Amherst Regional Public Schools Superintendent Cleared of Misconduct Allegations

An investigation by an independent law firm has cleared Amherst Regional Public Schools superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman of three misconduct allegations made against her in November 2024.

The allegations accused Herman of making a credible threat of harm against an employee, creating a hostile work environment for a specific employee based on their disability, and retaliating against employees based on their membership in a protected class.

The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee, chaired by Sarahbess Kenney, and the Union 26 School Committee, chaired by William Sherr, released a joint statement on Feb. 24.

Members of the school board received an anonymous letter in November 2024. The letter contained vague allegations of misconduct and contained a district employee’s personal and confidential information. At a Nov. 12 joint meeting of the Regional School Committee, Amherst School Committee, and Pelham School Committee, the committees released a statement condemning how the allegations were made and the inclusion of confidential information.

The Feb. 24 statement reported that an independent law firm conducted interviews, collected evidence, and prepared a report for the school committees. The investigation began in December.

“The investigator’s findings did not substantiate any of these allegations,” the press release said. The committees now consider this case closed.

The statement reaffirmed that the committee takes allegations of misconduct seriously. “As always, we remain committed to our mission to provide all students with a high-quality education; and focused our priorities of student safety and well-being, healing and stabilization, and data and accountability for equity,” it said.

“The committees remain confident in Dr. Xi’s leadership and her commitment to serving our students, staff, and families of our districts,” the statement said.

Sherr told The Student that “we’re always taking steps to support our superintendent and the children of the district.”

In a January press release addressing the charges, Herman denied the allegations. “While I categorically deny making any threats of physical harm or using inappropriate language, I take these allegations seriously and have worked diligently to ensure concerns are addressed professionally and responsibly,” she said.

In the same press release, Herman acknowledged that as the district’s first Black superintendent, there are cultural differences and dynamics present. “For instance, I have learned that being direct, which is often a hallmark of my leadership, can be seen as offensive to some, while indirectness, which may be preferred by others, can feel like a lack of transparency to me. Bridging these differences requires openness, understanding, and dialogue,” she stated.