School Superintendent Wong’s letter to Wellesley parents on her resignation

Wellesley School Superintendent Bella Wong on Thursday sent the following memo to Wellesley School families regarding her resignation, effective the end of the school year:

We are in the process of developing school budgets for FY13 and planning for FY14 in the context of discussions for a possible tax override. If approved, a debt exclusion override would increase the Town’s tax base. However, ongoing public concern over school operational protocols has placed the School Department in a defensive posture and has undermined my capacity to advocate effectively for the benefit of the school district at this critical juncture. I have, therefore, tendered my resignation to the School Committee, effective at the end of this school year.

This notice should allow the School Committee sufficient time to conduct a successful search for a new superintendent. My hope is that this will also serve as a decisive start of other adjustments that will be made to assure the community of the commitment of the School Department to serve the needs of the Town’s students, using best and sound practices in all areas of operations. Let us eliminate doubt about operational practices so we can re-focus the Town’s full support for the educational program.

This school year will conclude my eleventh year in the District over a 14-year period, six as assistant superintendent and five as superintendent. These years have imparted a positive and profound imprint on me professionally and personally. I am proud of the work completed over my tenure by our talented educators and look forward to productive months ahead which will include opening of the new high school, continuing work on narrowing achievement gaps, and articulating our vision for building capacity for the 21st century.

As a leader and as an individual, I have strived to make decisions that were fair and right. Doing what is in the best interests of our students has been my greatest inspiration and highest priority. I thoroughly enjoy my time on behalf of our students and have appreciated your enduring support of the schools.

Respectfully, Bella Wong