In an email to Superintendent Theresa McGuinness and the School Committee, the union representing Marblehead teachers declared “no confidence” in the leadership of the district’s student services department, which supports children with learning challenges.
“In response to concerns about the culture and climate in Marblehead schools, the MEA asked members if they had confidence in the abilities of Student Services Director Paula Donnelly and Associate Director of Student Services Emily Dean,” wrote MEA Co-Presidents Jonathan Heller and Sally Shevory. “Ninety-seven percent of 260 teachers, paras and tutors endorsed the attached statement. We believe that working conditions are unacceptable for all of us and that members of our union are being unfairly punished all because of the inability of Dr. Paula Donnelly and Emily Dean to do their jobs.”
In its statement, the MEA called on McGuinness and the School Committee to fire Donnelly and Dean. The union is also asking for an active role in improving “the working and learning conditions in Marblehead schools.”
McGuinness recently placed four staff members at the Glover School on paid leave and launched a review of the district’s student restraint policies after undisclosed incidents at the school.
Today’s union statement continues: “The MEA maintains that Donnelly and Dean’s handling of recent events at the Glover School that led to four educators being placed on leave is indicative of a larger systemic problem regarding the district’s inadequate approach to maintaining student and staff safety. Donnelly and Dean have repeatedly mishandled situations that have placed students and staff at risk of physical harm and that have led to instances of students and staff being injured.
“Educators are left feeling unsupported and uncertain when it comes to addressing a significant problem facing our schools. Specifically, the MEA must be involved in the district’s work toward improvements in building level and district-wide communication; increased access to high-quality professional development; consistent application of systems and structures; and an overhaul of the professional culture which is currently undermining staff and fostering a culture of fear.
In response, School Committee Chair Sarah Fox released a statement this afternoon, saying the committee “takes this vote of no confidence very seriously. We have initiated an independent third-party investigation of the student support process. In line with Policy BBA (MPS School Committee Powers and Duties), we are hiring a consultant to evaluate and make recommendations regarding district systems and support services. This will ensure the administration will effectively and appropriately address any unsafe student behavior that interferes with the district’s mission to provide a safe school environment conducive to student learning.”
The School Committee statement continues: “Employee misconduct investigations and any potential resulting actions are under the superintendent’s authority. However, the School Committee will hold the administration accountable to implement the recommendations of this investigation.”
Stay with the Current as this story developes.
