Shaker Lane Building Project Update
Get to Know Your School Committee
The mission of the Littleton School Committee is to ensure that every student is supported in reaching their highest potential through a commitment to continuous improvement. We achieve this by setting clear policies to provide strong governance and support equitable practices, preparing and managing a responsible school department budget that aligns resources with student needs, and providing thoughtful evaluation and guidance to the Superintendent. Together with the community, we strive to prepare all students to be critical thinkers who are engaged citizens and lifelong learners.
Learn more: Roles & Responsibilities for School Committees and Superintendents by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (via MASC.org).
Elaine Santelmann, Chair (Term Expires 2029)
Elaine has had a career in education, first as a classroom teacher and then as the K-5 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator in Westford Public Schools. More recently she was the K-12 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator for Lowell Public Schools. In her current role as an educational consultant, she is involved with several initiatives with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). She is a writer and professional development provider for DESE's Investigating History curriculum. She also serves as a consultant on a DESE team working to improve the accessibility of science instruction to meet the needs of all learners. Elaine is committed to strong educational leadership on the school committee through participation in the Superintendent Evaluation Subcommittee and the Negotiations Subcommittee.
Elaine's four children attended Littleton Public Schools for grades K-12, and she is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the school committee to give back to the community.
Email Elaine Santelmann
Sean Aherne, Vice Chair (Term Expires 2028)
Sean joined the School Committee after learning about the Shaker Lane Project. Sean and his wife, Elizabeth, recently welcomed their first child, and they look forward to her attending the new Shaker Lane Elementary School. Current and future students are at the core of Sean’s decision-making.
Sean has played a leadership role in Littleton’s recent initiatives. He chaired the Shaker Lane Subcommittee responsible for selecting the Construction Manager at Risk. Sean also serves as the Vice Chair of the Shaker Lane Building Committee. During the search for the district’s new superintendent, he co-chaired the screening committee. Recognizing the significance of these efforts, Sean launched the Paws on Littleton Public Schools podcast through LCTV to keep residents informed and created the Sean for Littleton Substack to provide timely School Committee meeting recaps. In addition to establishing the new Communication Subcommittee, he serves on the Permanent Municipal Building Committee, as well as the following subcommittees: Budget, Safety and Security, Legislation, and Research and Data.
Annalise Taber, Clerk (Term Expires 2029)
Annalise is proud to serve her hometown on Littleton School Committee. As an alumna of Littleton Public Schools, she strongly believes in the power of public education and in the expertise of our teachers and school staff. She values collaboration, critical thinking, and clarity in communication. She is a graphic designer and holds a BFA from Northeastern University. Annalise lives in Littleton with her husband and two sons.
Prior to joining School Committee, Annalise served on the Superintendent Search Screening Subcommittee, aiding the School Committee in the hiring of Superintendent Michael Caira. She led the advocacy campaign for the Shaker Lane School Building Project, “YES for Littleton,” raising public awareness and building community support for the ongoing efforts to improve Littleton’s award-winning school system.
Justin McCarthy (Term Expires 2027)
Justin McCarthy has been a dedicated member for six years. A resident of Littleton for 15 years, Justin and his wife, Alison, are proud parents of three children enrolled in Littleton Public Schools.
Throughout his tenure, Justin has played a leadership role on the Budget Subcommittee and in contract negotiations with the Littleton Educators Association. He is committed to strong fiscal stewardship, collaborative relationships, and high-quality educational outcomes. Justin values serving as an advocate for families and approaches each decision with students’ best interests at the forefront. He understands the responsibility of public service and remains committed to making thoughtful, and at times difficult, decisions that strengthen the district for the long term.
Outside of his public service, he enjoys golfing, coaching youth basketball, and supporting his children from the sidelines at their games.
Jeanine Wood (Term Expires 2027)
Jeanine Wood moved to Littleton with her family in 1998. Her 2 daughters attended Shake Lane, Russell Street and the Parker Charter schools.
Jeanine holds an MBA from Boston University and worked as a Proposal Manager at various organizations for much of her career. She is passionate about student centric educational methodologies that make learning available across all learning styles.