Montville - Their faces may be familiar, but there is new leadership on the school board.

At a recent meeting, school board members elected a new chairman and secretary, a changing of the guard that had not taken place in decades.

In a 5-4 vote along party lines, Republicans David Rowley and Thomas J. McNally were elected chairman and secretary, respectively.

The vote was not a surprise. Republicans and Democrats alike said on a board where party affiliation rarely matters, the capital R or D after each voting member's name is only significant when choosing officers.

During the recent election the Republican Party took control of the school board from the Democrats after decades.

"Politically it may be a big change, but we already have a great school system and a good board. I don't see any drastic changes being made, maybe just some more discussion during budget season," McNally said Wednesday.

McNally was the only board member to vote against the current budget, saying it was too large.

As if to support McNally's comment about the strength of the school board, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education recently bestowed its own recognition on the Montville Board of Education, citing it for its ability to work as a team.

Several current and former school administrators, including former Superintendent David Erwin and Assistant Superintendent William Hull, and board members attended the Nov. 20 event held at the Mystic Marriott.

Incoming Superintendent of Schools Pamela Aubin was quoted in a news release as saying that the district is "honored to receive the award." Aubin, the Norwich public schools superintendent, will begin working in Montville on Jan. 4.

m.bard@theday.com