By EMMA BARTLETT

Ward 5 school committee member David Alden Sears, 25, shared in a June 1 press release that reluctantly he will not seek reelection for another 2-year term. While he has enjoyed his time on the School Committee, Sears is stepping away to pursue a bachelor’s degree in labor studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

“While the opportunity to finally complete my degree is before me, I must reach for it,” Sears said in a press release.

Currently, Sears intends to commute to school and serve the remainder of his term.

Sears was originally appointed to Cranston’s School Committee on Jan. 29, 2020, following the resignation of former Ward 5 committeeman Ron Cascione in November of that year. A 2014 Cranston West graduate, Sears attended the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College where he earned his associates degree this past month.

Sears acknowledged those he worked with over this past term.

“I would like to thank my colleagues on the Cranston School Committee for their hard work, their sacrifices and their friendship, as well as our world-class Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse and her incredible staff, her faculty and her administrators,” Sears said.

Sears thanked his family, late-grandmother Janice who taught him “more than could ever be taught in a classroom and recognized the families within Ward 5.

“You have invited me into your homes for dinner, you have shared your wine and your stories, and you have always made me feel welcome,” Sears said.

“Cranston is my whole heart, and Ward 5 is my soul,” Sears said via Twitter.