Concord speakers condemn harassment of superintendent after second scarecrow-like incident; police notified
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Summary
A school committee member reported a second scarecrow-like object with demeaning language targeting Superintendent Dr. Hunter and said the Concord Police Department had been notified.
A school committee member reported that a second scarecrow-like object carrying demeaning language aimed at Superintendent Dr. Hunter was placed at the end of the street of an elected school committee official, and that the Concord Police Department had been notified.
"This anonymous act of intimidation is deeply disturbing," Andrew Herczyk said as he read a prepared statement to open the meeting. "Concord is better than this." Herczyk said the latest message appeared to escalate the tactic by including a reference to violence.
During the allotted 20-minute public comment period, multiple residents condemned the harassment and urged the town to support the superintendent and school staff. "I am horrified by the recent hateful incidents targeting our superintendent and the school committee," said Jamie Ring, adding that families she works with support the administration. Mark Martinez described postings and fake social-media accounts used to spread disparaging commentary as "irresponsible and cowardly." Liz Gibbs called the behavior "disgraceful, ugly, menacing" and said it amounted to bullying.
Parents and volunteers also contrasted the attacks with what they described as the everyday work of teachers and staff. Abby Flanagan praised Concord Integrated Preschool as "the crown jewel of the Concord Public School System," saying teachers and specialists in that program model empathy and inclusion for students. Melissa Korchevsky said Dr. Hunter "has led with integrity and care" and "deserves our trust and gratitude." Ivanchal Adarajan, who moved to Concord four years ago, said threats against public servants were "absolutely unacceptable," and expressed concern the three targeted individuals to date have been women.
The committee did not take action during the public-comment segment. Herczyk said the Concord Police Department has been notified and that the committee called on the community to speak out against intimidation.
The meeting proceeded with its agenda after the public-comment period ended.
