By Winson Ye
Superintendent David Fleishman apologized to teachers at last Wednesday’s open meeting of all Newton teachers.for a “sloppy and hasty” graduation speech in June.
Fleishman also said he will visit with students at both North and South soon after the start of the school year to answer any questions they might have.
“As one who typically devotes considerable energy to both my written pieces and speeches, I learned a painful lesson about doing things in a sloppy and hasty manner and not meeting this standard,” Fleishman said.
Fleishman’s graduation speech was revealed to have several questionable passages that resembled remarks made by Gov. Deval Patrick in his speech to Boston University graduates.
Fleishman did not cite the governor in his speech in June and therefore was suspected of plagiarism after The Lion’s Roar reported on the issue in a special edition in July.
On Wednesday morning, Fleishman addressed the factors that brought him to write the unsatisfactory speech, and took responsibility for not being as conscientious of his work as he otherwise would have been. Fleishman was addressing the approximately 1,000 teachers in Newton for the annual back to school kick-off meeting.
Mayor Setti Warren, school committee chair Matt Hills, and Newton Teachers’ Association President Michael Zilles also addressed the group on various topics.
Fleishman expressed his disappointment with his oversights while writing his speech.
In his remarks, Fleishman noted how important it is for someone to not be afraid to make honest mistakes, but not careless ones. He went on to state that by the same logic, his actions were unwarranted.
“Ironically, I spoke to you last year at this very meeting about not being afraid to make intelligent failures–yet my failure to properly credit and cite a source in my graduation speech was not intelligent at all,” Fleishman said.
Fleishman also stressed the significance of collaboration. Being the superintendent, he asserted that communication with others is key.
For the graduation speech, he mentioned that he missed an important opportunity because he said he works most effectively when he receives input from a variety of people.
“I cannot do my work alone, especially when faced with important, complex tasks. When writing the graduation speech, I did not reach out to as many people as I should have. I do my best thinking and processing when I talk and reflect with a range of people,” Fleishman said.
Fleishman spoke about the consequences of his actions, but was especially mindful of how students and teachers in the school system could be affected.
“Some of you may feel that I have made your work with students more difficult and for that I am truly sorry. As a result, I intend to address this matter directly with students at both high schools within the next couple of weeks,” Fleishman said.
Additionally, Fleishman said he was dissatisfied with his inability to serve as an appropriate role model for others to follow in regards to the plagiarism.
“Perhaps the most painful part of this episode is my failure to lead by example, something that I take very seriously,” he said.
Despite the consequences his actions may have, Fleishman expressed his hope that this incident will not hamper the significant developments made by the school system.
Fleishman highlighted the challenges that the new school year would bring, but nonetheless stated that a culture of collaboration and dedication will ultimately result in a great year.
“I pledge to do everything I can to support you in your work. I will continue to be in your classrooms and schools to the greatest extent possible. I will observe and listen carefully, speak directly and honestly, and be open to feedback,” he said.
