Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Robert Tomback was a no-show Tuesday for his first scheduled appearance at Aberdeen High School since his controversial removal of Principal Tom Szerensits, due to what the school system called a last-minute scheduling conflict.
According to advance information, Tomback had been scheduled to give opening remarks at the presentation of capstone projects from the school’s Science and Math Academy program on Tuesday night. But it was Bill Lawrence, associate superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, who instead presented a brief speech at the event, at which Szerensits was present.
HCPS spokeswoman Teri Kranefeld said the switch had nothing to do with Tomback’s removal late last month of Szerensits as principal, effective at the end of the school year, or with a May 9 protest which saw hundreds of students skip class and cause aportion of Paradise Road to be briefly shut down.
“As is not unusual for this time of year, a last-minute conflict came up in Dr. Tomback’s schedule and Mr. Lawrence brought greetings on his behalf,” Kranefeld said.
While Tomback was not present, his actions were still a topic of discussion. In his own prepared comments, Aberdeen Mayor Mike Bennett threw his support behind Szerensits, earning a loud round of applause from the crowd.
“Your principal is, bar none, one of the best principals I’ve ever seen in my life,” Bennett said. “And for what it’s worth he has the total support of the Aberdeen city council and we’re going to do whatever we can to see what will happen in the future.”
Szerensits also spoke briefly, telling those present, “[I] appreciate it that you stood up for me when I needed it most.”
Does this really come as a surprise to anyone?
This Princiapl is about the kids, for the kids and always has been tomback you need to re-evaluate
Michael Bennett’s comments (like many times) made absolutely no sense at all. “we’re going to do whatever we can to see what will happen in the future”……W.T.F.????
He is “The Panderer in Chief” of our “fair city”????
First, thanks to Mr. Bill Lawrence for his admirable job in a pinch-hitting roll. Your remarks were on the mark and well received by those in attendance.
As for Dr. Tomback, unless there truly was a last minute conflict, this was a pretty sorry performance by someone who is supposed to embody leadership. The date had been on the calendar for quite awhile.
As anyone in the public realm well understands, it’s all about perception. And that perception, Dr. Tomback, is that you decided to bypass the gallery walk to avoid potential backlash from the turmoil of your own creation.
What you missed, was some of the best and brightest students from all over our county presenting amazing research projects that show they are ready to face the challenges their generation will face in coming years.
Too bad your ego got in the way and you had to miss it!
What a coward. And this man leads Harford County Public Schools? Absolutely pathetic.
THE BREAKING NEWS BANNER IS MISSING!? EVERY NEWS ARTICLE HERE IS “BREAKING NEWS” AINT’ IT?
This superintendent is a coward and the poorest excuse for a leader. In the 18 years I have been a teacher, I have never seen such incompetence and corruption. I have dealt personally with HCPS. There are people at the administrative level who are flat out liars and cheaters. This includes principals and administrators at the board. It is a very disgraceful display of imorality and bribery. I used to be “very naive” in thinking that educators were of the “nobel career”…..NOT ANYMORE. There are those who cheat with secretaries, participate with hookers on Rt. 40, that have the nerve to question the moral integrity of decent teachers. One can only worry about oneself I have learned. Their road to demise has been paved! I was told that the best revenge is to live well. I have and I do. However, I plan to withdraw my children from this school system. Sad that I used to love Harford County. I have learned that corruption and hatred exists everywhere!