Students of Everett High School walked out of class on Thursday in protest of the Everett School Committee's decision not to renew the district superintendent’s contract.
Approximately 100 students marched to Everett City Hall, chanting in support of Superintendent Priya Tahiliani, to demand the school committee reverse its decision and extend her contract.
“It's just upsetting to see that they kicked out the one woman of color who has actually been putting in a lot of help for the community,” said Ezra Rosario, an Everett High School alumni. “She's been very proactive. But our own mayor is only proactive when it looks good on his own.”
Tahiliani, a woman of Indian origin, was the first person of color to hold the job of superintendent for the district. She was appointed to the position in late 2019 and began in the role the next year. She has frequently been at odds with Mayor Carlo DeMaria during her tenure. Despite her receiving positive performance reviews from school committee members, DeMaria has wanted her out.
Last year, Tahiliani filed a complaint with the state against DeMaria, alleging he subjected her to “ blatant and overt acts of discrimination and retaliation.” The mayor has denied these charges.
More than 80% of students who attend Everett Public Schools are people of color, while about 89% of the district's teachers are white. Tahiliani alleged that after hiring minority candidates, DeMaria accused her of “racism” because he felt that she was excluding white people from open positions.
Riley Avelar, a senior at Everett High School, also serves as the student representative for the Everett School Committee. She said she attended Monday's meeting where Tahiliani was voted out.
“I felt very unheard,” she said. “Our city is minority majority. We live in Massachusetts, a minority majority district. It only makes sense that we have a woman that represents us, that relates to the students and that they can feel connected to.”
Janene Johnson, a paraprofessional for Everett Public Schools. She said she decided to attend the protest after learning that Tahiliani was being criticized for hiring people of color.
“When the roles were switched all these years, it was never a racist problem. There's a big contradiction when you look at it that way,” she said.
In a statement to GBH, DeMaria said his vote at this week’s school committee meeting reflects his commitment to ensuring that “all students and their families, our teachers and staff are fully represented.”
“I’m hopeful that we can have discussions about how to make the Everett Public School District stronger to benefit all our students and that those conversations include respect for everyone’s opinions,” DeMaria said in a statement to GBH. “I also hope that students will come to understand that I share their belief that we need an educational system where collaboration and different views are embraced.”
