Union raises concerns about withheld HIB report and due process; district says redacted report will be provided to counsel

Sharon Gorlick, president of the Somerville Education Association, told the board she and members have repeatedly requested the finalized Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) report and an appeal hearing tied to a confirmed HIB finding and have not received the full report.

"Our members are currently not receiving their proper due process," Gorlick said, describing repeated requests beginning in January and the union's decision to retain counsel after requests for a fuller report were not fulfilled. She said the union asked for a finalized summary with only student names redacted and that members were offered only a redacted summary with additional redactions.

Gorlick said union attorneys were told in a meeting that pressing for the report could prompt further disciplinary action, which union counsel considered improper. She asked the board to ensure the promised documents and procedures are delivered.

Superintendent J.R. Lubisco responded that district counsel was working with the union's attorneys to provide a redacted version of the report and that the district's attorney "is currently working on redacting the report and it will be to our members' attorneys by the end of the week," a timeline Lubisco said he appreciated. The board noted some investigative and personnel details are confidential and involve legal counsel.

The union's statement and the administration's response were recorded during the public-comment period; board members said they value due process while noting they cannot discuss confidential personnel matters in open session.

The board did not take public action on the matter during the meeting; administration said it would continue to work with counsel to deliver appropriate redactions to legal representatives.