WILMINGTON, MA — “We’re going to be OK.”
That’s how Janet Engrem, the longtime President of the Wilmington Strings Attached Parent Support Group, began last night’s meeting.
More than 100 Strings students and parents gathered in the Wilmington Methodist Church’s basement to discuss the news that rocked the Strings community over the weekend — Strings instructor Liz Ehrman is leaving the district on February 12, having handed in her resignation letter on Friday.
Ehrman took over the Strings program from Ward Dilmore in 2013. Her departure was sudden and unexpected. While the reason behind her decision was not discussed at the meeting, meeting organizers did note that it was not health-related and Ehrman had not found a job in another school system. She was “very firm” in her decision.
“Ms. Ehrman made a decision that she felt was right for her,” said Engrem. “We’re going to be respectful, let her finish out her time, and do all of this the right way.”
Engrem said there was “mass hysteria” when the news broke, saying she’s never received more calls or texts on an issue. Students and parents expressed worry over what Ehrman’s unplanned departure would mean for the orchestra’s second half of the school year, the group’s scheduled France trip, the group’s scheduled Lake George trip, and the popular end-of-the-school-year Strings concert.
Engrem also noted that several Strings students were feeling sad, mad and abandoned over Ehrman’s departure.
Superintendent Mary DeLai spoke to the crowd, trying to address many of their concerns.
“I’m sorry this is happening to you,” began DeLai. “Know that the Strings program is just as important to me as any other program were offer… Our goal is to continue the program at the same level, if not higher. Be patient with us as there might be some bumps along the way.”
DeLai noted that the position will be posted on Tuesday to SchoolSpring for at least 10 days, plus Monster.com. DeLai said the district will also look internally to see if there’s any existing staff members at the lower levels who have the qualifications and certifications to assume the job. The district’s HR Department will reach out to music schools in the area, as well as runner-ups from the 2013 search process. DeLai encouraged folks to reach out to Strings alumni to see if there’s a qualified former student who might be interested.
“I’ll be honest. It might be a challenge to find a [Strings teacher],” cautioned DeLai. “There aren’t as many Strings teachers as there are math teachers, for example.”
“As long as I’m not breaking the law, I’m open to suggestions,” said DeLai, who stressed that the instructor needs to be certified to teach in Massachusetts or willing to get certified quickly. A long-term substitute couldn’t serve more than 90 school days without the certification.
DeLai could not promise that a replacement would be in place by February 22, when students return from February vacation. Ehrman leaves February 12. A substitute instructor may have to be brought in, according to DeLai. DeLai also noted that the next hire could be interim, or permanent, depending on how the search goes. DeLai was clear she wanted the position to remain full-time, noting two part-time, non-benefited positions would be more difficult to fill.
DeLai said either High School Principal Linda Peters or Middle School Principal Amy Gerade will lead the search committee. SAPS President Janet Engrem will serve on the committee. There may also be a student representative.
In response to a concern around cancelling the annual Lake George trip, DeLai was honest — “I can’t make any promises. There’s some uncertainty there.” DeLai wasn’t confident a brand new teacher could logistically carry out such a field trip.
DeLai , however, was much more optimistic about the scheduled Strings trip to France, noting it was a Strings Parent Advisory Support Group-run trip. Even if the new teacher couldn’t attend, Engrem noted that the tour company is willing to provide the group with a music instructor. Despite Ehrman’s departure, Engrem is going ahead and holding a France trip planning meeting this Wednesday night in the Middle School Auditorium.
Engrem noted that Strings Attached has the support of Superintendent DeLai, as well as the School Committee. Chairwoman Peggy Kane and Julie Broussard were both in attendance.
Broussard asked students and parents to think before they post anything about the situation on social media.
“No social media post will resolve this issue,” noted DeLai, who encouraged parents and students to speak with her directly with any questions or concerns. “Nothing will help us maintain the Strings program more than respective, open communication.”
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 