Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Amherst Public Records Snafu
Amherst Public Records Snafu
the process back (Amherst and Pelham voted earlier). I don't see the process as rushed, but
rather drawn out. I did submit an email to the SC chairs asking for clarification on who should
complete the evaluation. Historically, we have members who have been on the committee the
whole year complete the evaluation, even if they have stepped down, and new members do not
complete it. Given this was a topic of conversation with the chairs, we sought clarification with
the DESE. They remain silent on past members, and therefore we sent the information out to
current members. I then asked the chairs to tell me if they would like prior members to complete
that as well. I still have not heard from the Regional Chair,however based on feedback from
those who responded, we sent the link out to the prior members as well. I would welcome a
more formal process with the members prior to the start of this next evaluation cycle.
I hope this addresses your concerns.
Best,
Maria
Dear Superintendent,
In light of the public announcement of a recent settlement agreement with Carolyn Gardner, I
would like to draw our committee's attention to a March 31st report regarding legal settlements
prepared by Sean Mangano (see attached pdf).
I hope you'll be able to get us an updated report reflecting the agreement between the district
and Gardner. Please include the various categories agreements and settlements are captured
and paid out (payroll, insurance, etc.).
To my fellow SC members--I have never felt more detached from background and information
regarding the district I represent. The pervasive strategy of not engaging and involving the
collective body of SC must stop. If you were asked by media about what was happening in your
own home and you didn't know, that isn't good.
Moving forward, I'd like suggest an agenda item to discuss dedicating adequate opportunity to
exchange ideas, thoughts, and vision for what we are charged to do and the things that should
take lower priority and airtime. For example, how did it happen that Superintendent's evaluation
got away from us (in its late and rushed nature that we are expected to turn it around) and a
disregard for my right to have a say in the matter.
Vira Douangmany Cage
Amherst School Committee
Term 2015-2018
Kathryn Mazur
Director of Human Resources and Operations
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
413.362.1803 mazurk@arps.org
of her employment here in Amherst, Ms. Gardner was subjected to harassing and hurtful events
and notes. No person should be subjected to any type of harassment or racism, in any work
place or community. It is our sincere hope that this settlement will serve to permit Ms. Gardner
to put what occurred here in our community behind her, and we wish her all the best as she
continues her professional career.
-Kathryn Mazur
Director of Human Resources and Operations
Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
413.362.1803 mazurk@arps.org
-Debbie Westmoreland
Assistant to the Superintendent
170 Chestnut Street
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 362-1823
From: douangmanyv@arps.org
Subject: Fwd: Superintendent's Weekly Update
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:03:35 -0400
To: Maria Geryk <gerykm@arps.org>
Dear Superintendent,
In light of the public announcement of a recent settlement agreement with Carolyn Gardner, I
would like to draw our committee's attention to a March 31st report regarding legal settlements
prepared by Sean Mangano (see attached pdf).
I hope you'll be able to get us an updated report reflecting the agreement between the district
and Gardner. Please include the various categories agreements and settlements are captured
and paid out (payroll, insurance, etc.).
To my fellow SC members--I have never felt more detached from background and information
regarding the district I represent. The pervasive strategy of not engaging and involving the
collective body of SC must stop. If you were asked by media about what was happening in your
own home and you didn't know,that isn't good.
Moving forward, I'd like suggest an agenda item to discuss dedicating adequate opportunity to
exchange ideas, thoughts, and vision for what we are charged to do and the things that should
take lower priority and airtime. For example, how did it happen that Superintendent's evaluation
got away from us (in its late and rushed nature that we are expected to turn it around) and a
disregard for my right to have a say in the matter.
Vira Douangmany Cage
Amherst School Committee
Term 2015-2018
cell:413.461.6386