(GN: Jack speaks on this but he is more cryptic while I am blunt, so consider this the plain speak version of Jack’s Post)
The recent tragedy at Lowell High is sad enough but for certain School Committee people to show up at the event was uncalled for a didn’t go unnoticed.
While Bob Gignac may have thought he was being a responsible member and supporting his Superintendent by showing up, making comments to the press like “no one should have been in the pool prior to the private swim club’s practice” doesn’t help anyone or the city.
Dave Conway who wasn’t quoted should have stayed home also. Thankfully most members including the Mayor didn’t show up and said little when asked smartly waiting for a full police report.
The tragedy should not be used to get rid of HeadMaster Ed Rozmiarek either. Mr. r has never been able to escape the ghost of his predecessor and may end up not seeking renewal or may not get a new contract but those out gunning for him should have the decency to not exploit the death of a student to show him the door.
The “Boo birds” may try to use the event in partnership with the Parking Garage theft, Water dept. gas stealing and water dept. manager’s using city equipment and the issues with the janitor stealing to show that the city is out of control and the Manager has reached his shelf life and needs to move on but again that is in the poorest of taste.
Let the family and friends grieve and the school community heal while the police do their work and let the committee has a whole make or enact any recommendations or suggestions to prevent this from ever occurring again.
Don’t let the tragedy turn into a circus!
Amen, Gerry. Life is precious, respect his grieving family and friends.
Gerry,
Just to clarify my presence at LHS Monday evening.
I received a phone call shortly after 6pm on Monday from an LHS Administrator asking me to relay a message to the superintendent.The administrator explained a serious issue occurred at LHS and they could not get in touch with anyone at Central Office as it was after hours. I immediately called the superintendent and asked her to contact the administrator. At this time, I was leaving downtown to head over to the Rogers for a meeting. Just a few minutes later the superintendent called me back stating she could not get ahold of the LHS administrator(not the headmaster). I turned off of bridge street and headed to LHS to literally hand my phone to the administrator to speak to the superintendent. The administrator spoke to the superintendent and informed her of the situation and returned the phone to me. The superintendent explained she was on her way and I immediately walked to my car and left. I then headed to the Rogers for the collective bargaining meeting.
In summary, I went to LHS to assist in informing the superintendent of the serious situation. I was there to support the LHS administrator that contacted me for assistance.