Woburn Superintendent Hires New HS Principal, Teachers Not Happy

WOBURN, MA — Woburn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley announced the hiring of Daniel Rasanen as the new principal of Woburn Memorial High School last week, though some teachers and administrators have expressed their displeasure with the hiring process.

Rasanen, who is scheduled to take the new post on July 1, has served as the principal/program director at RISE Academy, an alternative high school in Lawrence, since 2015.

In a news release announcing the hiring, Woburn Public Schools said that during the interview process, Rasanen displayed a deep knowledge of utilizing and implementing student data to inform decisions, drive instruction and promote academic rigor. Rasanen also spoke about his commitment to prioritizing authentic learning experiences for students, which is, according to the district, a key component of its strategic vision.

"Mr. Rasanen's ability to connect with students embodies the caliber of an educational professional that the students have envisioned to lead Woburn Memorial High School," said Crowley, who had the final hiring decision. "He speaks highly of Woburn's willingness to talk openly about the issues that it faces and embrace change. We believe that he will foster a positive environment where students and staff feel a sense of belonging."

But at a Thursday night School Committee meeting at Joyce Middle School, a handful of teachers and even one member of the committee said they were not happy about Crowley's decision, according to the Daily Times Chronicle.

The Daily Times Chronicle reported that several opponents of the hire said they preferred WMHS Assistant Principal Meghan Patrissi, who had been a finalist for the job.

"We felt yet again our voices were not heard. Even students have approached me and others in the building to express their disappointment," said WHMS teacher Amy Cardoso.

School Committee member Michael Mulrenan, according to the Daily Times Chronicle, called on his fellow School Committee members to take a symbolic vote supporting the teachers' stance on the hiring. However, the School Committee refused to do so on the grounds that the committee did not have authority over the hiring of principals.

Mulrenan questioned whether Rasanen could still lead the school if he did not have the support of the teachers, even suggesting that Rasanen reconsider the position, according to the newspaper.

"Overwhelmingly, the internal candidate was my choice," Mulrenan said. "I think you're seeing you're going to have an uphill battle, no disrespect to the superintendent. I'd love to see you return to the community in another capacity."

Rasanen also spoke at the the meeting, and he praised WMHS teachers for sticking up for Patrissi.

"The questions are valid and I would have questions too about someone coming into the district I didn’t know. But I truly believe I'm the right person for this job," Rasanen said.

Rasanen later added: "I realize I have some trust to earn and some credibility to build with people."

Some of the hostility between teachers and administrators, according to the Daily Times Chronicle, is connected to the seven-day teachers strike carried out by the Woburn Teachers Association earlier this year.