by Valerie Hurley ·
Friday, March 21, 2025
Department of Public Works Director David Smith is resigning his position effective May 19.
In a letter to Town Administrator Dan Nason, Smith cited hostility and harassment by a small group of DPW employees as the reason for his resignation. He took the job in October 2024.
Smith wrote, “Due to the amount of harassment that I am receiving … I find it necessary to resign my position of director for the town of Harvard Department of Public Works.” His letter described a workplace divided into employee factions, one of which consisted of three people whose behavior has made them difficult to work with, both for Smith and for some other employees.
This group, the letter said, was often late to work; took time on the clock for extended breaks and meals—including in Leominster and Fitchburg; and were at times unreachable. “At times I can’t find the foreman and two crew members as the crew now finds it acceptable to travel to Leominster for breakfast during normal working hours.”
Smith praised Nason as one of the best bosses and coworkers he’d ever worked with, but recommended changes for the DPW. “This Department will not progress and become productive until these three individuals are removed from employment with the town.”
Smith told the Press Wednesday he was grateful for the opportunity to serve as DPW director in Harvard, despite the outcome. “I have met many wonderful residents and department heads and I wish them all the best moving forward.”
Editor's note: This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.