Charter Schools And Southbridge

Letter From Commissioner Chester

Letter From DESE To Southbridge School Committee

Click link for related article in Worcester Telegram

Southbridge School Committee To Continue Superintendent Search

Ken O'Brien

Despite a request from the Commissioner of the DESE to suspend its Superintendent search pending a decision on receivership for the district, the Southbridge School Committee decided to continue with that endeavor.

Following the roll call, (during which Dr. Page and Mr. Jovan were excused) the Chairman read agenda item number III. Thereafter he went to agenda item IV and the committee voted to go immediately into executive session. It was indicated that this was to consider the legality of any action related to agenda item III, the letter from DESE Commissioner Mitchell Chester.

After approximately 40 minutes the committee, consisting of Mr. Lazo, Mr. Bishop, Ms. Congdon, Mr. Olivo and Ms. Peloquin returned to open session.

Do You Have A Copy Of The DESE Letter?

I have been told that the restructure plan was halted by a letter from the DESE to the School Committee. It was reported that this letter was passed around last evening. Could anyone in possession of this letter send me a copy at obanion@netzero.net

Thanks,

Ken O'Brien

Where’d That Number Come From?

Ken O’Brien

2/15 See UPDATE at conclusion.

Yesterday’s Southbridge News carried a letter from the Chairman of the Southbridge School Committee.

In the letter the Chairman railed against what she considered to be an affront to the hard-working staff dedicated to the education of the town’s students under trying circumstances.

She goes on to criticize the, “…relentless behind-the-scenes efforts of some to perpetuate chaos in the school district, simply so they can claim everything fell apart after Mrs. Donovan and I were elected. This is not unlike children who throw tantrums and try to break all the toys so no one else can use them.”

Departing Assistant Principal Severely Criticized SMHS Principal

Ken O’Brien

Sharon Goulet

Monday’s Southbridge Evening News carried an article titled, “School officials address fights, resignation”.

In it they addressed the resignation of assistant principal Sharon Goulet. The article reported the circumstances surrounding her departure as follows:

School officials dispute the anonymous claim of a recently submitted Southbridge Evening News “Sound Off” entry ….

Regarding Goulet’s departure, Perreault said the Sound Off claim is true, but had nothing to do with the discipline issues.