Group rallies in support of Diman superintendent Aubin

FALL RIVER — Supporters of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Superintendent-Director Thomas Aubin rallied outside Government Center on Wednesday to pressure the regional school committee into reversing its decision not to renew the lead administrator’s contract.

“We assemble here today to show our support for Mr. Aubin, a man whose tenure at Diman Regional has lead to a myriad of successes, both academically and vocationally,” said Student Body President Ben Ramos, also the student representative to the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee.

Ramos spoke over a loudspeaker to teachers, alumni, students and parents who joined the rally. At its peak, the two-hour rally drew about 150 people who periodically chanted statements like “We want Aubin” and waved to honking cars.

A majority of school committee members voted Dec. 6 against beginning negotiations with Aubin over a new contract. Aubin was appointed superintendent-director in 2016, and his three-year contract with the district expires on June 30.

The 5-1 committee vote generated a swift backlash from some teachers and administrators who attended the meeting last Thursday meeting. By Friday, several organizing efforts against the decision had coalesced online.

And on Wednesday, supporters showed up in person outside Government Center. Some held signs that were donated by Mallard Printing, which bore statements like “We stand with Aubin” and “Orange and black fight back.”

“After a showing like this, and the petitions that we signed, I think it definitely has a good chance” of having his contract renewed, said Steve Krudys, a 1980 graduate from Diman’s carpentry program and member of Diman’s advisory board.

Michael Oliveira, outgoing Machine Tool Technology Department chairman, said the “vast majority” of students, faculty and staff are upset the Aubin is not coming back. He said over $1 million in grant funding was secured during Aubin’s tenure, and noted the school’s acceptance into the Massachusetts School Building Authority eligibility period.

“His initiatives are still going forward, but the problem is that if we lose him, we’re going to lose our leader,” said Oliveira. “I’ve been there a long time. I’ve been there for six superintendents, and he’s by far one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Kelly Duarte, a Diman graduate from the class of 1997, attended the rally with her son, 15-year-old Diman freshman Logan Duarte. As a mentor, Aubin can be tough, but holds his students to the same high standards he to which he holds himself, said Kelly Duarte.

The scene outside Goverment Center, where at least 100 people have gathered for a rally in support of Diman Voc Tech Superintendent Thomas Aubin.

They want the regional school committee to reverse decision not to renew Aubin’s contractpic.twitter.com/skKQ0VOmzh

— Amanda Burke (@aburkeHN)December 12, 2018

Referencing a statement that Somerset representative Donald DiBiasio wrote on Aubin’s 2016-2017 performance review, that “Mr. Aubin needs to respect the School Committee members, for the Committee is his boss.”

“The school committee needs to remember that we’re their boss,” Kelly Duarte said.

Mitch Sweet, president of the Diman Teachers Association, said the union’s executive board on Wednesday voted 13-3 in favor of asking the regional school committee in writing to re-evaluate its contract vote.

“We are in favor of sending a letter to the school committee asking them to reconsider their vote,” Sweet said. “I think it was a favorable outcome.”

The six-member Greater Fall River Vocational School District Committee comprises three members appointed to represent Fall River: Renee Howayeck, Joan Menard and the Rev. Jay Mello. Three elected officials also serve on the committee: Jeffrey Begin of Swansea, DiBiasio of Somerset and Chairman Paul Jennings of Westport.

Logan Ramos, the Diman freshman, said the school committee is out of touch with what’s going on at the school. He said students will not sit back silently while they push a change of leadership.

“We’re not little kids that can be bullied around. We’re going to fight for our rights, because Mr. Aubin represents us,” he said.

Talk of a student walkout to protest the school committee's vote circulated on social media Tuesday evening, said student body president Ramos. By Wednesday morning, “everyone knew about it.”

Following morning announcements, Aubin urged students over the loudspeaker not to participate in a walkout, said student Sara Martins, 16, of Fall River.

Standing alongside four classmates, Martins said she became emotional when she heard Aubin tell students he appreciates their support, but asserted they go to school to learn and that a walkout could be dangerous.

“I actually cried. I was sitting in my chair bawling,” said Martins, a soccer player who said she regularly saw Aubin at games and team celebrations. “He just really cares about us.”

“Out of respect for Mr. Aubin, not a single student walked out,” said Ramos.

Justin Pacheco, 28, his 3-year-old daughter perched on his shoulders, came to the rally with his wife, Kayla, whom he met while at Diman. He said Aubin is “strict and stern,” one who doesn’t “tiptoe around things everyone else doesn’t want to talk about.”

“That’s his style. It may intimidate some people … but he’s doing it to make you a better person,” the class of 2008 graduate said.

Current student Adam Medeiros, 16, of Swansea said the school committee made a big mistake. “They’re just going by his attitude, but you know that attitude is what separates him from other superintendents and other principals. That attitude keeps us in line and keeps our school in line,” he said.

“He’s staying on top of his students and making sure we treat the building well and treat each other well,” Medeiros added.