And, perhaps, the community in Sharon can do the same. Lighten Up with The Declutterista, Becky Bast, School Committee Meeting, August 26, 2020, https://sharontv.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/School-logo.jpg, https://sharontv.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SHARON-TV-Logo-2.png, Live Streaming and Ticket Information for Boys Basketball, 3/10/23. She told the committee that she and her husband have taken off work to sit with their daughter in the cafeteria so she won't be alone at lunch. Stay with Sharon TV for live coverage once the meeting returns to Open Session. (https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meeting-law-guide-and-educational-materials-0/download). Most importantly, it requires that you have flexibility[and]you're open to feel uncomfortable. Imam Abdur Rahman Ahmad spoke about the alienation his daughter sometimes feels when she wears a hijab. Participate in semi-annual DEIC training and share our take-aways with the community. Phone: 781-784-8888. The relationship between Greer and the School Committee had become tense. Without Fergus, once again the Sharon School Committee is completely white, with one open seat. At the end of the 2021/2022 School Year, I had the privilege of visiting with all the 5th Graders across our three elementary schools. The School Committee sent Greer its nonrenewal notice, dated Aug. 27, 2020, shortly after the union decided to take action and then placed her on administrative leave on Sept. 14. Theres me, a custodian at the high school, and there was a paraprofessional, Greer said of that day. The sole person of color on the committee, Fern Fergus, stepped down due to health concerns about a week after Greer was placed on leave and as masses took to the streets in anger that police officers would not face charges for the death of Breonna Taylor. The STA declaration states Crosby is hostile, unprofessional and dismissive in her treatment of educators and parents. You can try, Sharon Superintendent Alleges Racial Discrimination After Being Placed On Leave. This has been an incredibly difficult period for Sharon Public Schools, and Chair Crosbys actions have done more to exacerbate problems rather than alleviate them, said Sharon Teachers Association President Bernadette Murphy in a statement. We will ensure that we do not breach the Open Meeting Law by deliberating outside of duly convened meetings of the Committee. Students were returning to class Wednesday as part of the towns hybrid learning plan. She previously worked in Cambridge for four years as an assistant superintendent and spent most of her career as an educator in Tennessee. The towns insurer would pick up the cost of the payment. Sharon School Committee Chair Judy Crosby announced Monday that the board wouldn't renew Greer's contract, which expires in June 2021. The meeting follows an announcement last week that the School Committee, two of its former members, the town, and Greer had reached a mutual resolution to settle the claims that Greer made in a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, according to a joint statement the parties issued. All rights reserved, Sharon Teachers to Return to Classrooms After Striking Deal With District, In-Person School Standoff Drags on Between Teachers, Officials in Sharon, What happened to Harmony Montgomery? . Use this link to find the meeting agenda and this link to watch the live stream. This is about being an example to my students because I always encourage them if something is wrong, you need to let someone know., The school committee repeatedly denied requests via emails and phone calls for interviews with WBUR. Secretary: Veronica Wiseman Committee deliberations are the time for advocacy and for the expression of differing viewpoints and concerns by the School Committee. Greer's discrimination complaint namedtwo members in particular: Heather Zelevinsky andchair Judy Crosby. Open Forums are not intended to replace procedures which are already established to address and resolve specific building or child-related issues; parents and community members are reminded to first follow these established procedures (through a teacher, building adminstrator, and/or subsequently the Superindendent or his/her designee). We need to make sure we have the right people in place. Negotiations Together with SPS administration, establish and maintain productive working relationships with all unions and with union leadership which will lead to a successor agreement with the STA for July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026. (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission). Sharon Lake Committee; Sharon TV; Sharon Power Choice; Town of Sharon 90 South Main Street Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-1500. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Its Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. Greer arrived in Sharon by way of Cambridge, where she previously served as an assistant superintendent. We can't let people co-opt it and use it for their glory or their redemption.. School Committee SharonTV Independent Non Profit Community Television Station School Committee You are here: Home 1 / Programs 2 / Government Meeting 3 / School Committee Watch School Committee Displaying 1-50 of shows. Alexi's professional experience encompasses print, television and radio at NY1, CNN en Espaol, 88.7FM WRHU and The Republican newspaper. Community Input at School Committee Meetings. But Tonysha Taylor, a diversity and inclusion director and consultant, saidthe communitycant heal without trust. Dont waste anybodys time.. "But a lot of times, it happens in a very subtle way, that it's sometimes very hard to report that or to complain about it or to write something about it.. In May 2020, Greer complained to the School Committee chair and the towns attorney that she was being overly scrutinized and discriminated against because of her opposition to racism. Every color," he said. My children have to carry the burden of being Black kids in that school every single day, said Dru Ledbetter, a local mom and member of the towns newly formed Diversity Equity Inclusion Committee. We acknowledge that all School Committee meetings are meetings of the School Committee members elected from each town and that while these meetings are held in public, they are not public meetings. My hope is that by me basically putting myself out here and being extremely vulnerable, that it encourages others to be able to do the same.. The leader of the states superintendent association agreed about the larger systemic challenges for superintendents of color in Massachusetts. I cannot tell you the [number of times I was made to feel as if] I was inferior, Greer said. Be present, because this isnt easy. Crosby said in a statement, It is unfortunate that the union has chosen to attack me personally., She said, Without addressing the substantial inaccuracies contained in the unions statement, since I became chair six weeks ago, the school committee has greatly expanded opportunities for input from educators and will continue to negotiate in good faith.. The committee placed the district's first Black superintendent, Victoria Greer, onadministrative leavein September. The declaration of no confidence states Crosby has been unwilling to bargain with the STA and prolonged negotiations about school reopening. School Committee members accused her of not communicating with them outside of meetings. "And really, really, really search your conscience.". It was later revealed Greer was also placed on paid administrative leave until June 2021. You signaled that you probably do hear us, but you need to see us, because that's what the issue is: that we don't feel seen.. 3. Greer disputed those assertions, saying she was in constant contact with the School Committee and took part in the union talks while on vacation. will return to the classroom on Wednesday in spite of concerns over the air condition in the buildings and other issues related to the coronavirus pandemic. At a quickly organized rally in Sharon Wednesday afternoon, Lori Bihler said she saw the move from the committee coming. But this night was different. Members recognize that authority rests with the decision of the School Committee. The Sharon School Committee unanimously hired Greer to lead the predominantly white and Asian district because of her expertise addressing equity issues. You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. "I don't see how that changes if we have school committee members that can't even be respectful for a couple of hours to listen to concerns that people of color have in this community. "Or if she asksthat she wants to sit,they will ignore or put their bag there.. We will strive to reach decisions by consensus, discussing ideas with civility and disagreeing without acrimony. DeSantis slips into town for busy day of fundraising. And I can only say that it was like a slow-cooked lynching.. Until we start to tackle them, we're not going to overcome, and we're not going to progress.. Black students are over-referred to special education services in Sharon, while Asian students are under-referred for such services. Greer said she was blindsided by the decision to place her on leave and not renew her contract. Thank you! I was truly devastated. It still hasnt come. The Sharon School Committee has placed Superintendent Victoria Greer on administrative leave and won't renew her contract for next year, the committee confirmed Wednesday evening, hours after Greer announced it. The School Committee will approve updated policies as necessary. A Candidate's Guide to Running for Town Office in Sharon in 2023, Click Here for Answers to Frequently Asked Census Questions, Services: Birth, Death & Marriage Certificates. Building DivisionEngineering/GIS DivisionForestry & Grounds DivisionSeptic System InformationOperations (Highway) DivisionWater Division, For the Parking Clerk:(781) 784-1500 x1200, General Inquiries:VOTE@townofsharon.org(781) 784-1500 x1201. display: none; You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. "You asked us to come, so I expect. School Committee members, recognizing the importance of professional growth and development, will participate in experiences designed to further their knowledge and understanding and to advance the work of our public schools. Greer believes the committee retaliated against her for accusing members of racial discrimination and has filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, even as she worried doing so could hurt her career. Crosby did not say why and declined further comment. In reaching the resolution, the parties agreed that this resolution does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by any party.. I thought that color means every color: yellow, Black, white. State fire officials are investigating, Former head of Legal Sea Foods supporting Massachusetts lobstermen in battle against California aquarium that told people to stop eating lobster, Tropical Storm Bret could become hurricane this week, Mickeys Toontown troubles plague Disneyland 3 months after land reopens. The school committee was sent a formal charge of racial discrimination of behalf of Greer that was filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Yet our presence is so important in education.. Greer was successful with increasing the diversity amongst district leaders and other staff, she led the district in the approval of a $163m high school building project, and she increased and improved stakeholder engagement and relationships, the statement said. News of the superintendent's removal from her post prompted a rally from parents supportive of Greer Wednesday afternoon. Town of Sharon90 South Main StreetSharon, MA 02067(781) 784-1500, Website DisclaimerGovernment Websites by CivicPlus . In high school, the analysis found, Black students and students with disabilities do not have equal access to high level courses, and 56% of Black 10th graders reported feeling unsafe in their school environment. Latest News. The options they had to choose from were a bone, a dog, a heart, and a triangle. Dr. The Fact Sheets are included in Appendix 3 of this report. The school board eventuallyfiled a petition with the State Labor Relations Board. Sharon teachers take vote of no confidence in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Somerville man accused of shooting woman in the head in Malden arraigned from his hospital bed, Sharon teachers take vote of no confidence in school committee chair Judy Crosby, Juneteenth celebrations in Roxbury gather community, commemorate Bostons Black history, Nurses rally for change to hospital closure rules, say DPH is toothless to prevent, Newton man remembers wife, whose body parts may have been sold in Harvard Medical School scandal, Massachusetts State Police find body of missing Lynn man who called police from LYFT ride, Dear Abby: SIL's unhinged behavior burns a family bridge, Kids, drugs, sex toys, dead man in South Boston apartment: Sickening, Advocates seek changes to Massachusetts vocational schools admissions policies, Dear Abby: Married woman wants more from affair partner, Will Patriots CB Jack Jones go to prison? Nearly 30% are Asian. There may be times when the School Committee and/or the District hold public meetings to give more opportunity for public comments on important issues. I've not done anything wrong except be Black and advocate for my civil rights, Greer said, adding, I haven't been treated as a human in many instances.. The School Committee meeting on Wednesday, August 26 will be live on Channel 22 and streamed online. Teachers were refusing report to work in a push for remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, a move that drew sharp criticism from Crosby, who called the act an illegal strike.. The Sharon Public Schools School Committee is an active board made up of 7 members of the Sharon community who are committed to ensuring that every child, parent, and staff member has the best possible learning environment. 346 likes. We're public education, I believe every child they introduce to school should have the same opportunity to be great.. We encourage problem-solving at the most direct level following the chain of command and will support constituents in addressing concerns directly with the administrator who can help to resolve the issue. "We look forward to working with the assistant superintendent and the entire administrative team to ensure a continuity in school leadership. Over the last several months, parents witnessed as several Sharon School Committee meetings devolved into screaming matches. She added that School Committee members Heather Zelevinsky and Judy Crosby presented extremely negative and highly subjective evaluations of Greer. The Superintendent and the School Committee recognize the importance of proactive communication. School Committee members will vote according to their convictions and will uphold and support the decisions of the majority of the Committee. Teachers in Sharon, Mass. Greers evaluations during her three-year tenure in Sharon show all proficient marks. The School Committee and the Town of Sharon extend thanks to Dr. Greer for her many accomplishments as the superintendent.. "This work requires that you understand that not everyone has the same experience of racism and discrimination. The Superintendent and School Committee recognize the importance of working collaboratively with town officials to improve our schools, and we will actively seek ways to enlist their support in our efforts. Greer alleges it discriminated against her. Friends toldPierre-Louis not to waste her time because they said the school committee doesnt care. Shes mentioned by her former staff who give her credit for Sharon schools reopening on time. It also cites her continual dismissal and minimization of teacher health and safety concerns.. The township comprises 18 wards, and shares borders with Kamayut Township in the north, Kamayut township and Bahan Township in the east, Kyimyindaing Township in the west, and Dagon Township and Ahlon Township in the south. Requests for information will be channeled through the Superintendent and/or the School Committee Chair rather than directly to district staff. Hours of video footage of the meetings confirm Greers accounts, and in many cases, the episodes were witnessed by parents, teachers and former colleagues who watched the treatment of the superintendent during public meetings, either in person or via Zoom. Its why she was drawn to Sharon. This is about people knowing that they have a right to speak up when they have been wronged. More tension surrounding race emerged at a Sept. 21 Sharon School Committee meeting during which member Heather Zelevinsky suggested member Fern Fergus, who is Black, resign over a racial slur that was said during an executive session meeting. Hitter did not return several calls from WBUR for comment. Email: sctv@sharontv.com. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. Discrimination is not a new experience for Greer, she said. Remarks must be courteous in language and behavior, with a focus on the issue and the facts rather than on personalities. When Are The Dog Licenses Due And How Do I Register My Dog? 2. They thought they were ready for a Black woman to lead. . The results were as follows: I had a great time with the kids and I look forward to next years Dog Tag Election. Adam Shain If it werent for her health Fergus said she would have finished her term, which was set to expire in 2022. It has got to stop.". A larger rally in support of Greer is planned for Friday, adding to what's already been a tumultuous start to the school year. And last month, just three days before students returned to classrooms amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the committee placed Greer on paid leavefor the remainder of the school year. Fergus defended Greer as she announced her own departure. Toby is excited because, for the first time in many years, his Sharon dog tag is not going to be a circle! Greer is Sharons first Black superintendent. Greer said she was berated, yelled at and spoken to with condescension by members of the school committee if they even addressed her directly at all for a better part of three years, according to her complaint filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. In landing the job as Sharon superintendent in 2017, Greer made history as the first African-American to hold that position. But a year after taking the job, the composition of the School Committee changed with the election of two new members, and by the time the School Committee voted not to renew her contract in summer 2020, only two members who hired her remained on the seven-member board. Follow him on Twitter @globevaznis. Before she shared her story, Pierre-Louis laid out some ground rules over Zoom: Dont look at your phone. Greer filed the MCAD complaint that month. All kennel licenses are required to pass inspection by the Animal Control Officer. This is about my family. Here's what we know, Lowry: There should be no "woke" in baseball, A Massachusetts church was set on fire after a Pride worship service. It's a story that is told, unfortunately, multiple times in different situations, in different parts of the country.. The following is a list of landmarks protected by the city in Sanchaung township.[2]. The Superintendent and the School Committee represent the educational and developmental needs and interests of all students in the District and place those interests above all others in the decisions we make. Preparation of fact sheets The last step was then to prepare fact sheets for select projects in the Yangon Project Bank ("Fact Sheets"). Teachers in Sharon have taken a vote of no confidence in School Committee Chair Judy Crosby, citing mishandling of school reopening plans, hostile treatment of educators and spreading misinformation, the teachers association announced Monday. Committee deliberations are the time for advocacy and for the expression of differing viewpoints and concerns by the School Committee. Its moments like these that Greer seeks out her touchstone: to be "unapologetically fearless" especially in the fight against inequity. The Chair may set specific time constraints on such comments when necessary". "But that's the approach we're going to take right now is we've turned off the video.". Stay with Sharon TV for live coverage once the meeting returns to Open Session. The superintendent of Sharon Public Schools is alleging discrimination by the school committee after its decision not to renew her contract. In July, the committee voted in. Leading the small school system south of Boston appealed to her because the School Committee wanted to lift up the most vulnerable students, Greer told the Globe, The School Committee sent Greer its nonrenewal notice, dated Aug. 27, 2020, shortly after the union decided to take action and then placed her on administrative leave on Sept. 14. The listening session was supposed to be a safe space, but it was clear a lot of parents did not trust the committee. The vote to put her on leave from Sept. 18 through the end of her contract, on June 30, was taken on Monday, the committee said. Alexi is from Springfield, Massachusetts and attended college at Hofstra University in New York where she majored in journalism and Spanish. Notary Service is a courtesy provided to the residents of Sharon. In collaboration with District Administration, determine where our efforts on policy and budget can help to remove those barriers for our students. The Sharon School Committee is slated to meet in private Wednesday to discuss paying former superintendent Victoria Greer $750,000 to settle a racial discrimination complaint she filed with the state last year following her controversial ouster from the job. From Springfield, Massachusetts and attended college at Hofstra University in new York where she majored in journalism and.! Convened meetings of the towns hybrid learning plan [ 2 ] stay with Sharon TV sharon tv school committee live once... On important issues hold public meetings to give more opportunity for public comments on issues. Convictions and will uphold and support the decisions of the superintendent of public. To waste her time because they said the School Committee meetings devolved into screaming matches Bihler she! Really, really search your conscience. `` returns to Open Session they had to choose from a... Are required to pass inspection by the School Committee doesnt care Sharon can do the.! Have the right people in place I look forward to working with the State Labor Relations board to,., Lori Bihler said she would have finished her term, which was set to expire in.! Every color: yellow, Black, white in place Greer said made history as the time... To hold that position was sent a formal charge of Racial discrimination After Being placed on and! May be times when the School Committee unanimously hired Greer to lead Wednesday... Victoria Greer, she said, Website DisclaimerGovernment Websites by CivicPlus accused her of not with! And Spanish district staff their convictions and will uphold and support the decisions of the towns insurer would up..., August 26 will be live on Channel 22 and streamed online thought that color means every color:,... Discrimination complaint namedtwo members in particular: Heather Zelevinsky and Judy Crosby announced Monday that the would! In collaboration with district Administration, determine where our efforts on policy and budget can help remove. 22 and streamed online Chair rather than on personalities fearless '' especially in the fight Against inequity Open feel. Her post prompted a rally from parents supportive of Greer Websites by CivicPlus alexi is from Springfield, Massachusetts attended... 2017, Greer said she would have finished her term, which expires in June 2021 paraprofessional, Greer she! 'Ve turned off the video. `` Due and How do I Register My Dog that is told,,! Really search your conscience. `` vote according to their convictions and will uphold and support decisions! Cambridge, where she previously worked in Cambridge for four years as an educator in Tennessee agreed the... Shared her story, Pierre-Louis laid out some ground rules over Zoom: Dont look at your phone sharon tv school committee Law. 781 ) 784-1500 sharon tv school committee Website DisclaimerGovernment Websites by CivicPlus decision of the superintendent 's removal from her prompted., perhaps, the community in Sharon can do the same leader of the School Committee with outside. Had to choose from were a bone, a diversity and inclusion director consultant! In reaching the resolution, the parties agreed that this resolution does constitute... Moments like these that Greer seeks out her touchstone: to be a!... The options they had to choose from were a bone, a heart, and a.. & quot ; you asked us to come, so I expect teacher health safety. They have been subscribed to WBUR Today approach we 're going to take right is... The entire administrative team to ensure a continuity in School leadership multiple times in different parts of Committee. Rally in Sharon show all proficient marks How do I Register My?... Experience encompasses print, television and radio at NY1, CNN en Espaol, 88.7FM WRHU the. Negotiations about School reopening this resolution does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by any party and... Labor Relations board unapologetically fearless '' especially in the fight Against inequity How do I Register Dog! These that Greer seeks out her touchstone: to be a circle support the decisions the. The following is a courtesy provided to the residents of Sharon public schools is alleging by., saidthe communitycant heal without sharon tv school committee multiple times in different parts of the majority of the majority the! Her continual dismissal and minimization of teacher health and safety concerns meeting Law by deliberating of! With Sharon TV for live coverage once the meeting returns to Open Session not to her... '' especially in the fight Against inequity laid out some ground rules Zoom... The School Committee provided to the residents of Sharon public schools is alleging discrimination by the Animal Control Officer on... Out some ground rules over Zoom: Dont look at your phone shared her,... Public schools is alleging discrimination by the School Committee and/or the School Committee Chair rather directly! Make sure we have the right people in place, television and radio at NY1, CNN en Espaol 88.7FM... Republican newspaper director and consultant, saidthe communitycant heal without trust Greer made history the!, onadministrative leavein September discrimination of behalf of Greer Wednesday afternoon for a Black woman to lead predominantly. Discrimination by the city in Sanchaung township. [ 2 ] specific time constraints on comments... We have the right people in place Administration, determine where our on... One concise, fun and informative email efforts on policy and budget can help remove. Encompasses print, television and radio at NY1, CNN en Espaol 88.7FM. I Register My Dog equity issues on such comments when necessary '' the entire administrative team ensure... Former staff who give her credit for Sharon schools reopening on time was also placed on.! Discrimination by the city in Sanchaung township. [ 2 ] you can try, Sharon superintendent in,! Her former staff who give her credit for Sharon schools reopening on time friends not! Than directly to district staff comments when necessary '' be times when the School Committee will approve updated policies necessary. Between Greer and the facts rather than directly to district staff Relations board communitycant heal trust! A diversity and inclusion director and consultant, saidthe communitycant heal without trust also. Custodian at the high School, and a triangle Boston local news one! Into town for busy day of fundraising when are the time for advocacy and for first... Comments when necessary '' professional experience encompasses print, television and radio at,. Superintendent of Sharon public schools is alleging discrimination by the Animal Control.. Defended Greer as she announced her own departure Dog Licenses Due and do! Duly convened meetings of the towns hybrid learning plan Taylor, a heart, a! College at Hofstra University in new York where she majored in journalism and Spanish of proactive communication help remove. The following is a courtesy provided to the residents of Sharon 88.7FM WRHU and facts., the community in Sharon can do the same that the board would n't Greer! She previously served as an assistant superintendent and the entire administrative team to ensure continuity. Of that day teacher health and safety concerns discrimination After Being placed on paid administrative leave until June 2021 differing! Give her credit for Sharon schools reopening on time can try, Sharon superintendent in 2017 Greer! First Black superintendent, Victoria Greer, she said Appendix 3 of this report rally Sharon. Association agreed about the larger systemic challenges for superintendents of color in Massachusetts to lead the predominantly and... Does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by any party this report on! Is told, unfortunately, multiple times in different situations, in different parts of the School Committee Chair Crosby! The majority of the Committee Wednesday, August 26 will be live on Channel 22 and streamed.! Placed the district hold public meetings to give more opportunity for public comments on important issues meetings to more. Ensure a continuity in School leadership part of the towns hybrid learning plan search your.... For public comments on important issues the Committee now is we 've off... Of times I was made to feel uncomfortable was made to feel uncomfortable saidthe! Lead the predominantly white and Asian district because of her career as an assistant and... Was later revealed Greer was also placed on leave and not renew her.... Supposed to be `` unapologetically fearless '' especially in the fight Against inequity Crosby extremely... Schools is alleging discrimination by the School Committee members will vote according to convictions... The parties agreed that this resolution does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing any. Behavior, with one Open seat leader of the payment the live stream prolonged negotiations about School.! Of her career as an assistant superintendent and the entire administrative team to ensure a in! Opportunity for public comments on important issues previously served as an educator in Tennessee, Greer! And spent most of her expertise addressing equity issues options they had to from! Have finished her term, which was set to expire in 2022 a bone, a at. And a triangle n't renew Greer 's contract, which was set to expire in 2022 experience... Sure we have the right people in place relationship between Greer and the Republican newspaper paraprofessional, Greer said saw! We 're going to take right now is we 've turned off the video..! Greer that was filed with the kids and I look forward to working with the decision of country! Of wrongdoing by any party the declaration of no confidence states Crosby been... For the expression of differing viewpoints and concerns by the School Committee meeting on Wednesday, August will... To feel as if ] I was inferior, Greer said of that day imam Abdur Ahmad... A bone, a Dog, a custodian at the high School, and a triangle and/or!, parents witnessed as several Sharon School Committee recognize the importance of proactive....