By Victoria Dolan

After almost a week and a half of absence by Hull High’s assistant principal, students and staff are left with questions and few answers from the school administration.

Hull High Assistant Principal Julie Burke

Assistant Principal Julie Burke has been absent from Hull High School since shortly after the announcement of Principal Michael Knybel’s impending resignation, around May 6. As of writing, she has been absent for almost two weeks.

Students and staff received no communication from the administration regarding Burke’s extended absence. Brian Mullin, a teacher at Hull High School and the Hull Teachers Association co-president, noted that “a general notification should have happened.

“As you know, we don’t comment on personnel matters. Julie Burke is a valued employee of the Hull Public Schools. I ask that you please respect her privacy,” Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn said. When asked for further comment about the lack of communication, Kuehn declined.

Mullin added that wishes to respect Burke’s privacy may have caused more harm than good.

“The lack of communication has led to extremely damaging and irresponsible gossip to spread throughout town,” he said.

Additionally, Mullin added, the lack of communication around Burke’s absence and her absence itself have “greatly affected the operations of the high school in a negative way.” Mullin noted that there has been “a lack of direction” on how to handle issues when they arise, leading to the school secretary and staff having to assume some of Burke’s responsibilities

Students also expressed concern about the lack of communication surrounding Burke’s absence. Seniors with close relationships to the assistant principal were confused by her absence during their last week.

While few were willing to go on the record, one student noted anonymously that it was “strange” how little information students received regarding the absence.

“We have the right to understand what is occurring at school,” that student said.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint.

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