Wiggin Resigns As Southbridge Schools Director Of Finance & Operations

Ken O’Brien

According to reliable sources Terry Wiggin has submitted his resignation as Director of Finance and Operations for the Southbridge School District.

Despite a letter that subsequently sought to rescind his 60 day notice of resignation, the initial resignation was accepted by the School Committee Chair.

Rumors have circulated that Mr. Wiggin was upset that he had not been considered for the position of acting superintendent of schools following his service as temporary acting superintendent.

It is expected that the resignation will be effective at the end of February, although the exact effective date could not be verified.

Rumors, Speculation and Fact

Ken O’Brien

In writing this blog I have been careful to distinguish between rumor, speculation and fact.

One of my blog colleagues is now accusing me of perpetuating a rumor.

As it was put,

“If we have enough credible evidence to put people on leave, let's get it over with, tell the people what happened (and treat us all like grown-ups and tell us the truth), and move on. That would put one conspiracy theory in the local blogosphere to rest...that being, that the principal was put on leave for a pocket knife incident. Nothing could be further from the full truth (although, I'm sure that didn't help). Apparently I'm guilty of being a psychic.” 

Which Came First…?

Ken O’Brien

Tammy Perreault

On Friday , December 21^st, we learned that Southbridge Middle/High School Principal Tammy Perreault had been put on administrative leave.

This fulfilled a prediction made by Dennis Martinek on his blog Speak Out Southbridge. On December 13^th he wrote in an article titled “As if things in Southbridge couldn’t get any worse”, “Tomorrow, or early next week, you will hear some rather shocking news that few people I’ve spoken with saw coming.”

In a follow up article published in the same blog today, “Another one bites the dust in Southbridge”, he confirmed that it was Ms. Perreault’s suspension to which he was referring. In response to one commenter on the article he wrote, “This is half of the big news that I was telling you was coming.” To another he wrote, “…I have to say, I knew, but decided to hold-off until something could be verified,..” 

This chronology of events raises a troubling issue.

Perreault Put On Administrative Leave As SMHS Principal:

Perreault Placed on Leave As SMHS Principal: Greg Leach Assumes The Position

Ken O'Brien

Initial reports are that Southbridge Middle High School Principal Tammy Perreault has been relieved of her position by temporary acting Superintendent Terry Wiggin. She has been placed on administrative leave.

Reports are that Assistant Principal Greg Leach has been named to fill the role for the time being.

More details will be forthcoming as made available.

UPDATE - Ms. Perreault was escorted from the SMHS premises by temporary acting Superintendent Wiggin and two other central office administrators.

No Holiday For Southbridge School Politics

Ken O’Brien

Political issues within the Southbridge school system continue behind the scenes despite the holiday season. Pending investigations into charges against Superintendent Ely and SMHS Principal Perreault have not held such maneuverings at bay. Anyone who thinks otherwise is sadly misinformed. 

Southbridge School Committee: Wiggin Stipend, Search Plan For Acting Superintendent

Ken O’Brien

Terry Wiggin

Tuesday night, at a special meeting of the Southbridge school committee, plans were outlined for its search for an acting superintendent to replace current acting superintendent Terry Wiggin. Mr Wiggin is currently serving double duty, also being the school district's business manager. 

The acting superintendent would serve until there is a resolution of the investigation of Superintendent Eric Ely, who is currently on paid administrative leave. At that point his services would end if Mr. Ely returns to active service or continue until a new superintendent is hired following Mr. Ely’s departure.