Petition Asks Wilmington School Committee to Take Vote of No Confidence Against Superintendent

WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Public Schools' decision to allow a teacher accused of a domestic assault back in the classroom has been met by harsh criticism by members of the community, culminating in a petition requesting action be taken against Superintendent Mary DeLai.

A Change.org petition has been started requesting that the Wilmington School Committee take a vote of no confidence on DeLai. As of 4:52 p.m. Wednesday, the petition has 145 signatures and is 55 shy of its goal of 200.

"Mary DeLai needs to be questioned on what she feels her true duties are as our Superintendent; perhaps even reminded that her duties include moral and ethical decisions as they affect the safety and well being of our students and community," the description of the petition reads. "Perhaps she should also be reminded that the voice of the people is far more audible than her own, and perhaps it is we who should be making these decisions."

In an e-mail to the Wilmington High School community Sunday, Superintendent Mary DeLai indicated that physical education teacher Anthony Altieri, 39, would be returning to his position after being placed on paid administrative leave on Sept. 14. The district issued a statement Monday acknowledging the public's concerns.

The statement Monday indicated that the district did not believe Altieri's return posed a threat to the safety of students or staff members.

"The school district has looked at this issue from multiple perspectives, including reviewing Mr. Altieri’s record as an educator in Wilmington for the past thirteen years.," read the statement."Our first concern is the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families and we would not have returned Mr. Altieri to his position if we did not believe that he did not pose a threat. At this point we will defer to the legal process and will continue to monitor this matter moving forward."

Altieri was arrested in Essex on charges of domestic assault and battery on an intimate partner, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and wanton destruction of personal property on Sept. 11.

Superintendent DeLai and School Committee Chairwoman Julie Broussard did not respond to requests for comment regarding the petition.

The petition's description argues that "no proudent regard" was taken for children in the district who may be victims of domestic violence themselves.

"Are we so naïve a community that we can say that there are no families who may be the silent victims of domestic abuse within our town?" the petition reads."How do you think these students who live in these abusive situations feel when their last place for a safe haven was the halls of our schools? We need to reach these children on every level so they can to break their silence. The Superintendent should be asking herself how she expects to handle the fall out now that her actions show the well-being of our students and community are not put first on her agenda."

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