Superintendent Finalist Says Massachusetts School District Reverses Offer After Addressing Two Female Officials As ‘Ladies’ In Email

The Easthampton Public Schools withdrew its offer to hire Vito Perrone, a Massachusetts school district superintendent finalist, after he addressed two female officials as “ladies” in an email. Perrone received the offer on March 24, but the School Committee rescinded it, saying that he had used a “microaggression” in the email to the members.

Perrone admitted to referring to Cynthia Kwiecinski, Chairperson, and executive assistant Suzanne Colby as “ladies” in the email. Kwiecinski considered the term a microaggression, and Perrone was reportedly told that “the fact that he didn’t know that as an educator was a problem.” However, Perrone insisted he had no intention of insulting anyone.

In a conversation with Western Mass News, Perrone revealed that Kwiecinski and Colby felt insulted by the term, which he countered by saying that he grew up during a time when referring to someone as “ladies” or “gentlemen” was a sign of respect.

Perrone also requested to negotiate a higher salary and more sick days. However, he ultimately withdrew his acceptance of the offer after discovering that the salary was less than he had anticipated. Comparatively, his current salary as interim superintendent for the West Springfield School District was around $14,000 more.

While he still wished to work at Easthampton Public Schools, Perrone acknowledged that it was not feasible. The superintendent contacted the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents but was informed that nothing could be done since he never formally signed a contract with the district.

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