Parents Come to Superintendent's Defense

Two Attleboro school district parents blasted the School Committee at its meeting last week, saying that members act disrespectfully toward each other and Superintendent Pia Durkin. One parent said she feels uncomfortable watching the meetings on television with her children because of the behavior.

Following the meeting, Committee Chair Mike Tyler said he takes responsibility for any perception that the meetings are unprofessional, since it is his job to run the sessions (go to read his full statement). Committee Vice Chair Brenda Furtado said what others might call bad behavior, she considers to be examples of her doing her job to get answers from an administration that is often reluctant to provide them.

"I'm saddened, annoyed, dismayed and very alarmed at the dysfunctional and disrespectful way that this committee conducts many of its public meetings," said Elizabeth Murphy-Zielinski, a parent of two district students. "The way that people address not only Dr. Durkin, but members of their own committee and at times other presenters, with such vitriol and incivility ... it stuns me.”

She added, "You need to stop blaming Dr. Durkin for everything."

Several parents stood with Zielinski as she addressed the committee during the public comment portion of the meeting. Committee members are not allowed to respond during this time.

Furtado, who often clashes with Durkin and others during meetings, told Attleboro-Seekonk Patch that many of the people who complain about the committee's behavior do not know what happens behind the scenes.

"They are unaware that this committee is treated disrespectfully from administration and that the committee is often denied information that is needed to make decisions for this district," she said. "Also, at times the committee is giving erroneous information. That's why sometimes it might get a little, what they are calling, dysfunctional." 

She added, "There has to be accountability. You're elected to do a job. If I just sit there and say 'yes' and never ask any questions, I'm not doing my job."

Furtado also said that a committee meeting is not the place for people to complain how the school committee "acts." She said those wanting to express that view should write an editorial or blog—or they could contact committee members directly.

"The parents who come to speak at the podium should be focusing on the education in the school district, the bullying issues we have, the instability of staff, costly financial errors, safety of our schools," Furtado said.

She added, "Parents and community members that come to the podium and state 'shame on the school committee' without calling the members of the committee should really take a step back. They say the committee is disappointing to them, but I say I am disappointed in them. They failed to do their homework and get their facts before pointing fingers. I think they would be really surprised at what they would hear—the truth, the facts—if they called members. It is unfortunate they only want to hear one side and one side only. One should never speak without all the facts."

In addition, she said that those who have a problem with the current committee members can always run against them in the next election.

"The same people seem to always have a complaint, but never put their name on the ballot," she said.