From chair of the Board of Governors:
Dear Hyde Community,
I want you to hear first from me some news about long-threatened legal action against Hyde and personal attacks on stalwarts in our community. Some former students have taken to social media and message boards to voice complaints against Hyde, posting distorted claims of abuse, forced labor and negligence frequently in harsh, uncivil, insulting tones. A Massachusetts law firm began soliciting former students as clients, even on these message boards. For more than two years this law firm has been threatening to assert claims against Hyde. With open minds, we have engaged with this law firm, eager to understand whether or how individuals were allegedly harmed during their time at Hyde, and ready to address or remedy any wrongs revealed to us. Far from achieving the clarity and understanding we sought, we have received allegations that either grossly mischaracterize Hyde?s policies and practices over time or are patently false. This week, the law firm shared a draft lawsuit on behalf of a former student who briefly attended Hyde. We are constrained in our ability to comment about pending litigation or former students, but we want our community to know that Hyde vehemently denies these claims and intends to vigorously defend itself, its reputation, and the character education model that makes Hyde the special and effective school it is. The law firm reported that they intend to file suit in the coming days. The draft we have seen includes incredibly inflammatory and disturbing allegations against not only Hyde School, but several members of the Gauld family. We also know that the law firm has been talking to reporters who have sent us questions on allegations that are not in the draft of the suit. One of the most egregious and offensive lines of questions picks up on social media chatter tying alumni who have passed away for any reason to Hyde School. This narrative is not only false, it preys upon vulnerable families. In Hyde?s 60 years, two students have passed away while enrolled at Hyde. One resulted from a skiing accident in 1970 during a family vacation. The second young man passed away in 1988 during a pickup basketball game due to an undiagnosed medical ailment. Our hearts go out to all families who have lost loved ones. As you know, since 1966, Hyde has created a unique learning environment that fosters growth and accountability for high-potential students. Hyde is a school of high expectations. In addition to college preparatory academics, Hyde requires participation in athletics, public speaking, and performing arts. Our students face challenges and harness their strengths in an environment of remarkable support from peers, faculty, and parents. These unique ingredients of a Hyde education have led to life-changing outcomes for thousands of students and their families, but not for every one of them. The news you will hear may make you think that Hyde has skeletons, dark secrets now coming to light. But Hyde, as you know, has always been an open book, a place of extraordinary transparency. We take seriously our obligation to investigate and, where appropriate, report to law enforcement. Contrary to the allegations made in the lawsuit, Hyde considers its obligation to protect students to be paramount. We stand behind our school leaders and believe that they have worked tirelessly to do the right thing for our students. Our philosophy and curriculum have been consistently accredited, each time with multiple commendations, during six decennial accreditation visits (since 1970) by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Of the 2,500 graduates of the Maine campus, 96 percent were admitted to accredited colleges. As proud as we are of this history, we know not all of our former students and families feel positively about Hyde. We pay attention to all feedback, whether positive or critical, which has contributed to our continuous improvement. Hyde remains committed to who we are as we continue to grow and serve our students and families.
Sincerely, Dana McAvity Chair, Board of Governors
