By Victoria Dolan

On Monday, a parent forum on the Hull High School principal search exposed remaining tensions behind Principal Michael Knybel’s departure and between parents, teachers, and administrators.

The forum, which took place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Middle School, was intended to offer parents and caregivers a “platform to share their perspective and input concerning the selection of the next Hull High School principal,” according to a flier with information about the principal search process. The meeting was well-attended by about 60 parents and teachers, but the planned proceedings were regularly interrupted and outbursts required repeated redirection from Superintendent Judith Kuehn.

Several weeks ago, Principal Knybel announced over email that he will not return to the position next year. The school provided no official explanation for his departure prior to the expiration of his contract.

In recent weeks, parents also have expressed frustration that administrators have not provided information about the extended absence of Hull High Assistant Principal Julie Burke.

Kuehn fielded repeated questions about the causes behind Knybel’s departure. At the beginning of the meeting, one parent was asked to leave after attempting to discuss her child’s experiences rather than addressing what qualities she hoped to see in a new principal.

Other parents voiced similar concerns, with one noting that “it’s hard to move forward if we don’t know where it went wrong,” and that “if we don’t know what the problem is, and why he left, it’s hard to say what we want.”

Kuehn and Director of Curriculum Christine Cappadona shut down all questions about Knybel’s resignation.

“It’s so hard, and it’s frustrating for everyone,” said Cappadona, “but we don’t talk about personnel issues. That’s just what we do.”

While there was no official explanation given for Knybel’s departure, comments from teachers present at the meeting hinted at tensions between teachers and administrators.

HHS teacher Keith McKay noted that a priority in a principal is “someone who’s very strong at managing the day-to-day operations,” and “someone who has a clear understanding of what teachers do, and how discipline works.”

Brian Mullin, HHS teacher and the Hull Teachers Association co-president, shared similar sentiments. He noted that teachers need help with discipline, and shared examples of students telling teachers to “F off” without repercussions, or administrators teaching students suspected of submitting work not entirely their own to “cheat better.” In the end, Mullin said he was asking for “someone that shows respect for the professionalism of teachers and does their job when they come to work.”

At one point, parents threatened to leave the forum due to the vocality of teachers in what was promoted as a parent and caregiver forum. In an argumentative back-and-forth exchange with parents, teachers responded that there was no avenue for feedback given to teachers. When Kuehn answered that a survey had been sent out, Mullin said that “the survey was sent out today” and contained no options for open input.

Another concern voiced was regarding Kuehn’s statement that if a suitable candidate out of the 15 applicants is not found, HHS will move forward with an interim principal and go through the search process again next year.

Mary Schultz, a parent, said she was uncomfortable with the idea of eighth graders moving up to the high school for the first year of consolidation with an interim principal in place.

“All of our children’s time here is fleeting,” she said. “It’s [principal turnover] a systemic problem that happened way back with Mike Devine that’s carried forward.”

When the discussion was back on topic, both parents and teachers provided valuable insight into the qualities they hope to see in the next principal. Many parents highlighted expanding opportunities for students who may not be college-bound, such as the career fair and MassHire, a state program for students entering the workforce after high school.

Parents and teachers also prioritized a principal who supports non-athletic forms of extracurriculars and in-school opportunities, such as woodshop and theatre. Providing those creative outlets, said English teacher Karissa Connors, “gets kids to school.”

Connors also added that if the goals outlined in Hull High School’s “Vision of the Graduate” and NEASC review were implemented, the school would “really just transform.” She added that the plan in place will help teachers who “want to make sure our kids get the best education,” but that little progress was made on those goals this year.

They also underscored the importance of an individual who understands how to work well within a small school, especially in the first year with eighth graders at the high school.

“It might have to be someone who understands how a small district and a small community works,” said parent Maura Jones.

Kuehn explained that all the values and goals for a new principal shared at the forum would be discussed with the principal search committee. The search committee consists of three teachers, three students, and three parents. In the end, however, the final candidate will be the choice of incoming

Superintendent Dr. Michael Jette, who was also present at the meeting. While Jette mostly observed the proceedings, he stayed after the forum and talked with parents and teachers.

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

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