James Violette is the new chairman of the Westbrook School Committee.

Violette, a veteran of several city boards, has served on the committee since 2010. He was unanimously voted into the position by the board during its Jan. 9 meeting. Violette replaces Ed Symbol.

“I think what we have to do is focus on our No. 1 priority, educating the children,” Violette said on his goals for the upcoming year. “I think my leadership abilities can help lead us in the right direction for our school system and taxpayers moving forward.”

Violette said he thinks his time spent on the Westbrook City Council will also help lead the committee in the right direction during upcoming budget and curtailment discussions.

“Both Jim and Sue [Salisbury, committee vice chairwoman] are primed at the right time to take the torch,” said Westbrook Superintendent Marc Gousse. “Jim’s a passionate person, he’s very thoughtful in his approach. He’s negotiated contracts and been on the City Council. When you look at his background and his perspective and all those pieces, you certainly have someone prepared for the job.”

In May 2010, Violette was appointed to the School Committee and won election in November 2011. He was elected to the City Council in 1998 and served as president for three of his four terms. Violette has also served on the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, recycling committee, and co-chaired the committee for the re-use of the old Wescott Junior High School. He ran for mayor in 2005 and 2007.

All three of Violette’s children – Matt, 24, Kathryn, 20, and Gregory, 15 – have attended Westbrook schools. Gregory Violette is a sophomore at Westbrook High School.

Violette said he understands that the next few months may be filled with hard decisions, but he’s ready to get out of a “controlled mode” and look at what’s best for the taxpayers and students.

“In Westbrook we have seven great board members and a wonderful group of people who serve and have students best interest at heart,” Gousse said.