MIDDLEBORO — Why are teachers leaving the Middleboro schools?

Results provided by departing employees through exit surveys, an idea proposed by the Middleboro School Committee, could help determine answers.  

Committee members got their first look at a proposed exit survey at their March 27 meeting.

The survey asks why staff members are leaving, whether because of retirement, promotion, better opportunities or general dissatisfaction. 

At the same meeting, a departing teacher went public with her concerns about working in the schools.

Special education teacher Elizabeth Tobin told the committee that she has resigned from her position for her “mental health.’’ 

She noted that she had served in the military and then the students of Middleboro for 15 years.

Tobin said the administration at Middleboro High, “some more than others,’’ has been “unsupportive, uncommunicative and in some cases just plain mean.’’ She said she was “pushed out’’ of her position.

“No one, no professional, deserves to be treated this way, even less so a veteran and least of all someone who loved and supported her students as much as I have.’’

She noted with pride that her students have gone on to college, trades and the military. 

She said she was available for an exit interview and offered to forward her letter of resignation to the committee.

The issue of exploring why staff members leave was raised at an August meeting, when the committee raised questions about the recent resignations of 14 people, including eight teachers, five paraprofessionals and a nurse. 

Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons said then that, although teacher departures reflect a nationwide trend, she was looking at the issue of teacher retention as part of the district improvement plan. 

“We want to be keeping and maintaining all talent,’’ she said.

At that time, committee members agreed to form a task force to look at the issue of exit surveys to learn more about why people leave. 

Although the task force has developed potential questions for the survey, when and how these surveys will be conducted remains under discussion.

“Coming up with questions is the easiest part,’’ committee chair Allin Frawley said. “Getting it implemented is a lot more difficult.’’

The surveys would need to be approved by legal counsel, and funding would be required to support the effort, he said.

Frawley also would like to survey employees who stay to determine their perspectives. When a person has decided to leave, he noted, their decision has already been made.

Committee members have also supported bringing on a human resources professional to the district, which is the town’s largest employer.

That issue, although not in next year’s budget, continues to be explored, Frawley said.