Letter to the Editor by Rep. Stanley: ‘Restore the good will and stability’ to WPS

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As a parent of a Waltham High School student, I believe it is incumbent upon school department and city officials to do all in their power to restore the good will and stability that have always characterized our public school system. The appointment of numerous interim administrators, and the failure to listen to parents and teachers, have seriously lowered morale among stakeholders in our school system. This is unacceptable. For the sake of our students, school and city, officials must address these serious administrative problems before they negatively impact the quality of education in our city.

It is hard to believe that a qualified candidate for the position of high school principal could not be found to lead a school with such great students and educators. Keep in mind that the former principal, Mr. DeMeo, announced his resignation over one year ago! Since the recommendations of the screening committee were ignored, how will we attract the best candidates to apply for a principalship in a system with so much upheaval? Furthermore, the surprising departure of the current superintendent after a brief stopover in Waltham adds another layer of uncertainty to our school system just as plans for the new high school are reaching the home stretch.

Our students and educators deserve better. Despite the turmoil in administration, they continue to work hard and make us proud. If the same care and interest devoted to planning the new high school were shown to our students and teachers, we would all be better off.

Thomas M. Stanley

Neighbors Lane