Letter to the Editor: Students Not Afforded Same Opportunities as Years Gone By

Editor’s Note: This a letter from life-long Woburn resident Mona Smith to Woburn Patch.

Dear Editor,

I am so grateful for the wonderful, well rounded education I received in Woburn. I am from the class of ’76 and attended the Kennedy Middle School and Golden School. How very sad it is that students today are not afforded the same educational opportunities of years gone by.

When the School Committee started slashing programs I attended meetings in an attempt to at least save elementary level foreign language to no avail. It went by the way of music, art and many more enrichment programs. The thought that teachers cannot teach core subjects and have enrichment programs insults not only teachers but all past students of Woburn.

As to the Superintendent and School committee, can anyone enlighten me as to when and why the Mayor is in charge of negotiations? It was my belief that (as was done in the past) the Superintendent and School Committee negotiated the contract and presented it to the Mayor and City Council.
When did the Superintendent and School committee abdicate their job to the Mayor?

Having attended many past meetings of the school committee, I have witnessed many lively debates and arguments over contracts and other issues but there was always a sense of being on the same side, improving education and a respect for the educators of our children. When did that change and why are the School Committee and Superintendent treating teachers with such contempt?

I now read that the Mayor wants to hold on to the Clapp School (shocker) and I would like to know if contracts and school usage is up to the Mayor, then what is it that the Superintendent and School Committee do?

Signed: Mona Smith