School Board Reflects on Tragedy, Commends Local Officials and Students

Danvers school board members say that when they ran for public office, they never imagined they'd find themselves dealing with the aftermath of the murder of one of the town's teachers.

"It was as unthinkable then as it is now," the School Committee wrote in a letter released to reporters Monday night.

The monthly meeting was the first time the board reconvened since Colleen Ritzer was killed Oct. 22, allegedly by 14-year-old student Philip Chism.

"Stunned" at Ritzer's tragic death, committee members wrote that they felt it was important, however, to publicly state how proud they were of the entire school community, the town, neighbors, law enforcement agencies, and really the nation, for banding together so strongly to support Ritzer's family and everyone else directly affected by her death.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the Ritzer family, Colleen’s friends, colleagues and students. By all accounts she was an amazing teacher who inspired those in and out of her class with a love of learning, positive attitude, and infectious smile," the letter read.

Committee members praised school administrators, town officials, public safety and other law enforcement agencies for "working around the clock" to not only deal with the safety and criminal aspects of the "horrific event," but also provide coordinated support for students, staff and parents trying to make sense of it all.

And lastly, they praised students for their leadership, conduct and numerous efforts to honor Ritzer's memory in the days and weeks since her death. "You more than lived up to the DHS motto of 'Ladies and Gentlemen Always.' We know you made Ms. Ritzer proud too," the letter said.

You can find the School Committee's full letter here.