One of my first observations of politics and public discourse in Harvard was that regardless of the topic, there are almost always intelligent, persuasive, and well-researched opinions expressed on all sides of an issue. This holds whether the topic is Devens disposition, town budgets, health insurance cost-sharing, or something as mundane as the placement of stop signs in the center of town. Such discourse is the foundation of democracy and is to be cherished. However, when undue acrimony and mistrust dominates our dialogue, we compromise the very ideals we seek to hold dear.
For the record, the two settlements arrived at in the past two years paid to families with special needs students, similar to those crafted in many districts throughout the state, cover only a portion of educational costs and are limited to expenses related to special needs. Many other districts also engage in such cost-sharing agreements because they are typically less expensive than outside placements the district might otherwise be required to pursue through a costly appeals process, and, more importantly, are often what is in the best interest of the child. Both those criteria were the case here.
Harvard citizens should recognize that a small school district has many unique advantages and disadvantages. We strive to keep education personal, where teachers know all the children and many family members as well. But small also means we cannot meet all the diverse needs of children who learn differently. It is therefore incumbent upon the district to choose a solution that meets those needs, as required by state law, in the most cost-effective manner possible. That is what has been done in the past and will continue to be done in the future, as cases warrant.
In the weeks ahead citizens of the town will be asked to make some difficult decisions on many important topics. As we move forward in dialogue and debate, it is my fervent desire that we embrace the community values of acceptance, tolerance, and respect for individuals’ privacy as the foundation upon which we build the solutions to the challenges facing our town.
Thomas W. Jefferson, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
