To the editor:

Much has been written about the challenges faced by the Marblehead school system. Given the revolving door at the superintendent’s office and the lack of direction and leadership from the School Committee, these criticisms are not without foundation.

While that rancor persists at the “upper” levels of the organization, I have recently witnessed commendable performance at the teaching level. Despite the School Committee’s apparent inability to prioritize what truly matters, the dedicated educators continue to make a positive impact on students.

Recently, I attended my grandson Luc’s year-end production of the Tidal Pool Show at the Glover School. The engaged students, proud parents, and extended family filled the room, eager to enjoy a performance that the students were excited to deliver. This show, featuring four kindergarten classes, was followed by an invitation to the students’ classroom. There, we experienced more songs, poems, solo reading with a microphone, and tangible examples of the students’ progress throughout the year. The room was adorned with displays showcasing what had been taught, and the students proudly explained their accomplishments to their families.

While the School Committee may appear to be rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, the true service providers — the classroom professionals — keep the engine of education running full speed ahead. Their commitment to this noble vocation deserves our gratitude.

Charlie Pihokken

Marblehead