Henry K Oliver

Not too long ago, The Oliver School was THE place where students and teachers in Lawrence wanted to be. Despite the fact that it is one of the oldest school buildings in the city, there was a dynamic and a drive here that were the envy of the school district. The teachers brought passion to their craft and were actively engaging their students in the learning process. There was a tremendous school spirit, too! That changed in 2005 with the arrival of the current principal, Ms. Gannon, who is inept, unprofessional, and even vulgar in her dealings with both students and staff. Since her arrival, morale has plummeted, and fourteen teachers and administrators have either been moved from the building or asked to be transferred because of "tension." The latest casualty, Mrs. Lynch, the 8th Grade Math teacher whose MCAS scores are the highest in the city, was moved without explanation to her or to the students last week, and replaced with a long-term sub who might look good on paper but cannot teach. It is a slap in the face to the students and their parents, and a kick in the pants to a dedicated teacher with 23 years of exemplary service and the scores to prove it. How many other teachers have to be moved, and how much lower does morale have to go before this nincompoop principal is removed? I wish more parents would speak up and be heard, before the Oliver School becomes the absolute worst place in Lawrence to be.