To the editor:

I work in a school district in Massachusetts and have done so for the past 20 years. I have witnessed numerous school principal searches and even formally been part of some. I regularly attend school committee meetings in my district three times each month and have done so for the same 20 years. I have also witnessed the BWRSD School Committee—and particularly the “group of 5”— in action in all of their splendor. The group of 5 have been driving our district’s senseless and dangerous course for a while now.

They got lucky when they ran off a very good educational leader in Dr. Jon Brice. They were fortunate to be able to convince Ana Riley, someone I once interviewed with and respected enough to consider being a part of her team in Dartmouth, to come to our district. She is also a capable educational leader.

I assumed the rumors about the group of 5 having our high school principal, Dr. DiBiase, “in their sights” was no more than that — rumor. It’s not good practice to rely on luck to run a public school district. I had faith that the gross fiasco that was the CRT “debate” earlier this year and the ignorant position the gang took over much needed diversity training at Mt. Hope would be enough to keep them in their lanes. Never mind the embarrassment of religious holidays at the start of the year or the misguided and expensive relocation of the district offices. The list is quite long at this point.

Sadly, I underestimated their proclivity to trample thoughtfulness, questioning and intellectual growth — the core of learning and education — and instead impose views, and build their foundation, on uninformed and hysterical conspiracy theories. They have careened thoughtlessly to today and the revelation that they intend to non-renew Dr. DiBiase. In June no less. Well past prime hiring season. Further putting their full ineptitude and ignorance in full display. If carried out there is almost no probability that they pull another rabbit out of their hat in replacing her. The district will be less well off for having put up with more of the reactionary incompetence of the 5.

These are our schools, our educational leaders and our children’s education that are being degraded by ignorance and incompetence. We need to act. We need to participate. We need to force our voices to be heard, because I know that the vast majority of folks in my town, Warren, do not support this. I can’t say the same for Bristol, as I do not live there.

We as a community, we as citizens of the greatest country on earth, we as parents of children in the BWRSD, we have a responsibility. To our children. To the teachers and staffs in our schools. To ourselves as members of a democratic form of government, to act. To participate. To be informed and involved. It’s time. Go to meetings. Talk to neighbors. Write to the newspaper. Speak. Be Heard.

Or suffer the consequences of having the gang and their cronies in attendance at meetings determining how and what your children learn. It’s up to you.

Marc Furtado
2 Sunset Court
Warren