Support superintendent in face of threats

In light of the horrifying threats of violence made against her, I am writing to express my support for Superintendent Hunter, the administration of the Acton-Carlisle Regional School district, Acton Public Schools and the School Committee. My perspective is shaped by my own experience and that of my children. 

I grew up in India, which has a very different school system and where I had a very different experience. My children have only experienced school in the United States, both here and in California. We moved here four years ago, during the pandemic, from a beloved but struggling school district where schools were not open for in-person instruction, the virtual options were insufficient, and teachers had no support. We came to Acton to find a functioning, welcoming, in-person school district, with good support for the teachers and staff. The contrast was stark, and it made one thing very clear to me: Acton-Carlisle is a very well-run school district. 

The superintendent’s job, fundamentally, is to run the school district. Her job is complex, and involves managing academics, budgets, people, child welfare, and community engagement, and from what I have seen, she has done and is doing a superb job, with the support and oversight of the School Committee. We Concordians can disagree on policy, express dissatisfaction as appropriate, and we should hold the school administration accountable as engaged constituents. But let us not lose sight of how well this district functions, and how a thriving community of children and families only adds to the vibrancy of this town. Let us also come together to condemn the threats of violence directed at Dr. Hunter, and show our support for her and the members of the School Committee.

Niranjana Nagarajan

Derby Street