AMHERST, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District has filed a complaint requesting to vacate the arbitration award that ordered the district to reinstate former guidance counselor Delinda Dykes, who had been accused of misgendering students. The Regional School Committee voted unanimously to approve the appeal filing in their meeting on Tuesday, July 29th.
Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Files Complaint to Vacate Arbitration Award in Amherst-Pelham Regional School District v. Delinda Dykes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2025
AMHERST, MA – Today, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District officially filed a complaint to vacate the arbitration award in the matter of Amherst-Pelham Regional School District v. Delinda Dykes with the Hampshire Superior Court system.
“On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Regional School Committee unanimously voted (8 in favor, 1 absent) to approve filing an appeal of the recent arbitration decision,” stated Sarahbess Kenney, Chair of the Regional School Committee. “The Regional School Committee remains deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment for all children.
This decision reflects that commitment and our duty to uphold the values of our school communities.” Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman added, “Every decision we make must be rooted in what’s best for children. The work is not always easy, but it is necessary. This appeal is one step toward doing right by our students by ensuring that the systems our staff and students rely on are aligned with our district values. We recognize that parts of our system may need to improve, and we’re committed to doing that work with children at the center of every action we take.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Office of the Superintendent
Amherst-Pelham Regional School District
Email: officeofthesuperintendent@arps.org