Sharon Town Meeting - No Confidence in School Committee and how we got here
On July 29th the Superintendent announced he was leaving the district in 10 months and after 24 minutes of discussion 5 members of the School Committee (SC) chose the Assistant Superintendent to replace him. (edit: the meeting agenda did not mention they were going to vote for a new superintendent or that the current one was leaving. They also did not allow for comment before the vote.)
July 31st a petition was started asking the SC to reopen the process. It has over 700 signatures (we only have ~2000 - 15% of eligible voters - that come out to vote in local elections)
August 12th the SC apologized for rushing the hire but chose not to rescind the vote. Many in the community commented about the serious concerns they have for this move. SC also tried to get the town to do a meet and greet with the town but it was seen as a dog and pony show and they later voted it down.
September 8th a petition was submitted with over 300 signatures to call for a town meeting for a vote of no confidence.
September 22nd the Finance Committee voted in support of the No Confidence vote.
September 23rd The Chair of the SC admitted to sharing an unredacted letter from council. The letter contained was related to an OML complaint and had the contact information of a supporter of the No Confidence vote.
We would later learn through a records request that the Chair sent it to the owner of a large local facebook page, leadership of a local Jewish Organization, and leadership of a local Moms for Liberty chapter. (edit: He sent the docs to his friends from his personal email, then logged back in to his SC email and sent it to the rest of the school committee 9 minutes later)
September 24th The Select Board voted to remain neutral. Their reasoning was they either need to be neutral or vote to not support the Town Meeting. In the meeting, most members raised concerns about the process, and stated if there was any bullying by those in the SC they need to step down
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About the bullying. Some Sharon School Committee members have been known to bully others. When the petition for no confidence was submitted, some members went through the names and called them up. Ive heard others were told if they spoke out about this, they'd never be able to have a social life again. I know some like to go on facebook and either harass people in messenger or demand to speak on the phone to belittle and yell at them.
The Finance Committee and Select Board had very terse words for this group. They have acted pretty poorly and do not like to work with the rest of the town. ~80% of the town budget goes to the schools.
The reason why I signed the petition is because I believe certain groups in town (related to the schools) have a lot to say and cannot say it due to possible retaliation, contract disputes, or fears of loss of work. That’s not a good environment to be in.
Without rescinding the offer, the town will never feel good about this hire.
The School Committee went against their policy when hiring in 24 minutes. They tried to send out a proposal on an updated policy that everyone trashed. They have yet to say why their initial procedure didnt work other than the fact they purposefully ignored it. They have since sent out another draft that I have yet to review - but the trust is lost.
I feel like I am missing 1000 other pieces to this. Also there should be a post flair for town shit.