Updated at 9:59 a.m. March 8
It was an outcome predicted by many in Everett, a city that has been roiled by political and racial tensions over several years.
On Monday night the city’s school committee voted 6-4 not to renew Superintendent Priya Tahiliani's contract. She was considered a star among fellow superintendents and praised by community members, but Everett’s long-serving mayor was among those who voted her out.
Tahiliani called the support she received at the meeting “overwhelming and heartening.”
"As educators, everything we do is with the hopes of making some small impact. And last night, I felt reassured that I am doing my job. I will carry that encouragement and support with me through this difficult time," Tahiliani said in a statement.
Tahiliani has served as Everett's superintendent since March 2020. As a woman of Indian origin, she was the first person of color to hold the post in a district where more than 80% of students are non-white and 89% of teachers are white.
Just last year, she was awarded a statewide prize from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. Her supporters, including M.A.S.S. Executive Director Tom Scott, said she'd brought needed stability to the school district after the previous superintendent was convicted of indecent assault of a school employee.
Tahiliani had also received broadly positive feedback in school committee appraisals for the past two years. Mayor Carlo DeMaria was among those supporters in 2021 — but last year he was the lone committee member not to submit any appraisal.
In January 2022, Tahiliani filed a discrimination complaint against DeMaria, accusing him and others on the school committee of racism, sexism and interference with her work. And she alleged he was trying to “oust” her.
The disconnect between the superintendent's positive feedback and committee members' critical views angered some members of the public at Monday's meeting, who blamed “old school politics” and racism for the decision.
“Basically, as I see it, you have two choices. You have racism or anti-racism. Go back to the past or embrace the present and the future. You can use students, families and educators as pawns in your own internal squabbles. Or you can empower them,“ said teacher Shane McNally, addressing the committee before the vote.
Several residents at the public microphone pointed to the influence of the mayor, now serving his sixth term in Everett.
Resident Janice Lark called it "a no brainer" to renew Tahiliani and called for her opponents on the council to explain their positions.
“The guy in the corner office does not want her here. We all know that,” Lark said. “Is it because her skin is brown? Is it because she's female? Is it because she's smart? What is it?”
DeMaria did not explain his vote, but had made public his opposition to the superintendent in previous meetings. Others who voted no, like committee member Cynthia Sarnie, spoke of being harassed by members of the public and denied rumors that their votes had been bought. She also offered some specifics.
“My vote would be based on the safety of the school and the cleaning and cleanliness of the schools,” said Sarnie.
Marconi Almeida Barros, the lone member of color on the school committee, said Tahiliani had earned the committee’s support and reminded his colleagues they were the “voice” for students and families.
“I don’t know how after listening to all of this, especially from students and parents, we would say no to the superintendent,” Almeida Barros said.
Several students of color, like Everett high school junior Tiana Allen, came to the public microphone to explain why having Tahiliani in the role mattered.
“When students see someone that looks exactly like them, holding amazing leadership skills and positions, it drives the students to do more,” said Allen, ”to reach for positions that felt so unbelievably out of reach... It means to drive Everett do more.”
Tahiliani's current contract runs to March 2024.
Qualified superintendents are in short supply nationally. According to M.A.S.S., the state currently needs to fill 45 of the 275 superintendent positions.
Speaking to the school committee, Benjamin Murray, a teacher and member of his union’s negotiating committee made a dire prediction.
"On the line is the future of the city, that is what’s on the line,” said Murray. “If you let her go tonight, you will not see another qualified candidate come across your table again."
This story was updated to include comment from Tahiliani.
