‘I have never seen a Black superintendent retire ... There’s a systemic problem’

Amid a racial reckoning, spotlight turns to lack of diversity among Massachusetts school chiefs By Meghan E. Irons

Like Vernet’s son, just one of seven Black kindergartners in the district, Greer was only one of six Black superintendents in Massachusetts at the time. A year later, Greer was out of her job, after contending with what she says were repeated instances of racial hostility from members of the Sharon school committee. Greer, who was in the position for three years, has since filed a discrimination suit, alleging she was targeted because of her race.

“With the exception of Carol Johnson out of Boston, I have never seen a Black superintendent retire in [the more than] 30 years I have been with the [Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents]‚” said Thomas Scott, the organization’s executive director. He and others attribute the shortened tenure to a variety of factors, including people who were pushed out and those who moved to other jobs. “There is a systemic problem.”

Whatever the reasons, a disparity remains. And at a time of national racial awareness, education advocates and students are pressing for more educators of color in positions of leadership. They say it is critical for Black, Latino, and Asian students to see themselves reflected in their teachers and school leaders. Research also shows that students of color have better academic outcomes when taught by at least some teachers of color, and that racial diversity helps break down negative perceptions in their classrooms.

Read more at the following link