Cambridge principal to keep job after external investigation

An external investigation into a Cambridge Public Schools principal accused of fostering a toxic workplace found the allegations were “not substantiated,” the district said Monday.

The conclusion of the investigation comes after parents pressurized the district to investigate the hiring of Kathleen Smith, including the former superintendent‘s involvement.

Smith, the principal at Graham & Parks School since 2022, faced the investigation after parents raised concerns regarding new policies, hiring, and a “top-down” management style, according to a coalition of parents. 

The G&P Caregiver Coalition also cited a report from Newton Public Schools, where Smith spent eight years as principal at Underwood Elementary School. An internal investigation there found “a toxic working environment” and recommended new leadership for the school. Parents claimed that report was overlooked during Smith’s hiring.

No toxic workplace, investigation finds

CPS Interim Superintendent David Murphy told parents Monday that Smith will stay in her role after the city’s external legal counsel said “credible evidence does not support a finding of a toxic workplace.”

“The evidence demonstrates that staff have had a variety of experiences under Dr. Smith’s leadership, some extremely positive, supportive and energizing, and others much less so,” the findings, shared by Murphy, said.

The investigator said that “many of the incidents reported seemed minor in contrast to the reactions they produced” but suggested that one additional reference check should have been completed before Smith was hired at Graham & Parks, which enrolls preschoolers through fifth graders.

However, that wouldn’t have necessarily changed the decision to hire her, Murphy wrote.

“The district is hopeful that this resolution, along with the additional supports being directed toward fostering a more inclusive and constructive learning environment, will enable the Graham and Parks community to move forward with confidence in the leadership and direction of the school,” Sujata Wycott, a spokesperson for the district, said in a statement.

Interim superintendent sends district administrators to G&P

Murphy, who stepped in after former Superintendent Victoria Greer was fired, said that the district will help improve school climate for the upcoming year. He and Smith will meet with staff and will hold a “town hall type of meeting” for parents and caregivers in September. The first day of school is next Tuesday.

Murphy also said his office will have a greater role at the school. A special advisor to the superintendent will be “based” at Graham & Parks, and another group of administrators will host small group discussions with staff and parents, according to his letter. 

“Dr. Smith has made clear how eager she is to lead the Graham & Parks toward greater equity and improved outcomes for students,” Murphy wrote. “Her steadfast commitment to the school’s children is readily apparent, and I am grateful to her for her willingness to collaborate and strive toward a more inclusive and harmonious period with all stakeholders.”

Multiple leadership changes for Cambridge schools this year

Greer was removed in May after a tumultuous year for the superintendent, who was named interim in 2021. She was voted out by the School Committee “without good cause,” garnering her more than $200,000 in severance.

Her termination came after she received a “needs improvement” rating in her annual review. The School Committee cited concerns in Greer’s management and communication with stakeholders, member Rachel Weinstein wrote in her monthly blog.

Weinstein also raised concerns about Greer’s hiring practices, which included the hiring of Smith in 2022.