The Marblehead School Committee entered executive session on Thursday to discuss a lawsuit filed by the district’s former human resources director, who claims she was wrongfully terminated and that her children were unlawfully removed from the district.
Kelley Ferretti, who was dismissed Jan. 8, filed suit Aug. 20 in Essex County Superior Court against Marblehead Public Schools, the School Committee, and Superintendent John Robidoux. The complaint alleges breach of contract, wrongful termination, and whistleblower violations.
Ferretti, a Beverly resident, is seeking lost wages and the reinstatement of her two sons at Marblehead High School, where they had been enrolled as a junior and sophomore.
According to the complaint, Ferretti accepted the HR director position only after former Superintendent John Buckey assured her during the hiring process that her children could remain in the district through graduation under what he described as a “superintendent’s prerogative.” Ferretti said Buckey “reassured” her there would be no disruption to their enrollment regardless of her employment status.
Buckey was terminated before the agreement was formalized, the suit says, and Ferretti’s children were later removed from the district.
The complaint also details Ferretti’s dismissal. On Jan. 8, Robidoux presented her with a “Notice of Intent to Dismiss” citing unsatisfactory job performance. Ferretti later submitted her resignation but reiterated her expectation that her children would remain enrolled. Robidoux allegedly told her he would “consider it.”
Ferretti followed up in April with another request, citing Buckey’s assurances. On April 15, Robidoux told her the School Committee would decide under the state’s school choice law. Two days later, the committee voted against school choice on his recommendation, according to the suit.
On June 27, Marblehead High School Principal Michele Carlson notified Ferretti by email and mail that her children had been “withdrawn effective immediately.” Ferretti contends the removal violated district practice, which typically requires parental consent and coordination with the receiving district and state reporting procedures.
The lawsuit argues that her children were not enrolled under school choice but through an agreement tied to her employment contract, and that their disenrollment was unlawful.
A hearing on Ferretti’s request for a preliminary injunction is scheduled for Aug. 27 in Lawrence Superior Court.
John Robidoux told Marblehead Weekly News he is “unable to discuss any pending litigation at this time.”
