METHUEN, Mass. — Methuen Superintendent of Schools Judith Scannell submitted her letter of resignation Thursday after coming under fire this week for never holding a superintendent or principal’s license.
On Monday, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education confirmed Scannell was never licensed as a superintendent/assistant superintendent beyond the one-year waiver she received when she was appointed to the position in 2010.
Prior to being promoted to superintendent, Scannell spent 15 years as principal and assistant principal at two of the city’s grammar schools. She also never held principal/assistant principal license, the state confirmed on Wednesday.
Scannell was expected to speak at a school committee Thursday night to discuss her licensing issues and contract, which expires Friday, but did not attend the meeting.
Scannell submitted her letter of resignation to Mayor James Jajuga Thursday before the meeting. Mayor Jajuga is also chairman of the school committee.
“I regret that the efforts to serve my school district have been clouded,” Scannell’s letter of resignation read. “I do not want my situation to adversely affect the school district.”
An overwhelming majority of the parents and teachers showed support for Scannell during the meeting, many saying they were never bothered by the fact that she never had her license.
"There’s no piece of paper, no certification that was going to show the dedication that Judy has shown to these students," said Yolla, a parent.
Others, however, believe she should have been fired, which would've meant Scannell's pension would have been taken away.
"Please put the torches down and find compassion and forgiveness for a person who gave 200 percent every day for the children of our community," said Lynne Kumm, a former school committee member.
Scannell worked as an educator for more than 30 years in Methuen. She was a teacher, then principal and eventually superintendent as of 2010.
Now that she's resigned, the assistant superintendent will take over as interim superintendent of the Methuen Public Schools.