Schools
Principal: Everyone Enjoys Working at Noyes Elementary
Annette Doyle told the Sudbury Public Schools Committee the school's culture has changed after a rough year last year.
More than a year after the end of the Janice Donahue saga, Principal Annette Doyle said things are finally looking positive at Noyes Elementary School.
During the State of the School presentation to the Sudbury Public Schools Committee on Oct. 9, Doyle, who played a roll in the abrupt dismissal of the long-time teacher, said she and her staff focused on creating a more positive environment in the aftermath.
In an anonymous survey taken last spring, Doyle said no teachers claimed they did not enjoy working at the school. In the fall of 2012, a small percentage claimed to have some issues.
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"We have been though a lot, that's no secret," she said, adding the teachers agreed to let her share the statistics with the Committee. "But we've come a long way, and are better for it."
In May 2012 Donahue was dismissed from her first-grade teaching position at Noyes after her relationship with Doyle became strained.Parents and students flocked to the SPS offices in May 2012 when it was learned her job may be in jeopardy, and a petition was later created to remove Superintendent Anne Wilson.
The School Committee rejected the petition, which further angered Donahue's supporters. Donahue wound up settling out of court.
Doyle, who only alluded to the episode and never mentioned Donahue's name, said her sleep habits have since improved.
"If I lose sleep over anything, it’s the (teachers') burnout factor," she said. "That’s our responsibility that they (know they) are not alone and it’s a process. My goal is that everyone strongly agrees (they like working at Noyes)."
Overall, Doyle said the start of the 2013-14 school year has been positive.
"I would appreciate your continued and everlasting support," she said. "So many good things are going on here."
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