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WORCESTER – The 48 members of the Principals’ Association of Worcester have released a statement in unanimous support of Worcester Public Schools superintendent Maureen Binienda and Director of School Safety Robert Pezzella.
In a letter to Worcester School Committee members dated April 8, 2019, the Principals’ Association said they were prompted to release a statement of support of Binienda and Pezzella based on “recent events and statements made by some members of our community…”
The letter went on to say, “Superintendent Binienda’s record is well regarded and respected throughout her tenure and service to the Worcester Public Schools. As a leader, she brings forward her vision, dedication, and leadership to reach all students, teachers, principals and stakeholders in the entire community.”
Regarding Pezzella, the letter stated that he “…continues to work collaborativelly with the students, families, school leaders and members of our city…” and “…assists in keeping our schools safe to ensure the success of all students within the educational setting.”
SEE TEXT OF FULL LETTER FROM PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION BELOW
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The Worcester Coalition for Education Equality — formed by local nonprofit Worcester Interfaith and led by District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera’s husband Rev. Jose Encarnacion — called for the school committee not to renew Binienda’s contract and called for the termination of Pezzella from his position. The Coalition has been actively supported by Councilor Rivera and School Committee member Dante Comparetto in their efforts to create a movement to remove Binienda and Pezzella.
The group adamantly claims the existence of institutional racism within WPS and highlights the suspension rates among Hispanic students.
In a released statement, Encarnacion, Director of Worcester Interfaith Isabel Gonzalez Webster, and others wrote: “The Superintendent has not addressed and has no plans to fix our city’s educational shortcomings for our Latino and EL students, setting the stage for continued underperformance of our children. The school safety liaison continues to discipline minority and low-income students at higher rates than their counterparts, this practice is harmful and unacceptable.”
In response to these claims, the Principals’ Association writes: “Through regular collaborative meetings and data discussions with the leadership team, Superintendent Binienda herself highlighted the concerns with attendance suspension data and has actively sought input from the principals regarding causes and solutions to develop systematic plans to address student and family needs.”
Here is the full text of the Principals’ Association letter:
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