To the editor:
It is my hope that the people who volunteer their time and talents to the Town of Lynnfield are given their due process when it comes to any allegations of misconduct. As a former Chair of both the Select Board and School Committee, I do not think it was the time or place to make public accusations against Mr. Jamie Hayman, especially during a School Committee Meeting scheduled on Sept/ 11.
I may not agree with every elected official and their decisions (especially Mr. Hayman or any other member), but I hope we can treat them and their families in such a way that it does not deter others from serving in the future. What I saw the other night does just that. The Town of Lynnfield and our boards, committees and commissions are far bigger than any one individual.
Below are two important points mentioned in the School Committee/Superintendent Operating Protocols. The dignity and respect that Jamie Hayman (or any member) deserved in Item #1 was not afforded him during the Chair’s public chastisement. Furthermore, the actions of the Chair have all the characteristics of a unilateral Public Censure of a committee member. Which means Item #2 is brought into question. As a former Chair of both the Select Board and School Committee, I always recognized the supreme importance of Item #2. This independent action by the Chair has greatly compromised the School Committee as a whole.
Item #1: Maintain trust and mutual respect between and among School Committee members, the Superintendent and the staff by treating everyone with dignity and respect, even in times of disagreement
Item #2: Recognize that authority rests only with majority decisions of the School Committee and will make no independent commitments or take any independent actions that may compromise the School Committee as a whole
These comments and accusations made against Mr. Hayman and his family better be based on strictly fact. It is also my hope that the advice of legal counsel was correct on this matter. I would like the legal counsel’s advice shared with us to provide us with the opportunity to review all of the options that were considered by the Chair or any other person involved in the decision making process.
I want to especially hear from the legal counsel on why the use of Executive Session was not the recommended course of action to pursue to discuss these serious accusations. I want to understand what information was considered to ultimately recommend the very public actions that were taken by the Chair against Mr. Hayman. We deserve an answer on why the #1 reason for executive session wasn’t used.
The open meeting law, G.L. c. 30A, § 21 sets out ten permissible reasons for entering executive session:
1.) To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.
I highly respect the right of all people to disagree strongly with any elected official, board or committee. We should also have no problem with the fact that allegations against a sitting member were brought forward. It is the lack of process and following the correct protocols that should concern us most.
These serious accusations must be fully investigated by the Lynnfield Police Department. If these accusations are found to be true, then the School Committee should act decisively in the correct manner. If these allegations made by the Chair are found not to be true, then the School Committee has an even greater problem on their hands and that problem must be be solved accordingly to allow the School Committee to remain focused on providing the absolute best for our students, families and amazing educators!
Most importantly, my heart goes out to the students who were mentioned and made example of during the School Committee meeting. These students, and all students, should continue to be celebrated and acknowledged for their excellence in and out of the classroom. In fact, the School Committee should continue to strive to follow the School Committee/Superintendent Operating Protocol that clearly states their actions should always “support the educational welfare and well-being of all students”. No matter whether their parent is an elected or appointed member of any committee or board in the Town of Lynnfield.
Thank you,
Christopher J. Barrett
Former Chair of both the Lynnfield Select Board and School Committee
