Democracy denied in schools’ chair elections
Representation, such that voters see the candidates they put in office be afforded a turn at leadership, was intentionally denied.
Even a casual observer at the June 3 meeting of the School Committees would find it a highly scripted, preplanned effort designed to deny Michael Williams a leadership role. What unfolded was not democracy in action.
Repeatedly, motions to have Dr. Williams serve as chair or vice chair of the Acton or Acton-Carlisle School Committee were blocked by his colleagues. Instead, members who have already served in these roles are to occupy them again.
The custom of rotating the chair assignments has been summarily abandoned by the committees. As a consequence, voters will not benefit from Dr. Williams’ leadership, in spite of the fact that he received more votes than any other School Committee candidate in the April 2025 election. The students, faculty, and community are expected to believe that the agenda-setting responsibility held by the chair is to remain in the same hands, repeatedly. Representation, such that voters see the candidates they put in office be afforded a turn at leadership, was intentionally denied.
Our School Committees can do better. They can display the modest amount of moral courage necessary to appoint a person of color, a retired pediatric surgeon, a dedicated advocate of equity and social justice. Dr. Williams has earned and deserves this leadership role. Having failed this time, let’s pay close attention to the School Committees and encourage them to preside over our school districts with decisions that represent everyone.
Margaret Schumacher
Highland Street
