Paul E. Peelle: Flabbergasted by article on superintendent job

I am responding to the headline article in Saturday’s Gazette about the rescinding of the Easthampton superintendency for Dr. Vito Perrone [“Super’s job offer abruptly rescinded”]. Assuming that this was an accurate article and not an April Fool’s joke, I am flabbergasted. Even before seeing Vito’s quote, I was thinking to myself that I grew up understanding that “ladies” was a term of respect. I have come to understand that it no longer is. And it was stated that, as an educator, Vito should have known that as well. Over the decades I have adjusted my speech to reflect better sensitivity. However, I acknowledge that I could accidentally fall back on something that was so strongly ingrained as being polite.

Would it not have been more civil and considerate to have advised Vito that “ladies” is micro-aggressive and suggest he alter his vocabulary so that they all could move forward? It appears to be awfully petty and not in the spirit of education to rescind an offer rather than take the opportunity to openly discuss and progress as a group.

In all of my interactions with Vito while we were both at Easthampton High School, I felt like he was always listening and caring, friendly and supportive. Observing his interactions with others, I never felt like he disrespected anybody. My experience is that he is a confident and competent leader.

There must be more than is being revealed that brought on this decision and embarrassment. From everything we know, considering that Vito was offered the position, and based on my own personal experience, Vito seemed a wonderful match for Easthampton. We as the public deserve to know more to better understand the situation. As it stands, if I were one of the remaining two candidates, I would turn down any offer.

Paul E. Peelle

Amherst

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