Pope Receives $99K in Separation Agreement

The former superintendent signed the agreement from Florida.

Former Superintendent Anthony Pope, who resigned effective July 2, will receive more than $99,000 as part of an agreement between him and the Marlborough School Committee.  In exchange for a payment of $99,078.92, Pope acknolwedges that the city will not support any application for unemployment benefits. In addition, both parties agree not to disparage the other.   The payout represents nearly nine months of pay based on Pope's current annual salary of $160,000.  Documents associated with the agreement show it was signed by Pope on July 3, and notarized in the state of Florida. Mayor Arthur Vigeant signed the agreement on July 5 and it was released a day later.  Pope's resignation, which was announced by Vigeant on June 26,  capped several…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Mayor Issues Report on Alleged Superintendent Misconduct

Mayor Arthur Vigeant's office has completed its investigation into the alleged wrongdoing by Superintendent Anthony Pope.

After months of complaints and allegations leveled by the student body, parents, and even teachers, Mayor Arthur Vigeant's office has completed an investigation into the alleged misconduct of Superintendent of Schools Anthony Pope.  The report, which will eventually become public record, has not been released as of this post and is in the hands of the Marlborough School Committee, reported the Main Street Journal on Sunday.  Many of the arguments against Pope stem from the suspension and eventual firing of Assistant High School Principal Adam Bakr. Bakr spent approximately half the school year suspended with pay until he was let go by the district in mid-April.  The major point of contention in the investigation targeting Pope, is to …

• Photos (1)

Letters to the Editor

LETTER: Former Student Takes Issue with Current Superintendent

A reader calls for a school committee investigation, saying the culture of MPS has shifted toward an unhealthy environment.

To the Editor: As a former Marlborough High School student and the brother of a high school junior, I am ashamed of the way that the school district has had its reputation tarnished by this superintendent. The superintendent I speak of is Dr. Anthony Pope. He came to the school district with a message of hope, a vision of turning Marlborough Public Schools into a world class school district; instead it has become a world class laughing stock. Every morning, I open up the news and find yet another story about my former school district that leaves me wondering where the leadership is. Whether it is the mysterious firing of an assistant principal, accusations of assault on a teacher or accusations of bullying and intimidating students, Dr. …

•  64 Comments
• Photos (1)

Marlborough Teachers Claim Intimidation by Superintendent

The Marlborough Educators Association sent superintendent of schools Anthony Pope a letter last week criticizing his interaction with teaching staff.

The Marlborough Educators Association sent superintendent of schools Dr. Anthony Pope a letter last week expressing discontent with the current state of relations between the administration's top office and the rank and file of the district.  "We are writing to you to express the discontent of our members regarding the climate, lack of direction and communication which currently exists in the Marlborough Public Schools," said the letter. After reportedly polling their membership the union said that Pope's response was "chilling," with teachers expressing feelings of distrust and intimidation and "absolutely fearful of retaliation" for expressing dissenting opinions.  Marlborough Patch asked Pope for comment on Thursday, and while he did …

•  13 Comments
• Photos (1)

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: April 5

Our former mayor has taken a new job with the state of Massachusetts, and teachers and students have teamed up to paint "The Rock" in honor of Adam Bakr.

1. Students are still passionately advocating for the return of assistant principal Adam Bakr to Marlborough High School. Even some teachers have taken to the cause, and reportedly helped students paint "The Rock" on Rt. 85 near the Hudson line. What do you think about this situation? Could all this attention help the prospects of Bakr returning to school?  2. Former mayor Nancy Stevens has taken a job with the state of Massachusetts. We have all the details here on Marlborough Patch.  3. In preparation for Marlborough High School's senior class All-Nighter Friday, June 1, there will be several upcoming and on-going benefits: Now through May 31 at Stevie's Eatery for every menu item ordered over $6, $1 will be donated to the All-Nighter. …

• Photos (2)

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 29

Nominate a resident for Marlborough's 2012 Humanitarian Award.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1) The Fresh Air Fund is looking for volunteers to host NYC inner-city children—ages 6-12—this summer. The Friendly Town program allows these kids to enjoy new experiences such as riding a bike, swimming in a lake and making new friends. The children will arrive in this area on July 20, for a one-week trip. For more information, contact Theresa Kane: 978-618-0676;  Theresa.kane@friendlytown.org. 2) Nominations are being sought for the 2012 Humanitarian Award which is presented every other year to deserving city residents who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to …

• Photos (1)

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need To Know Today: Feb. 10

Students are still demanding the reinstatement on one local teacher, and Marlborough Patch needs you to blog!

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Despite the Marlborough Public School administration's insistence that the absence of the Marlborough High School assistant principal Adam Bakr is a private, human resources issue, students are still on the warpath. After contacting several media outlets, staging sit-ins and waging a letter battle, students recently painted "The Rock" on Route 85 entering Hudson. Do you think it's time to move on? Give us your opinion in the comments.  2. President and CEO of On-Site Analysis, Inc., Will Willis, recently announced the promotion of Jim Greer from vice president of …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Jan. 27

Marlborough's Congressman has made his endorsement for senator and there is a lot of school news in this edition of Marlborough's 5 Things.

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. Expect rain and warm temperatures today on the way to work and on the way home, says the National Weather Service.  2. There is a mix of feelings pertaining to the absence of Assistant Principal Adam Bakr at Marlborough High School in recent weeks. Marlborough Patch, My Fox Boston and other news outlets have reported on the situation on recent days.  3. The adult Practical Nursing Program at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School is holding their annual Open House Wednesday, Feb. 8. Learn how it is possible to become a practical nurse through a 10 month …

• Photos (1)

High School Students Protest Absence of Assistant Principal

Marlborough High School students are asking for answers pertaining to the unexplained absence of Assistant Principal Adam Bakr.

A growing and mysterious controversy at Marlborough High School has come to a head this week: The long-time, unexplained absence of Assistant Principal Adam Bakr. Bakr, an administrator at the school for several years, has been out for almost two months and without any sort of explanation, said students.  There has even been a "Bring Bakr Back" Facebook page created that features messages from students and supporters of the administrator, along with copies of emails and petitions asking the school and city officials to bring Bakr back. There are also several photos of Bakr and even a video of a sit-in that students recently staged demanding answers to the absence. As of this post, nearly 450 people had "Liked" the page. The page's creator …

•  7 Comments
• Photos (1)