AMHERST — Michael Morris, the superintendent of Amherst, Amherst-Pelham Regional and the Pelham public schools on a temporary and permanent basis since late summer 2016, and an educator in the system for 22 years, is taking a leave of absence on his doctor’s instructions, according to a letter sent to families late Friday afternoon.

Morris made the announcement at the end of a week in which transphobic actions were alleged by counselors at the middle school and three staff members were placed on leave, and weeks after a failed middle school principal search.

“I know this has been a busy week with many ARPS-related emails to the community, and I apologize for having to share this information at this time. Since mid-January I have been experiencing significant challenges that I believe are due, in part, to the intensity of work and life since the pandemic first began in March 2020. My intention was to take more time away from work each of the past three summers, but that has not been possible, particularly given pandemic-related work demands.”

While he had hoped to take an extended vacation this summer, the leave will begin earlier, he wrote.

“After consulting with my doctor today, I have been advised that my health is being impacted and I need to take some time away, starting immediately. After this time away, I look forward to returning to my role as Superintendent at ARPS.”

Morris reflected on his time as a teacher at Fort River School, building leader at Crocker Farm School and then as director of evaluation and assessment before becoming assistant superintendent in 2014.

“I love the district and this job. But at this moment, I need to step away for a period of time. I have full confidence in the school staff and leadership, as well as district leadership, to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that the end of this school year is a time of healing, celebration, and joy.”

“I am also aware, and accept, that there will be broad speculation about my leave given the public nature of my role. I am sharing this information openly because, in my experience, mental health issues are often over-simplified and often believed to be tied to one situation or one moment in time. The reality is much more complex.”

Morris concluded his letter by noting that he would work with the School Committees to support the transition in leadership needed during his temporary leave.

]]>