Amherst-Pelham teachers union cites support for superintendent in wake of allegations

XIOMARA HERMAN

XIOMARA HERMAN

By SCOTT MERZBACH

Staff Writer

Published: 01-30-2025 7:28 PM

AMHERST — A week after the release of an anonymous letter highly critical of Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman’s management of the central office, the executive board for the union representing teachers, paraprofessionals and clerical staff released a statement last Friday supporting Herman and applauding her efforts to bring transparency and financial stability to the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional schools.

Without referencing the administrators’ letter, which called for Herman to be suspended, the union statement, titled “APEA executive board stands with Dr. Xi in advancing financial transparency and fiscal stability,” was released late Friday by teacher Claire Cocco, who handles communications on behalf of the Amherst-Pelham Education Association’s executive board.

The statement endorses the work “Dr. Xi” has done during her seven-month tenure. “Through our ongoing meetings with Dr. Xi, we have consistently found our interactions to be professional, constructive and focused on our shared goals of financial transparency, student-centered decision-making, and improving working conditions for staff,” the statement reads.

“While we may not always agree on every issue, we have worked through our differences by prioritizing the needs of our members and, most importantly, our students. Our collective commitment is to reduce staff cuts, ensure smaller class sizes and protect vital programs that directly impact student success.”

A dozen administrators released a four-page document on Jan. 17 outlining concerns with Herman’s leadership — along with allegations of threats of physical harm, of creating a hostile work environment, and sexual and workplace harassment under her watch — and saying some of those behind the letter had privately met with two school committee members to discuss their concerns on Dec. 17. Among the worries was being required to sign a non-disclosure agreement that would prevent staff from talking among themselves or with their spouses.

Since the first questions about Herman’s management were raised anonymously last fall, the Amherst-Pelham and Union 26 school committees have held two executive sessions with her, on Dec. 23 and again on Jan. 22. At the December meeting, Herman requested that an investigation be launched, and the committee members agreed to initiate an independent review so concerns can be addressed thoroughly and objectively.

The superintendent also released her own statement responding to the contents of the anonymous letter in a general way. In it, Herman cited cultural nuances and observed that truths are not easy and that difficult discussions need to take place.

“For instance, I have learned that being direct, which is often a hallmark of my leadership, can be seen as offensive to some, while indirectness, which may be preferred by others, can feel like a lack of transparency to me,” Herman said. “Bridging these differences requires openness, understanding and dialogue.”

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

‘There’s a majesty to grief’: Poet and UMass professor Peter Gizzi wins prestigious 2024 T.S. Eliot Prize for Poetry
Taylor Davis Landscaping & Construction faces $42K in fines from MassDEP
Deerfield woman detained following arrest at Capitol
Hadley’s geothermal plans for Hopkins Academy spike in cost to $9.5M
Rising to the challenge: Federal, state officials briefed on $90M fix for Hadley’s dike, levee system
Commenters spring to Amherst superintendent’s defense before school board

Herman also pointed to her Report of Entry Findings, running more than 400 pages and highlighting systemic inefficiencies, budgetary challenges and the need for clearer communication across the district. She intends to use this roadmap, as she calls it, to work collaboratively with other leaders in the schools to identify areas for growth, aligning goals and strengthening the district from the inside out, with every action to be intentional and geared toward long-term success.

“While I categorically deny making any threats of physical harm or using inappropriate language, I take these allegations seriously and have worked diligently to ensure concerns are addressed professionally and responsibly,” Herman aid. “Transparency and accountability are not just words: they are the foundation of how I lead.”

The union’s executive board adds that it plans to continue to collaborate with Herman “as she leads the much-needed reforms to address the district’s long-standing challenges in accountability and transparency.”

A hope for the union’s leaders is that this work will lead to enhanced benefits, cost-of-living adjustments and increased job security, meaning a more sustainable and supportive educational environment for those who work in and are educated in the schools.

“Her leadership is crucial in tackling systemic issues such as financial shortfalls, outdated procedures and ensuring full compliance with legal requirements, all of which have hindered progress for years,” the executive board stated.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.