AMHERST — An investigation has cleared Amherst Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman of allegations of threatening harm to a district employee, creating a hostile work environment for an employee and retaliating against employees who are part of a protected class.

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee, chaired by Sarahbess Kenney of Pelham, and the Union 26 School Committee, chaired by William Sherr of Pelham, on Monday issued a joint statement that a recent investigation by an independent law firm found no wrongdoing by Herman.

“The investigator conducted interviews, collected evidence, and prepared a lengthy report for the committees,” the statement reads. “The investigator’s findings did not substantiate any of these allegations. Accordingly, the committees have taken no action on the report, and now consider this matter closed.”

The controversy over Herman’s performance began in January when a dozen administrators contended there have been threats of violence, a hostile work environment and mismanagement and workplace harassment under her leadership. The administrators, who have remained anonymous, presented the committees with a four-page document detailing specific examples.

Even before that document was made public, in December Herman requested that the school committees look into accusations of mismanagement and abusive behavior in the central office.

“We take concerns raised within our school community seriously and are committed to ensuring a fair process when addressing such matters,” the committees said in the statement. “As always, we remain committed to our mission to provide all students with a high-quality education; and focused on our priorities of student safety and well-being, healing and stabilization, and data and accountability for equity.”

“We recognize change can be uncomfortable and encourage open, honest, and respectful dialogue as we continue to grow and make meaningful changes in our school community. The committees remain confident in Dr Xi’s leadership and her commitment to serving our students, staff, and families of our districts.”

Herman had previously cited cultural nuances as a reason for the accusations by administrators and called for openness, understanding and dialogue, seeing resistance to change in a community that values diversity.

“In our district, this resistance often surfaces when change looks different from what was traditionally expected,” Herman said. “These underlying dynamics can create barriers to collective growth and hinder the important work of building a stronger, more unified educational system.”

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.