Author: CP Editor

Dear Members of the School Committee and Dr. Lussier,

I trust that you have had access to the recently published rankings of Massachusetts elementary and middle schools, found here: https://patch.com/massachusetts/wellesley/s/huupq/best-ma-schools-for-grades-k8-us-news?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert

Regardless of how much value you may give to these rankings, to have our highest elementary school ranked 15, most below 25, and our middle school not even in the top 40, while spending more in our schools than the vast majority (if not all) of towns in our state cannot be acceptable. The also recent, more objective MCAS scores further reflect that state of affairs, with our schools showing mediocre performances at best in relation to the state. Certain subjects in certain grades were even below “meeting expectations” (!).

Given how long this decay in academic standards in our schools has been going on and given the comments made by Dr. Lussier and by our high school principal, Dr. Chisum, when the equally embarrassing high school rankings came out earlier this year, I cannot help but wonder whether any of you even care. In light of our resources, especially in comparison with that of other towns, I’m afraid that I am unable to see any explanation for this scenario other than a combination of ineptitude and omission from you, while also having your priorities woefully misplaced. I certainly cannot fathom the alternative, which would be academic neglect by design.

You are failing our children and our town. Hopefully a recall provision for the School Committee will be introduced and approved and we, the people, will exercise more control over our children’s education. 

Shameful.

Sincerely,
Dario O. Fauza, MD, PhD

Co-Director of the Surgical Research Laboratories | Boston Children’s HospitalAssociate | Maternal Fetal Care Center at Boston Children’s HospitalAssociate Professor of Surgery | Harvard Medical School