Robison Keeps Chairmanship on Sudbury Public Schools Committee

With one member entering her third year, two entering their second, and a brand new member sitting in on his first meeting, the Sudbury Public Schools Committee decided during its May 15 meeting the most experienced member of the quintet should continue to be the chairman.

After a tumultuous year that included the dismissal of former teacher Janice Donahue, the dismissal of administrator Peter Fardig, and a lawsuit from a former secretary, the SPS Committee will once again be led by Rich Robison.

"I think we’ve introduced a fair amount of change in our district the past 12 months, maybe further," said Committee member Bob Armour, who is entering his second year. "We have to be careful in introducing too much change in SPS."

Scott Nassa, the Committee's newest member, brought up next year both Robison and Ellen Joachim are up for re-election and it's possible the Committee could have two members with no experience leading them.

"Rich has five times more experience on this committee (than any of us)," Nassa said. "Next year ... I don’t want a chairman with no experience."

Robison has lived in Sudbury for more than 20 years and first joined the SPS Committee in 1996.

Joachim, who was nominated and accepted the vice chair position, said there is a lot to learn for new members and having experienced leadership is better for the district.

"I think there’s a lot to learn, and I'm sure you’ll see it next few months," she said to Nassa. "It takes a while to learn the cycle. I think having more experience is really valuable. After one year, I didn’t have a good base of knowledge."

Second-year member Lucy St. George said after going through a "crazy" first year, she feels more comfortable voicing concerns and opinions.

"Last year was a huge learning curve for us," she said. "It started out crazy. There was all this stuff going on, and we hit the ground running. It was hard to sit here and make thoughtful discussions when really we were not sure where we were … that is what we will be doing next year. It's important to have continuity, it's important to have Rich and Ellen as our chairs, but it does not shut us up. We are part of five-member committee. We each have a voice."

Robison agreed last year was not easy.

"It was my most draining year," he said.

Nassa, who was congratulated on being elected to the committee before the meeting started, asked whether the Committee would commit to certain things that troubled SPS parents last year.

"If we have something we want on the agenda, can we get a commitment that it would be added?" he asked. "I think it's important to have the open (forum session). If people are being thoughtful and professional, will they be allowed to speak? There were times last year things when things got uncomfortable."

Nassa said he would like parents to be allowed to continue to speak if they bring forward general concerns.

"Our meetings are done in public, but it's not a public meeting," Robison said.

"I understand that," Nassa answered back. "But we do have to look at things differently from other committees in town. As a member I want to see a commitment (to that). I would like to know if they will have the opportunity (to speak)."

"We always have an open forum," Robison said. "It's part of our meetings. If individuals do have concerns, they can speak with any member or the superintendent. That's another way to get feedback."