We allege that Wrentham School Committee member Paul Lashway broke the Open Meeting Law and the WPS Code of Ethics when he communicated with Sheena Clutterbuck and Erin Greaney about the controversial proposed policy GBI. He communicated with them not about the language of the policy but rather strategized on how to get it passed. Additionally, Paul Lashway shared privileged communication with attorneys from a private organization (Massachusetts Family Institute) in order to seek consultation for the passage of a WPS policy.
Mr. Lashway repeatedly stated there was no agenda for this policy and that his intention was to put in writing what our teachers and staff are already doing. The WPS School Committee Code of Ethics clearly states that every Committee member is bound by their oath in office to community responsibility, including “that they remember that they represent the entire community at all times” and “[they] accept the office as a means of unselfish service with no intent to ‘play politics,’ in any sense of the word.”
We believe Mr. Lashway has not upheld the WPS Code of Ethics through his deliberate omission of information to the Wrentham community and by engaging the Massachusetts Family Institute, a “Christian advocacy organization,” to craft policy language that would impact every member of Wrentham’s school community. We believe that Mr. Lashway’s actions have not aligned with Wrentham Public Schools core values of respect, communication, collaboration and responsibility. To ensure that the Wrentham School Committee can resume its vital function to this community, we, the undersigned, are asking for Paul Lashway’s immediate resignation from his position on the Wrentham School Committee.