MATTAPOISETT — No candidates are on the ballot for two available seats on the Mattapoisett School Committee, leaving the positions open to write-in candidates.

Neither of the incumbents for the position, Karin Burrows and Shannon Finning-Kwoka, returned their nomination papers.

Burrow cited time constraints for her decision not to run again.

“This past September, my husband and I welcomed our second child into our family and I am ready to open the seat for someone who has more time to devote to the position,’’ she said in a statement. “I am so thankful for the time I spent on the board and grateful to the people of Mattapoisett who entrusted me to make critical decisions about their children’s education during such a tumultuous time.’’

She described the past few years as “difficult for everyone. We all have passion for our children’s futures and only want the best for them. With the leadership of the school board, Superintendent [Michael] Nelson and our wonderful teachers and administrators in Mattapoisett, I believe the future is bright. I look forward to assisting the town in any way I can, just from the sidelines.”

Finning-Kwoka did not respond to a request for comment about the race.

She was the subject of accusations in 2021 from students at UMass Dartmouth, where she worked as the University’s Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, that her funding policies were discriminatory, among other equality issues.

Finning-Kwoka refuted the charges, stating she was “unfairly attacked, criticized and mischaracterized.’’ 

She has since left the university for another position, a move unrelated to the students’ complaints, her attorney said on her behalf at the time. 

The open School Committee positions can be filled with write-ins. Voters interested in submitting a candidate for the posts can write them in on their ballots, assistant town clerk Jodi Camara said.

The candidates then have the option of accepting or declining the seat, she said. 

The Mattapoisett town election will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17 at Old Hammondtown School.