Superintendent James F. Scully during a recent inspection at the new Hunking School building project. (WHAV News photograph.)
Haverhill Public Schools’ principals and assistant principals are defending Superintendent James F. Scully’s leadership and the district’s services from “inaccurate information” regarding English Language Learners (ELL), and calling their dedication to all students “top notch.”
A letter, dated Wednesday, to the Haverhill School Committee and Mayor James J. Fiorentini, chairman, was signed by 25 top school administrators and released by the school department Thursday. It describes, among other things, a “passion for helping all students of all nationalities” which was recognized “long before there ever was an ELL program in Haverhill.”
“This letter is written on behalf of the Haverhill Public Schools principals and assistant principals in response to inaccurate information that unfairly describes the very foundation on which the Haverhill Public School system is grounded,” it reads. “Administrators in Haverhill have embraced the melting pot nature of the Haverhill community and welcome its diversity… As administrators we stand ready, as always, to meet with parents and answer questions and concerns on any and all issues including issues on transportation, special education services, ELL services, access to neighborhood schools, overcrowding and general concerns.”
The letter also backs Scully’s support for “providing a solid education for all students.”
“Superintendent Scully has set the vision of excellence for our school district. He has instilled in our administrative team and educators that every child can learn and has the right to a solid education. He has impressed upon us that every child can learn, regardless of ethnicity, learning disabilities, emotional or behavior problems, or the economic situation of the family,” it added.
“Let it clearly be stated that the Haverhill Public School principals and assistant principals are steadfast in their unwavering support of Superintendent Scully who leads by example and has set this school district on a vision of excellence for all students.”
As WHAV reported, members of Haverhill Hispanic Coalition have called for Scully’s ouster since the July 25 suspension and subsequent firing of English Learner Education Supervisor Dr. Graciella Trilla. Among other things, the coalition alleges various civil rights violations concerning ELL students, such as overcrowding, transporting ELL students away from their neighborhood school, too few Spanish-speaking translators and failure to appoint Trilla to the post of assistant superintendent. Scully declined earlier this week to participate, on advice of counsel, in a scheduled parent conference at Haverhill City Hall, organized by the coalition and Power of Self-Education (POSE). He had learned the discussion would “primarily focus on personnel matters within the school department.”
The letter also comes as Scully recuperates from a breathing problem at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, where he was admitted Wednesday afternoon.
jim scully is the best thing that has happen to Haverhill schools…let him rest…..
Jim Scully is the best thing to ever happen to Haverhill Public Schools!!
Prior to his taking over, the position of Superintendent of Schools was a revolving door in this city. Since taking the job Scully has provided outstanding leadership which has significantly benefited students in all schools. Remember, Scully had already retired as a school administrator after being principal at Consentino School. Whoever it was on the school committee at that time that came up with the idea to approach Scully about the job they should be congratulated!!! Talking him out of retirement was a great idea.
If you need proof of the unquestionable integrity of Jim Scully look no further than what he did regarding his compensation when he took over as Supt of Schools in Haverhill. In retirement he was earning a pension of approximately $90,000 per year. In taking the job of Superintendent, Massachusetts retirement guidelines did not prohibit him from drawing his pension paycheck, while also being paid as the Supt of Schools. But he “voluntarily” made the decision to put his pension compensation on hold. It was not something he was required or asked to do…he made that decision on his own. Since being hired, that decision has cost Scully almost $500,000 personally !!! How many people would make that choice to put their pension on hold like that?
Best of luck for a speedy recovery Mr. Scully !!
I find it interesting how these folks decide they want someone to resign because they can’t get THEIR way. What if the great majority of people like what Mr. Scully is doing ? What about THEIR opinion ? Stop creating and inflaming an issue they are trying to deal with in a fair way for all. YOUR interests do not come before everyone else’s. Learn the language of the land and free yourselves from this deplorable bondage.
I just want to clarify that POSE did not organize this meeting. It was organized and facilitated by the Haverhill Hispanic Coalition and Superintendent James Scully. POSE did create a flyer for the group, and supports the groups efforts to have unheard parents’ voices heard. POSE also offered to provide transportation to any parent who needed help getting to the meeting.
There is no Hispanic coalition. It’s a fake make up great that never existed. It is a group put together by Mrs.Trills and Andy Vargas to try to get rid of the Superintendent. No one in thr city ever heard of these blind sleep before.
Kat go away. You wanted a contract for POSE. Scully didn’t kiss your rear end so this is your pay back. It is disgraceful and you a disgrace.
Of course they support him – if the arrogant egocentric gets dumped, they’ll have to justify their waste of oxygen to the next incompetent that hizzoner-for-life rams through the process.