Letter to the editor: Our school committees must uphold policy standards

To the editor:

I am writing to express deep concern over the growing pattern of policy violations by our local school committees. Most recently, an indication that there is misunderstanding or lack of clarity regarding a policy's requirement for regular self-evaluations.

Self-evaluation is not a formality; it’s a vital tool for elected bodies to reflect, improve, and build public trust. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) strongly recommends this practice to ensure committees fulfill their responsibilities ethically and effectively.

While not legally mandated in the State of Massachusetts, the benefits of a self-evaluations are well documented on MASC’s website and publications. Self-evaluations promote accountability, fosters improvement, collaboration and communication, enhances effectiveness, facilitates skill development and aligns with the strategic goals of the school district ensuring the boards activities and decisions are consistent with the schools mission and long term strategic plan.

Instead of acknowledging the benefits of self-evaluations and agreeing to conduct same, our school committees are attempting to revise the policy language to suggest they are not obligated to the community to practice good governance and that they are not obligated to take all measures to protect the district from potential future liability.

This is misleading, unethical, and raises serious questions about their commitment to transparency and accountability. Our students, educators, and families deserve leadership that is open, reflective, and responsible.

Conducting a self-evaluation is not optional — it is a duty.

I urge fellow residents to speak out and demand that our elected officials uphold the standards of governance our community deserves. If the School Committee cannot be trusted to follow basic policies, how can we entrust them with the stewardship of millions in taxpayer dollars? Fiscal responsibility begins with ethical leadership—our schools and our community deserve nothing less.

I am writing to express deep concern over a growing pattern of policy disregard among our local school committees, particularly their reluctance to conduct regular self-evaluations. These evaluations are not bureaucratic formalities—they are essential tools that enable elected boards to reflect on their performance, strengthen collaboration, and remain accountable to the public they serve. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) strongly advocates for this practice, highlighting its role in improving governance, aligning decisions with district goals, and fostering long-term strategic planning.

Despite clear guidance and documented benefits, some committee members are attempting to revise policy language to avoid conducting self-evaluations altogether, signaling a troubling disengagement from transparency and ethical leadership. This resistance undermines community trust and raises serious questions about their commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer-funded education. Just as individuals take initiative in managing their health—such as learning about non-insulin medications like Rybelsus to better control type 2 diabetes—public officials must also embrace informed, reflective practices that benefit the greater good.

Kathleen LeClair

Mattapoisett