TURNERS FALLS, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Gill-Montague Education Association has taken a vote of no confidence in Superintendent of Schools Brian Beck.
The vote was comprised of teachers, counselors, specialists, instructional assistants, and administrative assistants, and was announced by the GMEA at Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting.
GMEA President Heidi Schmidt said there have been longstanding concerns about Beck’s performance in the areas of communication, management, leadership, and a safe working environment.
“This decision to announce a vote of no confidence was not made lightly or in haste,” said Schmidt. “The issues are brought forward by the membership due to persistent, unresolved concerns spanning several years. The membership looks forward to further dialogue on this important matter in the spirit of collaboratively supporting our students and the educational community.”
Gill-Montague School Committe Chair Jane Oakes took issue with the manner in which the members presented the no-confidence vote.
“I guess I’m just surprised and a little disappointed that the issue was brought to the School Committee at a public meeting, rather that the school committee members officially notified through the Chair before (the meeting).”
The GMEA is also announcing a vote of no confidence in Director of Facilities and Safety Heath Cummings, although details of that vote have yet to be sent to the school committee.