Why not pick someone from the island

As Ms. Squire may be a lovely person and well qualified, I find it perplexing that a person with the same credentials and qualifications who was a top finalist was not chosen. Ms. Knight was born and raised on the island, she attended the Chilmark School, her amazing children went to the Chilmark School. Inspired to teach from her island education she has become a well loved and respected teacher on the island. She is a full time resident of Chilmark with her own home. We are so fortunate to have a person like that on the island who passion for education of our children is steadfast. She is a bright star, she is an example of the excellence of the Chilmark School that we as a Town built and what better person to guide our children and our school. Mr. Custer the principal of the Tisbury School is respected and loved. He went to the Tisbury School K-8 and is another example of islander of excellence that we are fortunate to have.

So, so disappointed our incredible island candidate was not offered the position.

I’ve written and erased my reply to this announcement multiple times over the past twelve hours. I can’t seem to find the right words to express my overwhelming disappointment with the decision made by the interview committee and superintendent Smith. About a month ago, when the twelve applicants for the Chilmark School principal position was narrowed down to two finalists,I sent in a letter of recommendation for Alicia Fenner Knight. I won’t share it in its entirety, but here is an excerpt: “Alicia and I got to know each other best during our time serving on the (Chilmark School) PTO and as members of the Chilmark School Task Force which ultimately resulted in us being founding members of the Chilmark Preschool. Alicia, as you know, is not only dedicated to her community, it’s members and their overall well-being, but she is dedicated to the success of her students both in and out of the classroom. She is kind, patient, soft spoken but clear, enthusiastic, dedicated, a true guiding light and one who will take the helm of the Chilmark School with strength, ease and with both her head and heart in the thick of it all. Her life’s work will truly culminate at this moment and our children will benefit from all the time and energy she has put into gearing up for this beautiful match. I can’t imagine you will find a person more qualified or suitable for taking the Chilmark School into her care. Being a Chilmark School alum is a special thing— they all want to see it continue on successfully educating and nurturing future generations and none could do it more professionally, wisely and with tremendous pride than Alicia.” I am sure Ms. Squire, as quoted by Marie Larsen has “a stellar resume and stellar accomplishments” and I am sure she is a lovely person who has good intentions when it comes to the well-being of our community’s children. My dismay has nothing to do with her credentials, personality, accomplishments, etc. My dismay is solely based on how anyone could pass over the tremendous opportunity to have a highly qualified, community oriented, dedicated townsperson, passionate educator and life long Chilmarker take over the helm of her alma mater. I continue to re-read what I have typed and continue to feel my words to not accurately portray just how utterly disappointed I am that the qualified hometown gal was passed over. Truly stunned…

Shocked and disappointed.

The opportunity to chose a principle does not come often. When I think of the Fenner/Knight family the word volunteer comes to mind. They have and continue to serve the country, town, and Island. Over the years they have provided jobs and spread cheer and good will and music to all walks of life across the Island and beyond. Chilmark blew it!

Seems to be the million dollar question ... why not choose the exceptionally qualified, thoughtfully bright Island candidate with guaranteed housing and personal historical knowledge of the place and its culture? In this challenging time of world (and Island) fractured spirit and upheaval, I'm stunned and so saddened that reconnecting and bolstering our local community wasn't the obvious, broad reaching choice. What an extraordinary loss for the Chilmark community and its next generations.

As a former elementary school principal of many years who now mentors new administrators, I think that Katie Carroll's comment is very wise and makes numerous excellent points. And as someone who has sat on numerous search committees and is aware of the outcomes of dozens more, I can add that often candidates who come from afar frequently leave after a year or two and the community is back to square one. It is mystifying that someone of Ms. Knight's calibre, who knows the community through and through and is committed to it could be passed over. I encourage her to "keep the faith" and stay in the game until another opportunity comes along. And yes, good luck to Ms. Squire.

I agree 100 percent. Why,oh why? What a shame and a wonderful option missed.

What a welcome for Ms. Squire!