Students, teachers urge Woburn School Committee to reverse nonrenewals after 22 staff notices

Dozens of students, teachers and community members used the public-comment portion of the Woburn School Committee meeting on June 25 to press the district to reverse or reconsider nonrenewal notices affecting 22 employees, saying the staff cuts will remove counselors and culturally responsive mentors who students rely on.

The comments were emotional and specific. “Mr. G was the main reason why I was able to graduate,” said Talia Hegarty, a recent graduate, crediting a staff member identified in public remarks as “Mister G” with intervening when she faced homelessness and helping her join a support program that enabled graduation. Student speakers repeatedly described the same staff as trusted mentors who de-escalate conflicts, connect students to…