AMHERST — Superintendent Michael Morris is pledging to create a “safe, positive environment” for all children who are educated in the town and regional schools — and apologizing to those who haven’t had that experience.

Additionally, Morris, back on the job after a two-month medical leave, has created a new mental health and behavioral administrator position in the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District.

“As both an educator and parent, I care deeply about every student, staff member, and family in our schools,” Morris wrote. “I also have a deep commitment to ensuring that every child has a safe, positive environment in which they can learn and thrive as their authentic selves. I am truly sorry that has not been the experience for some students, and I am committed to changing that.”

Morris wrote in the letter sent to the community that he had the opportunity to meet with district and school-based administrators and hear from many staff members and families regarding their experiences at the end of the school year.

That was when allegations came to light, in an article written for the regional high school’s student newspaper, The Graphic, about bullying of transgender students at the middle school and middle school counselors who intentionally misgendered students and failed to offer them support. That prompted four staff members to be placed on leave as a Title IX investigation was launched.

Morris notes that he can’t comment on the specific allegations that are part of the Title IX investigation, but that he will have Maureen Fleming, a longtime high school adjustment counselor, become the mental health and behavioral administrator to offer enhanced and expanded services.

“Regardless of the investigation’s outcome; however, it is clear that we must expand our training for faculty and staff and our learning opportunities for students with regard to gender identity, sexuality, and understanding of the need for justice for members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Morris wrote. “We must simultaneously expand our supports for LGBTQIA+ students districtwide.”

Fleming wrote a letter to the community, too.

“As the new administrator, I am wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that every student in our district feels safe, supported, understood, and empowered,” Fleming wrote. “I firmly believe that by nurturing their mental health, we can unlock their full potential, cultivate resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.”

Fleming also noted a belief in intervention and prevention and will be implementing various initiatives, including awareness campaigns, professional development opportunities for staff, and a comprehensive support network for students, as well as working to establish partnerships with local mental health providers to expand the range of services available to students and their families.

Union wants answers

The latest correspondence comes as the Amherst Pelham Education Association, the union representing teachers, paraeducators and clerical staff, is requesting the Amherst Regional School Committee fast-track its planned August meeting due to what it terms “deep-seated concerns” surrounding district leadership that have been sparked by Morris returning to his job.

The union cites its no-confidence vote in Morris, some of which centered on the treatment of LGBTQIA+ students and the lack of response to that from the Regional School Committee.

The union also is concerned about no information being released about the Title IX investigation or whether concurrent investigations are happening; and how the responsibilities for certain positions are being handled, such as the assistant superintendent for diversity, equity and human resources, held by Doreen Cunningham, who was placed on administrative leave.

“Transparency, action, and reassurances are what the community wants and deserves,” APEA President Chris Herland said in a statement. “The school committee, as the elected representatives, should listen and respond accordingly.”

Sarahbess Kenney, vice chairwoman of the Regional School Committee, said in a statement that the committee supports the creation of the new mental health and behavioral administrator position and Fleming’s appointment to it, as well as standing by its earlier unanimously adopted statement expressing understanding that the community is hurting and questions are still unanswered about the mistreatment of trans and nonbinary students at the middle school.

“Our hearts go out to the students and families who have been negatively affected by these incidents,” the committee said.

Morris wrote that the administrative team’s work for the remainder of the summer break will focus on planning for professional development and student-centered learning.

“Additionally, we will be reviewing our reporting systems to ensure they are clear, easily accessible, and provide multiple ways in which concerns can be officially shared with schools and the district offices.”

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