A few years ago a small group of citizens brought to light an inappropriate use of school funds. At that time, and subsequently, we failed to see or hear a public utterance from a town official that expressed dismay at this occurrence or indicated a determination to look into the matter and make sure that everything was done correctly. Instead we were treated to a chorus of annoyance at the “meddlers,” who really didn’t understand the complexity of the education process, and who were endangering the sanctity of the special education activity. Concurrently we were treated to repeated ringing endorsements of the suspected individuals, and a rush by the School Committee to give Mr. Jefferson an early and unnecessary contract extension.
All this occurred despite the absence of any mildly plausible statement as to why Mr. Jefferson gave Mr. Wormser $30,000 of our money from the special education fund for tuition reimbursement at a school with no special education program.
Now, through the further diligence of private citizens and, I suspect, despite the obstruction and foot dragging by town officials, we have a small bit of satisfaction. Mr. Wormser and Mr. Jefferson have each been fined $4,000. So, in exchange for $4,000 Mr Wormser has gotten $30,000 in prep school tuition reimbursement and Mr. Jefferson has his totally unwarranted contract extension. Not a bad day’s work for either one, and a very little bit of satisfaction for us all.
The only questions I have now are:
- What town official will step forward to try to get our $30,000 back, whether from Mr. Wormser or Mr. Jefferson?
- Will the current School Committee continue to endorse Mr. Jefferson, thereby teaching our students that if you are in a position of influence and responsibility then it’s fair game to use that for personal gain, or will they find a way to escort him out of town, thereby instructing our students that a public position is a public trust?
Paul Bauer
Mill Road
