AMHERST — A Hampshire Superior Court judge is ruling that a former Amherst Regional Middle School guidance counselor is entitled to return to her position, confirming an arbitrator’s ruling.
Judge James Manitsas on Oct. 30 made the decision, putting an end to the effort by the district to vacate the arbitrator’s ruling.
Dykes was terminated from her job in December 2023 following a Title IX investigation that reported she misgendered students and made inappropriate comments related to gender and sexual orientation. She has been on a paid leave since July, when the arbitrator’s ruling was made.
In court filings on her behalf, attorneys James A.W. Shaw and Nico J. Marulli of Segal Roitman, LLP of Boston, wrote that “should the court confirm the award, Ms. Dykes asks the court to specifically clarify that reinstatement means a return to the workplace, and not simply being placed on a demeaning and ongoing paid administrative leave.”
In a statement, the district points out that Manitsas didn’t make independent findings related to Dykes’ actions, but that the court was legally bound to accept the arbitrator’s factual findings. The district is now working with its legal counsel and the Regional School Committee to determine appropriate next steps.
Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said the district is committed to ensuring that every student and staff member is safe, supported, and feels a strong sense of belonging in our schools.
“Regardless of the next steps, our focus remains where it must always be, on our students,” Herman said. “We are committed to ensuring that this continues to be a school system where every child is honored, respected, and given the opportunity to be their best self.”
Herman added that the district is deeply engaged in updating procedures to strengthen how commitments are upheld each day.
“Our work is ongoing, and our purpose is clear: to protect, support, and elevate every student in our care,” Herman said.