Fitchburg community expresses outrage over principal Curry's unprofessional dismissal

The Fitchburg School Committee meeting held on April 1, 2024, addressed significant concerns regarding the handling of personnel matters within the Fitchburg Public Schools. The meeting featured public comments from community members, including former educators and parents, who expressed dissatisfaction with the recent removal of Principal Miss Curry and the subsequent administrative actions.

The first speaker raised issues regarding Miss Curry's contract, emphasizing that it included provisions for due process, which they believed were not followed. They criticized the superintendent for not adhering to the contract during the termination process, suggesting that the situation was mishandled and lacked professionalism. The speaker noted that the abrupt removal of Miss Curry from her position, particularly in front of her staff, was damaging to the school community and contributed to a climate of uncertainty among students and faculty. They highlighted that student dropout rates and faculty resignations were rising, indicating a need for closure and resolution.

Following this, Mike Pellen, a long-time educator in the district, echoed similar sentiments. He criticized the decision to involve a private investigator at a significant cost, questioning the necessity and effectiveness of such an action. Pellen argued that the focus should remain on supporting at-risk students rather than engaging in what he deemed unnecessary investigations. He also raised concerns about the qualifications of the investigator and the implications of hiring someone with a questionable background.

Katie Schmidt, representing the Fitchburg Education Association, also contributed to the discussion, acknowledging Miss Curry's positive impact on the school. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of educators and the need for a supportive environment for both staff and students.

Throughout the meeting, the committee members reiterated their limitations regarding personnel matters, clarifying that they could not intervene in issues related to staff not appointed by them. The discussions highlighted a growing concern among community members about the administrative decisions affecting the school environment and the need for transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency for the Fitchburg School Committee to address the ongoing turmoil within the district. Community members called for a reevaluation of administrative practices to foster a more supportive and stable educational environment for students and staff alike.