A recent article regarding principal Nicholas Spera, “LEARN looking into concerns raised about Spera,” (Jan. 30), could not incorporate comments from many former faculty because we are afraid to go on record. Students, teachers, and parents who have commented on Facebook’s Whale Tales Two and an online petition demonstrate our resolve to protect our children and our colleagues. The article quoted LEARN’s Kate Ericson stating that it knew of no incidents following steps taken during 2013 to address Spera’s actions. However, in spring 2016, I met with LEARN’s associate executive director, presenting him with a file detailing bullying and inappropriate conduct by Spera, including having students’ cell phone numbers, speaking about students to other students and threatening or cursing at teachers. I advised LEARN that the principal’s earlier behaviors had re-emerged; the LEARN staff person said LEARN was aware and promised it would investigate. Later, that LEARN staff member accepted a superintendent position out of state. Either he looked into our concerns and LEARN dropped the ball, or he never followed up. Meetings with our union representative also proved fruitless. People in positions of authority have a responsibility to examine the behaviors reported and LEARN's response.

Veronica LaVista

Mystic