School chief makes an abrupt exit
The troubled Foxborough school district is again in search of a superintendent.
This week, just a month into the new school year, School Superintendent Kathleen I. Tyrell and the School Committee agreed to end her employment, effective immediately. Tyrell's last day on the job was Monday, the same day that the School Committee met in a private executive session and then announced the end of her eight-year tenure.
``Philosophical differences between the committee and the superintendent about what is best for the Foxborough public schools have made it clear that this is the right move for both parties," said School Committee chairwoman Martha Slattery , reading a statement to an audience of more than 40 attending the regular committee meeting.
After the meeting, Slattery would not elaborate on what those differences were and said she would not reveal the vote count on the agreement until the executive meeting minutes are approved. According to the statement, ``both parties have agreed that they will not in any manner disparage each other, and we, the members of the School Committee, intend to honor that agreement."
Tyrell on Tuesday morning declined to criticize the committee and said she had no regrets about her years leading the district. ``I've truly enjoyed working there and I've appreciated the outstanding staff and faculty. Due to their efforts and a strong administrative team and a willingness to meet demands for higher standards, the school system has continually improved," she said.
School Committee vice chairman Larry Harrington said he does not know what impact the abrupt change will have on the district. ``What we're hoping is that everybody will move forward and will work together to do what we need to do to maintain the school system that we have."
Tyrell has led the district since 1998, overseeing 450 School Department employees and 3,000 students. Her current contract was set to end June 30, 2010.
The past few years have been stormy. Some residents and parents blamed Tyrell for high personnel turnover within the school system. At least 28 administrators left during Tyrell's tenure, according to one School Committee member. Tyrell noted that administrators left for various reasons, such as to retire, to improve commutes, or to take job promotions in other districts.
Her salary was $139,933 . Under the agreement, she gets a payment of $175,000 , which is about equivalent to one year's salary and benefits, including earned but unused vacation, according to the committee. Tyrell -- who has 28 years in public schools as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent -- said she plans to take a few weeks to figure out her next move.
The School Committee unanimously voted to name Jan M. Norton acting superintendent. She has been assistant superintendent since January 2005 .
The committee asked her to collaborate with Paul Jackson , district business administrator, to see how they could share some of the duties of the job. Norton said she is looking forward to the challenge, particularly in implementing two initiatives started this year for kindergarten through sixth grade aimed at improving English and math skills. ``I believe we have a positive momentum going and we can continue."
Conflicts involving Tyrell date to at least 2004 , when the School Committee's lawyer released a report detailing harassing and derogatory e-mails sent to Tyrell from school employees. That year, Tyrell tried to leave the district. She applied for and was a finalist for superintendent jobs in Chelsea, Watertown, and Hull. She didn't get the Chelsea or Watertown jobs and withdrew her name from Hull.
Since 1998 under Tyrell, MCAS scores have improved in the district, moving Foxborough from 74th in the state to 22d in 2003, according to Globe rankings. Last year, Standard & Poor ' s School Evaluation Services recognized the district for academic performance. The designation was given to 29 school districts in the state based on student scores on state reading and math tests.
Tyrell also pointed out that under her tenure advanced placement courses were added, seniors increasingly are getting into more competitive schools, and Spanish beginning in first grade has been instituted, Tyrell points out.
School Committee member Kate Kominsky praised and thanked Tyrell for her solid accomplishments during her eight years. And Janine Hanrahan , an 11th-grader at Ursuline Academy and a former Foxborough district student, fondly recalled knowing Tyrell since fourth grade and being able to call or e-mail her whenever she had a problem.
``Dr. Tyrell was friendly and important and I liked her," said Hanrahan. ``The treatment of Dr. Tyrell in this town has been appalling."
However, Deborah Navedo and her husband, Andres, who founded the Foxborough Education Organization in 2003 to improve communication in the district, had harsh words for what has evolved over the years.
Deborah Navedo, who doesn't believe the superintendent deserves financial compensation for leaving and should have been fired, said in a statement: ``Dr. Tyrell has lost the majority of her administrative staff, refused to make public documents readily accessible, burned out three business administrators, lost two special education directors, failed to improve the morale, failed to seek broad feedback of her own work, was found in violation of open meeting laws, failed to comply with Department of Education regulations, and was involved in the mishandling of federal grant funds."
``I don't think they are speaking from the facts," Tyrell responded, countering each of the claims.
As the Navedos headed back to their car after the meeting Monday night that culminated in Tyrell's departure, the couple was more restrained. ``These moments are never happy," said Andres Navedo, noting that the organization plans to continue to point out shortcomings, push to improve the school district and keep the lines of communication open.
Sandy Coleman can be reached at sbcoleman@globe.com. 
