The Easthampton School Committee rescinded its offer for Vito Perrone to lead the district as superintendent after he used the term "ladies" in an email to the committee chair, citing it as a "microaggression." Perrone, who is the interim superintendent of West Springfield Public Schools, said he was shocked and devastated by the decision. He had addressed the pair as "ladies" in the email that was going over three negotiation points after the School Committee had offered him the superintendent job. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, Perrone said the terms "ladies" and "gentlemen" were respectful, and it's why he used "ladies" in the email.
Supporters of Vito Perrone, the current interim superintendent of West Springfield Public Schools, will hold a protest in Easthampton on Monday evening after his job offer to be the next superintendent of Easthampton was rescinded last week. Perrone said the offer was rescinded after he sent an email about upcoming contract negotiations to School Committee Chairwoman Cynthia Kwiecinski and the board’s executive assistant Suzanne Colby, addressing them as "ladies." The School Committee will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the superintendent search and potentially vote on a new candidate.
The offer to become the superintendent of Easthampton Public Schools was rescinded due to a perceived "microaggression" in an email candidate Vito Perrone sent to school committee members. The email addressed negotiations, including more vacation time, and began with the salutation "ladies." Perrone explained that he grew up in a time when "ladies and gentlemen" was a term of respect, but the committee was insulted and rescinded the offer despite his apology. Perrone, who was taking a $14,000 pay cut to leave his role in West Springfield, expressed disappointment but hopes everyone can learn and grow from the situation.
