Schools

Maguire: Change in Leadership of Medfield Lacrosse Program is in Best Interest of Students

Medfield Superintendent of Schools Bob Maguire issued the following statement regarding the situation with former Medfield High School boys' lacrosse coach Bob Aronson at Monday's School Committee meeting.

Medfield Superintendent of Schools Bob Maguire addressed the decision not to renew Bob Aronson's contract to coach the Medfield High School boys' lacrosse team in 2012 by issuing the following statement to concerned members of the Medfield lacrosse community at Monday's School Committee meeting. The statement is as follows:

"While traveling to Houston recently to make a presentation at a National Superintendents' Conference, I had the opportunity to read Thomas Friedman's newest book, "That Used to Be Us." The premise of the book is that the U.S. is losing its competitive advantage. It ties together several issues that I think about often relative to public schools here in Medfield – including globalization, information technologies and improving education. Friedman asserts that part of our decline can be attributed to our national leaders' lack of ability or will to lead. 

He claims that leaders who make the tough decisions on issues tend to become lightning rods for controversy. As a result, too many leaders avoid tough decisions rather than risk losing their popularity. Friedman has a saying in the book, "If you see it, say it." This is, in essence a call for leaders to make difficult decisions for the greater good. And that is why I stand here before you tonight to give you some insight into a difficult decision I have made that has become the subject of some debate here in Medfield.

Find out what's happening in Medfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with many individuals with opinions on both sides of the head coach position for the Medfield High School boys' lacrosse team. I want to begin by saying here tonight that I have valued coach Aronson's years of leadership. No one disputes his success in leading our young men to state championships. Some of you have called for more specifics about my decision not to rehire coach Aronson for the next season. However, in this case and in all personnel matters, I must by law respect the confidentiality of the employee and not disclose any details in this public forum. That is the law.

Let me also be very clear tonight that throughout my career, every personnel decision I have made has been guided by one central, non-negotiable principle – DOING RIGHT BY ALL STUDENTS. As your superintendent, I must put the needs and well being of all students first. And whether we are hiring a coach, a teacher, a principal, a custodian, or anyone else in the Medfield Public Schools, we must always put all children first. And that is exactly what I have done in this case.

Find out what's happening in Medfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The decision to select new head coaches for the lacrosse team rests with me and administrators at the high school. It is a decision, however, that was not made hastily or in isolation. Principal Robert Parga and athletic director Jon Kirby conducted a thorough review of this matter to gather the facts. They have given this matter a great deal of thought, particularly knowing that any decision not to rehire coach Aronson would be unpopular with some in our community. I subsequently reviewed all of the issues involved in this matter.

Based upon the facts before us, we agree that a change in leadership is in the best interest of the lacrosse program and all student athletes. That decision is final. As long as I am superintendent, personnel matters will be resolved in accordance with district policy and state law, and not in the court of public opinion.

Some in our community have tried to criticize the school committee for this decision, but that criticism is both unfair and unfounded. The Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 specifically prohibits school committee from being involved in any personnel matters – except the hiring and evaluation of the superintendent – period.

I am grateful to the school committee for respecting their role as well as my judgment in this matter.

I have full confidence that coach [Mike] Douglas and coach [John] Isaf have the skill, experience and character to lead our lacrosse team to the next level of excellence. They know and love the sport. They care deeply about students' success, both on and off the field.

They have great respect for parents and understand the importance of treating all members of the community with civility and dignity. They are committed to winning, but they also know that high school sports are about much more than victory. They are committed to winning, but they also know that high school sports are about much more than victory. They are committed to building important lifelong skills, including perseverance, integrity, teamwork and character. 

I hope that the entire Medfield Public Schools community will join me in wishing coach Douglas and coach Isaf the very best, and doing all that we can to support them and the team moving forward. We cannot allow this matter to serve as a distraction any longer. It is time to return our focus where it belongs – to making sure our young men and women excel in the classroom and on the playing fields.

During my career here in Medfield, I have managed through many difficult matters and I have had to make other decisions that have been controversial. I have always loved working here and I deeply appreciate the fact that when disagreements occur, they are most often marked by integrity and respect.

The Medfield High School lacrosse team has a long and proud history of success and I am confident that our tradition will continue in the future with our support.

Thank you."

To read more from Monday's school committee meeting, _

 

 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here