To the Editor (originally sent to Kathleen Stowe)
Three weeks have passed since the revelations occurred that the Greenwich Public School System (GPS) may be guilty of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This revelation, while controversial in nature, has spurred debate and attention to the hiring practices, ethics and motivations of the administration of the Greenwich Public School system. Our employee, Superintendent Toni Jones, has stated her intention to launch an investigation into this matter. The intent of this letter is to request an update on the progress of the investigation at the next Board of Education meeting. Specifically, into the below matters:
1. What were the circumstances that led Mr. Boland to be discussing GPS hiring practices to an outside party during Summer Recess?
2. How much input does Mr. Boland have in the interview process? Is Mr. Boland’s opinion a deciding factor in the hiring/placement of prospective teaching candidates?
3. How many interviews has Mr. Boland participated over the past two years as Assistant Principal of Cos Cob Elementary School?
4. Of the interviews Mr. Boland has participated, how many of the interviewees potentially fit the demographic against which Mr. Boland allegedly discriminated?
5. Has Superintendent Jones acted in good faith towards the town, taxpayers and students in uncovering malfeasance? Should Superintendent Jones be the individual to lead or oversee such an investigation?
6. If this investigation is truly independent, with whom can we log other instances of discrimination or lackadaisical ethical behavior?
I understand the immense scrutiny around this incident. It is also not lost on me that there is a contentious election being held in just over a month and that this matter is folly for multiple state and national candidates with hopes to rally to their cause. My only cause is to hold the Board of Education accountable for the acts of the Administration of Greenwich School Administration. If history is any indicator, Greenwich Public Schools do not have the greatest track record in investigations, as I am aware of no formal report or conclusion to the 2013 investigation of bullying and subsequent suicide of a Greenwich High School Student.
It is Greenwich, its taxpayers, students, parents and prospective employees all deserve to know the answers to the above. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Michael E. Hahn
Disclosures: Registered Republican. Not a member of “Greenwich Patriots”, Greenwich Republican Town Committee or any organization intended to further any political cause or candidate.
