Here is a copy of an email sent to the school committee:

Dear School Committee Members,

We write to you today with a heavy heart and a deep sense of outrage. Our school superintendent's recent comments comparing parents who advocate for their children and voice concerns about our schools to the perpetrators of the tragic Columbine High School shooting have left us shocked, hurt, and deeply disappointed. This incident has brought to the forefront a pressing issue: the urgent need for accountability and responsible leadership in our educational system.

First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that parents play a vital role in their children's education. Advocating for our children's needs, questioning school policies, and engaging in open and respectful dialogue with educators and committee members should be not only accepted but encouraged. Such involvement fosters a supportive and constructive learning environment for our kids.

To equate concerned parents with individuals who committed an unspeakable act of violence is not only insensitive but also wholly inappropriate and extremely harmful. It undermines the trust and collaboration that should exist between parents and school administrators. Our children deserve an educational environment that values communication, partnership, and a commitment to their well-being.

What's equally troubling is the apparent lack of response from the school committee, which oversees the superintendent's actions and statements. Although this was written by Dr. Baldassarre on a personal blog, this blog was once represented as an Uxbridge Public Schools blog. In addition--this blog still has logos, names of our staff and many references to Uxbridge by name within it. It states his position is the superintendent of Uxbridge Public Schools. He is representing our district and its values. 

It's the duty of the School Committee to ensure that our educational leaders represent our community with respect, dignity, and professionalism. We urge the school committee to take swift and decisive action in addressing this issue. At the very least, the Uxbridge School Committee should provide a statement that they do not agree with the statements the School Superintendent has made.

Thus far, over 170 concerned parents, UPS staff and community members have signed a petition including this letter to you all. Many more have reached out to offer support but are unfortunately afraid of retaliation given the words of Dr. Baldassarre regarding parents who use their voice.

We are working with partners at various organizations within the state and at the national level that advocate against school violence to guide our group in bringing awareness of the impact of these statements made by Dr. Baldassarre. Our community deserves educational leadership that respects and values the input of parents and community members, without fear of retaliation by the School Committee or Dr. Baldassarre.

Uxbridge Citizens for School Transparency & Accountability