School Superintendent Responds to Anonymous Accusations

Amherst School Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman, popularly known as Dr. Xi (pronounced zee), released a statement on Wednesday (11/6) summarizing the work that she and her administration have undertaken in her first 100 days as superintendent. The report was in response to an anonymous letter that has been mailed to the school committee and several Amherst residents, charging Dr. Xi with not fulfilling her duties, fiscal impropriety, and mistreatment of staff.  The letter also included a copy of a district document that revealed confidential information about a district employee.

Dr. Xi condemned this breach of privacy, noting that it goes against the district’s values of respect and trust. “It’s disheartening that an anonymous letter would misuse confidential information to target an individual and distract from our collective goals. This behavior is not acceptable, and it will not be tolerated,” Dr. Xi stated, emphasizing the district’s commitment to a respectful and supportive environment for all staff.

Dr. Xi offered the following summary of what her team has accomplished in the first 100 days in rebuttal to the anonymous charge that her performance as superintendent has been unsatisfactory. In this summary she reflects on the progress, challenges, and key decisions that have shaped the beginning of her tenure. Dr. Xi has prioritized transparency, student-centered decision-making, and fostering trust within the community, focusing on the steps necessary to create a strong foundation for the district’s future. The district has also produced a video on her first 100 days.  That video can be viewed here.

As part of her entry plan, Dr. Xi dedicated time to understanding the district’s needs and building relationships, engaging in one-on-one meetings, listening sessions, and collaborations with labor unions, parents, community organizations, and local leaders. These connections—with groups such as the Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC), LGBTQIA+ Caucus, Latinx Caucus, Amherst Pelham Education Association (APEA), and  the Jewish Community of Amherst—revealed the critical need for her core values: accountability, respect, professionalism, and student-centered decision-making, to rebuild community trust.

“These first 100 days have shown me both the challenges and the strengths within our district,” Dr. Xi shared. “Listening to our students, families, staff, and community partners has reinforced my commitment to leading with transparency and accountability.”

“The role of data in informing our actions cannot be overstated. It’s through this lens that we can make impactful changes that directly benefit our students and staff,” Dr. Xi explained. She acknowledged that change may feel unsettling to some, yet reaffirmed her belief that transparency and accountability are critical to strengthening the district’s foundation.

Through data-driven assessments and direct engagement with staff and families, Dr. Xi identified key areas for improvement, especially in family engagement. With insufficient data over the past three years, the district has seen rising chronic absenteeism, a decline in parental trust, and a drop in achievement for marginalized minority and high-needs students. To address these trends, Dr. Xi initiated a restructuring of family support systems to build stronger school-family connections. “With chronic absenteeism on the rise and families seeking closer connections with their schools, it became clear that our support model was not meeting the needs of all ourstudents and families. Our goal is to rebuild trust and create meaningful connections that bring families directly into the educational experience,” she explained.

A new centralized family support team now operates at the district level to provide family training and services, while embedded support staff are stationed within schools to strengthen engagement at the local level. “This new model allows our Family Center to bring training and resources directly to families while positioning staff within each school fosters stronger, more personal relationships between families and educators,” Dr. Xi noted.

As part of a strategy to address budget constraints while maximizing district efficiency, Dr. Xi has also led efforts to consolidate district positions and align roles with staff strengths. Key consolidations include:

1.   Procurement and Compliance Specialist: This role merges procurement with compliance functions to ensure adherence to fiscal policies and regulatory standards, essential for fiscal accountability.

2.   Curriculum, Equity, and Instructional Leadership Director: This combined role integrates the Strategic Equity, Inclusivity, and Instructional Leadership Coach with the Curriculum Administrator, ensuring a unified approach to curriculum development and culturally responsive teaching practices.

3.   Superintendent’s Executive Assistant and Labor Relations Specialist: This dual role combines executive support for the Superintendent with labor relations expertise, addressing both administrative needs and labor matters efficiently.

“These restructuring decisions allow us to use our resources effectively, ensuring we are equipped to meet the diverse needs of the district while remaining fiscally responsible,” Dr. Xi explained. Additional central office consolidations and adjustments are forthcoming as part of the district’s ongoing efficiency measures.

Dr. Xi also expressed deep appreciation for the district’s staff, recognizing their resilience and commitment to adapting to a new leadership style focused on accountability and best practices. “Our teachers, administrators, and support teams are the backbone of this district. Their commitment to our students and willingness to adapt and grow inspire me daily,” she said. To enhance district-wide communication, Dr. Xi has also introduced a Media and Climate Specialist to strengthen engagement between the district, students, families, and the broader community.

Looking ahead, Dr. Xi and her team are preparing to present her entry plan findings by the end of November, offering a comprehensive overview of the district’s current status along with actionable goals aimed at enhancing family engagement, student outcomes, and operational effectiveness. Central to Dr. Xi’s mission is improving outcomes for marginalized minority and high-needs students. This work involves aligning the district’s budget closely with its educational priorities, addressing fiscal constraints, and ensuring that support is both equitable and accessible for every family.

Concluding her reflections on the first 100 days, Dr. Xi emphasized her commitment to leading with love— a multifaceted approach that guides her interactions, decisions, and vision for the district. “Love means advocating for every student, holding ourselves to the highest standards, and showing respect in every interaction. It’s about ensuring that every family, staff member, and student knows they belong here and that we are building this community together,” she stated, underscoring her dedication to creating a district rooted in trust, respect, and compassion.

Read More: A Few Questions for Dr. Xi,  Amherst’s New Superintendent of Schools (Amherst Indy)