Mr. Hyde Is Not Appointed Mashpee High School Assistant Principal

By: Brian Kehrl
Published: 06/24/11

Parents are rallying around veteran Mashpee educator Brian A. Hyde after learning that he would not be returning as Mashpee High School’s assistant principal next year.

Mr. Hyde confirmed on Monday that “at this time, I have not been appointed as the Mashpee High School assistant principal for the 2011-12 school year.”

Mr. Hyde, who has been with the district since 1989, was appointed last year to a one-year stint as interim assistant principal after the previous assistant principal, Jane A. Day, was promoted to MHS principal.

“I love Mashpee, the Mashpee Public Schools, and the MHS assistant principal’s responsibility. I truly want this job as I enjoy working with students, parents, staff and faculty as well as the hard work that the role entails,” Mr. Hyde said, but he did not comment further on his employment status with the schools.

Superintendent Ann M. Bradshaw was asked why Mr. Hyde had not been reappointed, if Mr. Hyde would remain in the district in another position, and whether the assistant principal position would be eliminated or filled with someone else. She declined to answer any of the questions on the grounds that this is “a personnel matter” and therefore confidential.

The Mashpee Teachers Association declined to comment on the matter. Suzanne M. Avtges, co-president of the MTA, referred to the matter in a brief statement as “an ongoing confidential personnel issue currently being discussed. The Mashpee Teachers Association will offer no comment until such a time after a settlement has been reached.”

Upon learning of this development, parents responded with an outpouring of support for Mr. Hyde and pleas to district officials to keep him on as assistant principal. Over the past week several parents e-mailed school officials in support of Mr. Hyde, and many of them sent copies of those e-mails to the Enterprise.

Carol L. Mitchell, who helps organize the high school’s annual post-prom party, said Mr. Hyde “has done an amazing job and I would like to see him fill that position permanently. I feel he is an incredible asset to the high school.” She praised Mr. Hyde’s dedication, positive attitude, and openness with parents, students, and fellow staff members.

“I have heard nothing but praise for Brian in his role as the assistant principal from my peers with children in the high school and also from teachers that work with Brian,” said Danielle Fox, who has younger children in the Mashpee schools. “Families value his longtime dedication to the Mashpee school system, his approachable nature and most importantly, his attention to the values and principles being taught to the students at the school. It would be to the detriment of the Mashpee school system to lose such a devoted assistant principal.”

Colleagues of Mr. Hyde are also lending their voices to the effort. In a letter sent to the Mashpee School Committee, Mr. Hyde’s longtime friend and fellow teacher Edmund C. (Ted) O’Rourke said that in his more than 20 years as an educator, “I have found few others that have had the interest of the students’ well-being as much in the forefront as Mr. Hyde.”

Though retired from teaching, Mr. O’Rourke is still involved with MHS as a coach, and in that capacity he has “had the opportunity to observe [Mr. Hyde’s] transformation into an administrative position. I know both from conversations with Brian about the position, and from dealing with him as an administrator regarding some of my student athletes, that he has taken his task most seriously and has endeavored to be fair but firm to all involved.”

“I strongly believe that Mashpee High School has become a better place for students and teachers as a result of Mr. Hyde’s efforts,” he said.

A half-dozen women showed up near the end of Wednesday’s Mashpee School Committee meeting hoping to speak about the matter, but did not get an opportunity as the committee’s monthly finance meeting does not have a public comment period. Ms. Bradshaw invited them to meet with her at a future date.

The Enterprise offered the women a chance to speak about the situation, but they declined to be interviewed on the record.

4 Responses to "Mr. Hyde Is Not Appointed Mashpee High School Assistant Principal"

1. tcook64@comcast.net says: 06/24/11
   

   I have known and worked with Mr Hyde for over 17 years as a parent of his students, as a school committee member, and as a selectman and was extremely pleased when "Mr Mashpee" was named as the interim assistant principal @ Mashpee High School. He and Ms Day have proven to be an excellent management team! Mr Hyde's enthusiasm is unsurpassed and he has succeeded at his job as Assistant Principal. The feedback from the High School community has been very positive. A team of people chosen to help pick out the permanent assistant principal overwhelmingly recommended that Brian Hyde be appointed. I am puzzled by this turn of events and think that the students at Mashpee High have been served unfairly by this decision. Mr Hyde's good positive attitude and love of Mashpee High was evident any time that I visited and I am sorry that he will not continue to serve in that role. Terrie Cook
2. Moon81 says: 06/24/11
   

   I have known Mr Hyde for 6 years. I have had the pleasure and priviledge to get to know him more closely over the past 4 years as my daughter made her way through Mashpee High School. I can say, without hesitation, that the enthusiasm and energy that Mr Hyde brings to the building every day was a great contributor to the success that my daughter enjoyed at M H S. It was Mr Hyde that first got my daughter interested in government through the Law and You class that he taught. It was Mr Hyde that continually reminded her that she had the ability to reach the high academic goals she had set for herself. And, I don't think there was a person more excited when my daughter announced to him that she had been admitted to Harvard College. In conversations with my daughter, other teachers and coaches, it is apparent that the entire school community felt that Mr Hyde had done an excellent job in his role as Assistant Principal. I, like Mrs. Cook, am extremely confused why someone who has the support and backing of the entire school community is not being offered the Assistant Principal position on a full time basis. I feel the kids will be the ultimate losers if this decision is not reversed. Michael Mullen
3. hfazzino says: 06/24/11
   

   What makes a great assistant principal? (Submitted to Letters to the Editor) As a parent of a M.H.S. 2009 graduate and two current Mashpee High School Students and former Chairperson of the Mashpee Special Education Parent Advisory Council. I have seen many teachers and administrators come and go over the years. I have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Hyde over the years. It saddens me that a decision has been made and as of now he will not be returning in September as Assistant Principal. A question one might ask is what makes a great assistant principal? It is my opinion that the following are some of the characteristics I feel are important, all of which Brian Hyde has demonstrated over the past year. FLEXIBILITY & RESPECT: TWO MUST-HAVE QUALITIES- TEAMWORK-THE ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO REACH A MUTUAL GOAL FAIRNESS: THE ABILITY TO SEE THE “BIG PICTURE” AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY AFTER HAVING ALL OF THE FACTS- VISIBILITY: AN EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATOR MUST BE VISIBLE. STUDENTS, STAFF AND PARENTS NEED TO SEE THE ADMINISTRATOR IN THE CLASSROOMS, IN THE COORIDORS, AT LUNCHES, AT BUS DUTY, AND AT EXTRACURRICULOR ACTIVITIES. Brian was always “visible”. He has assisted in making Mashpee High School a safe welcoming environment in which to learn for both students, families and staff. Brian has worked hard to get to know each individual student. His positive energy is contagious. Brian sets clear limits and treats both staff and students with dignity and respect. He leads by example and redirects students when they make a mistake without causing them embarrassment. This allows for students to gain a respect and trust which in turn makes our children comfortable enough to seek support when needed. Mr. Hyde is an integral part of the Mashpee community. He is an active participant whether it is at a fundraiser or with his wife and children at community events such as Octoberfest. His steadfast commitment to Mashpee Schools is evident with each year that passes. He understands the strengths and needs of our students and knows what is happening in a given classroom. Brian has played an active role in planning and supporting instruction that is appropriate for all Mashpee students, and he ensured that school time and resources are focused on student achievement. Mr. Hyde has done a spectacular job as assistant principal this past year; he has proven himself time and time again. It would truly be detrimental to the Mashpee community to lose him as Assistant Principal. I just want to end with a quote that I feel is appropriate…..”Before they care how much you know, they need to know how much you care.” I feel this effectively describes Brian’s dedication to Mashpee High School and the Mashpee Community especially over this past year. Heidi Fazzino Old Barnstable Rd. Mashpee
4. Grumpygrampy says: 06/26/11
   

   I'm very upset that Ann Bradshaw has decided to allow an outstanding leader and educator go by the wayside. I'm speaking of Brian Hyde, the former Acting Principle of the Mashpee High School. For some unknown reason, Ms. Bradshaw, has left the position either vacant for the coming year or is holding it for "SOMEONE". Whatever she's doing, she's doing it wrong. Brian Hyde for the past year has given of himself, withyout question, to each and every teacher, student, and friend of Mashpee High School. New programs have come about due to, his talent, quick thinking, and progressive action, and all of his ideas he will tell you are "the action of the staff, students, and administrators at the school". He's not looki9ng for the credit. So Ms. Bradshaw, why not let the good times continue to roll? If Mr. Hyde has done a bad job, say so, he's a big boy, he can handle it, but by saying nothing is hurting for too many people, mainly the students of the Mashpee School District. Be smart, give Brian Hyde the job he deserves and has earned Chuck Warry Bonwood Drive Mashpee