The announcement that Dr. Alberto Rodriguez is stepping down as Amherst-Pelham School Superintendent isn't a surprise to everyone. Some students say the turnover of superintendents is de-stabilizing and expensive.

Amherst High School student Jessie Chasan-Taber says, "The thing about the Superintendent is lots of people don't even know what his name is. They don't even know what he does."

There will never be another chance for students to get to know Dr. Alberto Rodriguez.
School Committee Chair Farshid Hajir released release a statement to explain that: "After... the survey results from employees, particularly the feedback from a majority of senior administrative personnel who report to Dr. Rodriguez... it was in the best interest of all parties for Dr. Rodriguez to leave his position."

Rodriguez is the fifth superintendent to pass through the Amherst-Pelham school district in just more than a year.

Amherst High School Student Joshua Wolfsun says, "We've been through a number of superintendents over the years. And during the selection process there wasn't always explanation from the school committee as to why they made the choices they made."

Rodriguez had signed a 3 year contract with a $158,000 salary, plus he got a $10,000 housing allowance and $5,000 for travel expenses.
His family never left Miami, where he had a been a principal.

We tried to reach School Committee Chair Hajir to ask if taxpayers would have to pay out the remaining time on Rodriguez's contract, but he could not be reached.

That information is expected to come out a public meeting Tuesday night.

Students we spoke to hope a more permanent leader can be found the next time around.

Chasan-Taber says, "There is really no one that is a steady hand and I think the school needs a steady hand."