The Dedham School Committee is currently enmeshed in controversy following allegations that one of its members threatened a middle school vice principal, and another is caught in a tax evasion case. William "Billy" Walsh has stirred significant concerns among parents and staff at Dedham Middle School after he allegedly issued threats to "wage war" on the school and "f*** up" vice principal George Benzie, as reported by NBC10 Boston. The incident, which occurred on March 12, involved Walsh gaining access to the school and making his threats known in a loud voice.
Parents have reported feeling unsafe and are frustrated at the lack of communication from the superintendent, Nan Murphy. One parent expressed their anxiety, saying, "She don't feel safe. She's 12. She should feel safe at school" according to an NBC10 Boston interview. The superintendent has since issued a "no trespass" order against Walsh in reaction to the events, a move supposedly made out of "fear for the safety of her staff" at the middle school. Walsh, who also faces legal action for threatening to commit a crime and disorderly conduct, has refused to resign, asserting in a Facebook post that, "A parent's number one priority is to protect their child and there are always two sides to every story. I will tell my side of the story at the appropriate time and place."
In a separate but simultaneous strain on the Dedham School Committee's image, member Christopher Polito is facing trial for his involvement in an alleged tax evasion scheme. The case, rooted in his past activities with Rochester Bituminous Products Inc., has been unfolding for several years as described by the Boston Globe. Between 2014 and 2017, Polito and the company's founder are accused of conspiring to produce false records aimed at deceiving the Department of Revenue during an audit. The trial is set to commence on May 6.
With the town's election approaching in a few weeks, Walsh remains on the ballot alongside challengers Anthony Rodriguez and Kaitlyn DeStefano. Some school committee members and parents have called for his resignation. The situation has drawn attention from Dedham residents and school families as legal proceedings continue.
