EASTHAMPTON — Superintendent Nancy Follansbee said Monday the civil rights investigation of Easthampton High School by the state attorney general’s office affirms many of the findings outlined in her internal investigation of the school.
Among other things, the report by the AG’s office found that black and Hispanic students face more severe discipline than white students at the school.
Follansbee found in her investigation that discipline policies and procedures need to be reviewed and updated, and that members of the school community do not have consistent knowledge and understanding of the polices and procedures related to student conduct.
The superintendent, who said she was surprised by the severity of the language in the AG’s office report, issued a statement on Monday.
“The report highlights gaps and disparities that we take very seriously,” Follansbee said. “The attorney general’s office and Easthampton Public Schools agree that there are concerns that must be addressed and we have entered into an agreement based upon those concerns.”
She reviewed and signed the memorandum of agreement with the AG’s office on Thursday, which includes some of the same requirements listed in the superintendent’s 10-point action plan.
“We are pleased to have a strong proactive plan in place and will continue to move forward,” Follansbee said. “We remain committed to beginning the school year with a renewed sense of purpose to unify the community and ensure that every school is a safe, welcoming learning environment for all.”