Get Educated About Your Child's Education!

My girls are the center of my universe. I want the best that I can provide for them, and because I care as much as I do, I've gotten involved in their lives. 

I'm involved with their Girl Scout troops and PTO, and lately I am paying closer attention to the drama happening in and around our schools in Attleboro. Clearly, this is a blog, and very much my personal opinion, but what I've seen in the past couple years is concerning at best. It should be a call to action for all parents out there to get educated about what happens in our schools, and not just in the classrooms.

Last year, around this time, I began to question why so many of our principals were leaving Attleboro. I asked the question at a school committee meeting and got a call from Superintendent Pia Durkin to explain. I was told that many of those leaving were retirements, educators who had been in the field for quite some time and were moving on to new phases in their lives. Others, like Matt Joseph, principal of  where my children attend school, had been offered opportunities that were enticing to them for various reasons.

If the tone of that conversation is anything like what our teachers and principals experience, I would be job hunting too.  

While a certain amount of annual attrition can be expected, there was a new spate of resignations and retirements this year, including the principals at ,  and  as well as the director of teaching and learning. And just yesterday, it was announced . Why?

? Are our schedules too tight? We've adjusted start times for our elementary schools every year for three or four years, depending on what school you attend. Is the parking requirement too restrictive? What do other towns do? Are companies turned off by the somewhat surprising tax to park in our lot? Is Attleboro just a bad place to do business?

Why are so many people making an exodus from Attleboro? My personal opinion is that it comes from the top. I don't work in the schools, so I don't have first-hand experience of what happens day to day. I'm probably shooting myself in the foot by speaking out publically about my thoughts, but nevertheless, I feel it has to happen.  

There is a fundamental fault in the management of our school system that starts at the top and trickles down. Yes, there have been accomplishments that Dr. Durkin has made during her tenure as superintendent, but she isn't happy with her position, or she wouldn't .  

I think it's time for some new perspectives, new ideas and refreshed leadership. Parents, don't take my word for it because I am just one person with an opinion. Do the research—talk to people in the community and engage your school committee members. We need fresh leadership to recharge our schools. Only then will we be able to continue upon our journey to excellence.