As residents of Amherst for over 25 years, and as parents who have put two students through our schools, we are disgusted and angered by the actions that have been taken by the Superintendent of Schools, Adam Steel. Through his ill-informed and vindictive behavior, he has demonstrated that he is not suited for his current position within our (or any) schools. This rash pattern of ignorance, putting his personal vendetta ahead of his responsibility to students, taxpayers, and staff has broken every standard we expect each other to uphold, particularly in a role that is so impactful to all of our interests.

Beyond the measurable financial impact on our district’s budget, our property values, and the very foreseeable legal costs and insurance rate increases, his selfish, petty behavior is impacting staff turnover and morale. This is not a form of leadership that would be acceptable from any organization. Of greater import is the abysmal example he has set for our students – that autocratic and publicly embarrassing actions are to be expected from those we place in authority.

We ask that a vote of no-confidence is taken to remove him from our district at the earliest available (emergency meeting) opportunity. The lack of judgment he has exhibited provides the very real likelihood that further actions he takes will exacerbate the negative impact he has already made on our town, district, staff, and students. Leaving him in place is an abject failure of this board’s responsibility to provide the best possible environment for our students, and betrays the confidence placed in this board to effectively manage our town’s most valuable asset.