Bakr Back on the Job at MHS

The district reinstated the assistant principal whose suspension and firing caused an outcry and led to events that prompted the resignation of the former superintendent.

Marlborough High School Assistant Principal Adam Bakr, whose firing sparked a controversy that eventually led to the departure of Superintendent Anthony Pope, has been reinstated to his position. Acting Superintendent Maureen Greulich announced the decision in a statement Monday. Bakr will officially be back on the job on Wednesday, Aug. 1. “Upon a thorough review of the details surrounding this matter, Acting Superintendent Maureen Greulich and the District have determined that Mr. Bakr should be reinstated to his position without further delay,” the district said in the statement. “The District and Mr. Bakr are looking forward to putting this behind us and to his return to the High School.” Bakr was suspended by Pope in December, a move…

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Patch Facts

5 Things: Pair Patch With Your Morning Coffee

Sign up for our daily newsletter.

1. Did you know you can wake up to Patch in your inbox? You'll get this post, plus other news to start your day? What's a better pairing for that morning cup o' Joe? To sign up for our newsletter, go to marlborough.patch.com/newsletters. 2. So many in the area sigh with frustration at the thought of having to travel on Route 20 in rush hour. So many, in fact, we did a video and timed our trip from Marlborough, through Northborough, and ending in Shrewsbury. Can you relate to our journey? (Oh, and Patch the Puppy stars in the video, so even if Route 20 doesn't annoy you, it's worth a watch!) 3. Superintendent Anthony Pope resigned and with that came a separation agreement and $99,000. Do you agree with him getting this settlement? 4. Do you…

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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…

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School Committee: High School Incident with Pope "Unfortunate," Training Planned

The School Committee said staff members will be offered professional development opportunities in conflict resolution.

The Marlborough School Committee Tuesday issued a statement calling events that took place at Marlborough High School in January "unfortunate" and said that faculty and staff will be offered professional development training in conflict resolution. School Committee secretary read a brief statement that she said was approved during a lengthy executive session of the board held on Monday afternoon, during which an incident at Marlborough High School on Jan. 27, 2012 was discussed. In that incident, a staffer accused Superintendent Anthony Pope of pushing her out of the way, while a group of students appeared before the school committee to say that Pope had acted in an unprofessional way.  The statement said that the events had become a …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: May 18

Ongoing controversies, new billionaires and old cars.

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 controversy surrounding Superintendent Anthony Pope shows little sign of abating even though he was cleared of assault allegations Thursday. Teachers have taken a vote of no confidence, the City Council has a report from the mayor on its desk and other legal maneuverings are taking place. 2.  Friday is the last day to register for the city’s upcoming interview and resume workshop. The workshop is free and taking part gives you early admission to the city’s upcoming job fair. 3.  Facebook begins life as a public company Friday. The $16 billion IPO will mint at …

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Superintendent Update: Magistrate Rules No Probable Cause; Teachers Vote 'No Confidence'

Pope said he fears ongoing controversies could become a distraction for students.

The Marlborough Educators Association (MEA) on Thursday approved a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Anthony Pope, just hours before a clerk magistrate in Marlborough District Court ruled there was no probable cause to charge Pope for assault as requested by a high school guidance counselor.  A magistrate ruled there was insuffient evidence to move forward with criminal charges against the embattled superintendent, who was accused of pushing the female staff member during a visit to the school. Marlborough police had earlier investigated the allegations and likewise found there was not enough evidence to warrant charges.  The teachers vote came in support of a resolution which claims Pope showed disregard for the welafe of students …

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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 …

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MPS Five Year Plan 'Believe 2016' is Set in Motion

A comprehensive plan hopes to propel Marlborough toward becoming a world-class school system. Parents can hear details of the plan at a meeting next Tuesday at the district office on Washington Street.

School Superintendent Anthony Pope presented more details to the School Committee Tuesday evening concerning the five-year strategic plan for the district known as "Believe 2016." In the end, the plan will take and make the Marlborough a world-class school system and prepare students for the 21st century work force and global environment, said Pope. Parents of students are invited to hear more about "Believe 2016" next Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, at the Marlborough Schools District office (where school committee meetings are held) on Washington Street. Check the Marlborough schools website for more details. The school committee will formally vote to implement the "Believe 2016" plan at its next meeting Oct. 25. Set in motion earlier this …

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School Administration Anticipates Upcoming School Year

The leadership staff of Marlborough Public Schools are introduced, and details of the coming 2011/12 school year are laid out.

Marlborough Public Schools’ leadership recently announced they are ready to start the 2011/12 school year.   “It’s an exciting time to be a Marlborough schools’ student, parent, staff member or community member” said Superintendent Anthony Pope. “We are taking another huge step toward making Marlborough a world-class school district. We’ve identified core values, focused on our instructional core and reconfigured our buildings to be more developmentally appropriate. We are developing a preK-12 curriculum framework. And we have put in place building leadership that is committed to the district’s vision.  At Richer, a new team of veteran educators will greet students the first day of school. Former Kane Elementary Assistant Principal Maria …

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