community, his experience as a teacher provides a valuable perspective that might help the committee.
“I think I have an understanding of what will be realistic in the classroom,” Irminger said. “I think sometimes, policymakers will get ahead of themselves in terms of what’s realistic.”
Irminger was transparent in terms of his expendability, however. He said he would defer his position should another interested individual show capability and investment in the community.
“Partly, the reason why I’m even here is because I saw the seat was empty,” he said. “I don’t really have an ax to grind.”
For now, though, Irminger is dedicated to adapting to his role, calling himself a “blank slate.”
“I think I need to learn the ropes,” he said, “but I’m not afraid of speaking up if I need something or know something.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.