SPRINGFIELD – In its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 2, the School Committee reelected Christopher Collins as its vice chair.

Collins was the only member of the committee who was nominated for the position. He has been elected to the vice chair four times.

Collins noted that at 12 years he is the longest serving member of the committee and surpassed the tenure on the committee set by his father Edward W. Collins.

He called the committee “a diverse and committed group of people.” Unlike other legislative bodies there is no “rancor” among the members, even if they have disagreements.

He said the committee “has made inroads with issues” although there is much work left to be completed.

“We’re going to keep on keeping on, doing the best we can,” he said.

The committee’s subcommittees remain unchanged: Collins for Budget & Finance and Buildings and Maintenance; Barbara Gresham for School Safety and Student, parent Concerns; Denise Hurst for Curriculum & Programs; LaTonia Naylor for Technology; Maria Perez for Legislative & Contracts and Peter Murphy for Vocational Education.