Better to address bigotry than target Hunter
What is needed now is for our town to move away from its pattern of hunting for a villain whenever difficult problems arise.
I am responding to recent commentary regarding Superintendent of Schools Dr. Laurie Hunter. As the former chair of the CCRSD School Committee, I had the privilege of working directly with Dr. Hunter. I also bring years of experience hiring and evaluating leaders, teaching as a professor, and working in organizational design. From that vantage point, I can say with certainty: Firing Dr. Hunter is not the solution. I would not have voted to extend her contract and recommend a raise this past spring if I believed otherwise.
The challenges our schools face are real. Antisemitism, racism, homophobia, and community division must be confronted with urgency and accountability. But replacing the superintendent will not solve them. Leadership change for its own sake is scapegoating. What our community needs is the courage to address the root causes of these problems, which extend far beyond any one person.
I have seen firsthand Dr. Hunter’s commitment and the capable team she has built. The right people are in place. What is needed now is for our town to move away from its pattern of hunting for a villain whenever difficult problems arise. That instinct — fueled by elitist rhetoric across generations and political lines — weakens rather than strengthens our schools.
Schools reflect the values and divisions of the towns they serve. If we are serious about building a culture of inclusion and respect, we must do more than replace a leader. Parents, educators, town officials, and residents must come together to share responsibility and create meaningful change.
Dr. Hunter is not the problem. The real test is whether our community is willing to stop looking for easy targets and start the harder work of building lasting solutions.
Julie Viola
Lexington Road
