School Committee considers ethics ruling
The School Committee went into executive session at the close of its May 10 meeting to discuss the recent ruling of the State Ethics Commission against Superintendent Thomas Jefferson and former School Committee member Paul Wormser. Chairman Keith Cheveralls stated that he expected the committee to be “fair, thorough, and quick” in responding to the issue. However, he said that Monday’s discussions would be preliminary, with no decision to be reached. After the meeting, he released the following statement:
“Noting rights of appeal attached to the recent State Ethics findings, the SC is proceeding with an immediate and expeditious review of the recent State Ethics order and decision. With advice and support of current school counsel, we have retained independent legal counsel to thoroughly review these matters and to provide recommendations to the School Committee.
“Information will be shared in a timely manner and with consideration to all parties involved. We thank the community for their understanding.”
Cheveralls continues as School Committee chairman
The School Committee reelected Keith Cheveralls as chairman at its May 10 meeting. Patricia Wenger was elected vice-chairman, and newly elected member Kirsten Wright secretary.
In other organizational matters, Cheveralls urged the committee to create a budget subcommittee to focus on setting priorities at an earlier point in the school year, before the time pressure of preparing for Town Meeting becomes acute. Committee member Virginia Justicz also presented a proposal to reactivate the long-range planning subcommittee to consider how demographic changes may impact Harvard’s school system. Both proposals will be taken up at later meetings.
