By Victoria Dolan

As the school year ended for Hull High on Thursday, tensions remained over impending transitions in the aftermath of Principal Michael Knybel’s resignation.

The Hull Public Schools recently announced that the district has hired Robert Shaw as principal to replace Knybel, who will resign at the end of the school year, prior to the expiration of his contract.

Shaw will enter into a school community seemingly at odds with itself.

“I feel like the parents are divided from the teachers and the administration,” said parent Mary Schultz.

Many parents and students celebrated Knybel’s accomplishments, and expressed disappointment and confusion at his resignation.

Junior Tallulla Clancy was “extremely sad and ashamed that Hull would let him go,” because Knybel was “always putting students first.” In an independent survey of more than a dozen students, many expressed similar sentiments of confusion over Knybel’s departure, given his advocacy for the student body.

A document outlining issues at the school obtained by the Times revealed possible causes behind Knybel’s resignation, and a path forward for Shaw.

Reportedly, Hull High teachers took a vote in which 90% of those participating indicated “no confidence” in Knybel’s ability to run the school. According to this document, the vote was based on allegations of racist and derogatory comments about staff, a failure to complete teacher evaluations and state-mandated drills, and the creation of a culture that pitted students, teachers, and parents against each other. The document was not signed.

The job Shaw has ahead is not easy, but it is crucial – in a time of transition, with a new superintendent, principal, and school configuration, stakeholders are craving change and unity. 

“We need to come together with teachers, administration, and parents having more open dialogue, and all have a voice that they feel are truly being listened to,” said parent Christine Murray, where “students are the focus of all three groups.”

Katherine Orpen, a just-graduated senior, hopes Shaw will build a connection with students while “advocating for both the teachers and the students when needed.”

“I’m hoping to see guidance, and I’m hoping to see leadership” from Shaw, said Schultz. “There has to be 100% transparency.”

Victoria Dolan is a 2024 graduate of Hull High School. This column reflects her viewpoint.