By Dakota Antelman — [email protected]
Concord-Carlisle High School METCO director Debra Jemison has resigned, capping a 15-year career in Concord.
Jemison cited medical issues as the reason for her departure. She had been on leave since August and said she filed her resignation “with most profound regret and sorrow.”
“We are all very sad that she is not well enough to return,” superintendent Laurie Hunter said in a message to The Concord Bridge confirming Jemison’s resignation.
In an email to METCO families, Hunter added, “Deb will be greatly missed.”
Reached by The Bridge via text message, Jemison said, “Dr. Hunter will communicate with the community on my behalf.”
‘Unparalleled’ dedication
METCO is a voluntary program that brings students from Boston into suburban schools, including the Concord Public Schools and CCHS.
Jemison came to Concord in 2010 as an academic liaison working with middle school METCO students. Among her contributions, a 2021 Wicked Local article noted Jemison’s role as a co-advisor of the middle school RISE Club, which discussed race and equity.
She became CCHS’ METCO director in 2022.
“Deb has been a long-term and beloved member of the METCO team,” Hunter said.
In her resignation letter, Jemison thanked district leaders “for the knowledge and experience I have gained by working for the entire Concord Public School District.”
Jemison wrote of being grateful for the professional relationships she built in Concord. She said she made lifelong friends and thanked leaders “for providing me with a rewarding learning experience and a warm working environment,” as well as being supportive in difficult times.
Hunter said Jemison’s “exceptional dedication and commitment to students and families over 15 years were unparalleled.”
“As an advocate for students, Deb also furthered the districts’ work in equity and opportunity in sharing her perspectives and the needs of students in multiple forums,” Hunter said.
Jemison said her resignation was effective December 24. Since Jemison went on leave, Malinthi Fernando has served as CCHS’ interim METCO director.
Hunter praised Fernando’s “effective leadership” and said it “will carry us through the remainder of the school year.”
She said she was working with the district’s administrative team as of Thursday on a hiring process for METCO leadership for the 2025-26 school year.
Parent concerns
Before Jemison’s departure, some METCO families and other program supporters raised concerns about turnover among district METCO leadership.
The Concord-Carlisle METCO Parent Teacher Group shut down in November due to broader concerns about administrators’ approach to the METCO program.
As officials prepare to fill Jemison’s seat, Hunter said the process will begin with a parent survey.
“Certain questions request feedback about the process and your hopes for the future,” Hunter said. She said the parent survey will be sent next week.
In the meantime, she urged any METCO families with questions to contact her, building principals and METCO leaders, or director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging Andrew Nyamekye.
“We look forward to collaborating with you,” Hunter said.
