New Amherst Superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman meets with residents

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Amherst residents were invited to a meet with new superintendent of Amherst-Pelham Regional School District, Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, for a cup of coffee and productive discussion on Friday.

Dr. Xiomara Herman, who goes by Dr. Xi, officially began her term as superintendent July 1, and on Friday, she had the opportunity to share how she hopes to impact the district’s school system with community members in attendance.

Since July 1, Dr. Xi has been visiting with staff, students, and members of the community to learn and understand the values of the school system she has been welcomed in to. Some of the more pressing issues discussed include the role of the arts, student safety, diversity and acceptance in athletics, evolving research on the uses of AI, and how to teach students good digital citizenship.

“I came with my team, we listened, and we engaged. And I wanted them to understand that for example, we talked about the arts. The arts are important to me. I also played sports and I know that children have different interests,” said Dr. Xi.

She says she will do whatever it takes to give students the opportunity to be the best they can be. When asked what she foresees her biggest challenge assuming this role, she said it will be making sure that all involved align their unique visions.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a challenge but it’s going to be an opportunity. It’s gonna actually be the opportunity for us to see that we’re aligning with what the best outcomes for students and then bring all the perspectives together. So we can kind of create our unique pathway to get there,” said Dr. Xi.

Dr. Xi’s comes to western Massachusetts by way of St. Croix, Virgin Islands after former Superintendent Michael Morris resigned in August 2023 amidst a Title IX investigation into claims of gender discrimination at Amherst Regional Middle School.

She is looking forward to getting into the classroom with students at the start of the year and she already feels the positive openness of the Amherst community.

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