Really, what is happening to us in Harvard? A citizens’ petition to censure the School Committee is before us and, it seems to me, for some rather vague and picayune issues. The petitioners say the School Committee:
- extended the school superintendent’s contract prematurely “without need or justification,”
- gave an unwarranted positive annual performance review to the school superintendent,
- summarily dismissed irregularities noted in the town’s financial audit report.
Come on, folks. Rather than listen to irrational naysayers and ill-informed people, how about using common sense? The issue needs careful attention. We elect a School Committee to which we assign a load of responsibilities. And with that responsibility, the law, our vote, and plain common sense dictate that they have the authority to set the town’s educational policy and goals and to oversee the administration and operation of the school system.
Therefore, clearly the annual evaluation of the superintendent’s performance (unanimous, I understand, in this case) and contractual development and changes thereto are within the scope of School Committee responsibility. Findings and recommendations noted in the town’s financial audit, as I recall—and I was a selectman for 12 years—are action items for the Board of Selectmen, not the School Committee.
Petitioners, such as we have here, can pose a real, long-term problem for Harvard, which depends so much on volunteers for its governance. And, indeed, the town of Harvard has benefited greatly from the interest, dedication, competence, and hard work of its volunteers over the years. Police, public works, fire, EMT, and other town services are operated at a high standard. The town’s financial position, if one believes the ratings of state and national organizations that measure such things, is strong. Protection of wetlands, open space, and other natural resources is first-rate. Arguably, the most shining example of town excellence is Harvard’s school system—a result of the vision and hard work of our School Committee, past and present.
Volunteerism has worked, and is working, in the town of Harvard.
Do you know how to destroy our vibrant spirit of volunteerism and travel down the road to “Mediocrity Avenue?” Easy. Carp and criticize without a clear understanding of the issues. Be unfair. Personalize your comments. These actions almost always get good, capable, qualified people to think, “What the hell am I doing this for?” On the other hand, I have a few suggestions if we want to maintain the town’s high educational standards: Get a clear, full understanding of the issue. Find out what is the role of the School Committee, and the school superintendent. Find out what is the role of the town.
I personally have analyzed the above, and my conclusion is that we have a hard-working, dedicated, and intelligent School Committee that has brought to Harvard a very capable school superintendent and an excellent educational program. The School Committee should be commended for its work, not censured. If a censure is to be leveled, it should be toward the censure’s initiators for their iniquitous and doltish actions.
Bill Ashe, of Myrick Lane, is a former Harvard selectman and former member of the Planning Boad, and is co-chairman of the Devens Restoration Advisory Board.
