To the Editor,
As an educator in the Massachusetts public school system for nearly 20 years, I have attended and listened to countless School Committee meetings. One thing educators learn very quickly is that when there is a problem, we are expected to first ask ourselves: “What can I do differently? What steps have I already taken? Have I tried every reasonable solution before bringing the issue to administration?”
That mindset is part of the profession.
The problem is that right now, I do not have a solution. I am hopeful there are solutions, but I know what a solution is not: watching the elected people of this town speak to each other and to other elected officials the way that I have witnessed. It is abhorrent and appalling. Heinous, actually. Watching a superintendent speak to a parent who has been begging for help for his son in such a condescending way is also abhorrent—and NOT a solution.
I also know that finding one person as the scapegoat, such as the middle school principal, or vilifying the superintendent, will not fix a systemic problem. I have one child in the LPS system and one that will be starting in the fall, and I am worried. I am worried that this racial bullying will continue.
I worry that my children are in a district that is being run by someone who has never been in the trenches of a public education classroom or in a student-facing role. I worry — and I know — that kids will hear and learn some really unkind things. As parents and educators, we know that. We cannot control every hurtful comment or action.
I do not want what is, and has been, happening in Lynnfield to become what is considered normal. Because it is not normal, and it is NOT okay. It sounds like change is coming, but actions speak louder than words.
We CAN do better as a town for our children. They are watching. We need leaders who are going to lead. We need leaders who are not going to sweep important issues under the rug and brush off concerns. We need leaders who are willing to say out loud, “Racism exists, and we think it is disgusting.” Say it. Put it on a public meeting agenda. Condemn it. We cannot hide from it — and that’s the truth.
We need more parents at home teaching these morals and values. We can do better. Policy “updates” and “changes” are the equivalent of “thoughts and prayers” when another classroom gets shot up.
We have work to do.
Heather TumSuden
Lynnfield
