WES Head of School resigns

[Anonymous]

K is a great time at WES. The school falls apart in the ES.
Kirk did the best job he could do for WES. I wish him the very best!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:K is a great time at WES. The school falls apart in the ES.
Kirk did the best job he could do for WES. I wish him the very best!

Yet another message in this thread with no real information.

[Anonymous]

Sixth grade parent here. We have actually had a great elementary school experience. Excited for the Utah trip and the trips to Italy and Spain over the next two years! No complaints AT ALL.

[Anonymous]

I'm not seeing that many Alpha Dogs here (Hi Joromo + cmezoughem! You're excepted of course.), since Alpha dogs probably like to be identified with their views, right? Hey, can anyone tell me what sort of dogs like to whine and attack other people's kids in a public forum, while cloaking their interjections in anonymity? Yeah.
You can all see who I am. (I guess, not sure how this thing works. It's Deanna.) I'm not going to air my views of WES here, since I don't see the point of all this. Why would any of you care what I think? If I have a problem with the school, I talk to them. Man up, people, or shut the hell up.

[Anonymous]

Well, That didn't work! Consider that last comment signed by Deanna Heaven.

[Anonymous]

Deanna, did you take your meds today? Don't you think that the parents that suffered with the "problematic" teachers went to the Head of the Lower School, Head of the School, reports were written, etc? What people are saying is that nothing is ever done - WES takes no action. I ignored the previous posters regarding this problem, but eventually figured out "where there is smoke, there is fire." Posters are saying that there is a weak parent-run board and weak headmasters. Sounds like you have had good luck with the infamous "teacher crap-shoot" but maybe you could be a little more sympathetic to those who have not -- they happen to be the other parents that you are socializing with at school events and your children's friends. Many don't speak up because they are afraid of the consequences and worried about making things even worse with a teacher that they are stuck with for the year. Those who try to resolve the problem get nowhere and apply out -- same story year after year. Yawn.

[Anonymous]

Consistency between school years and classes is always a challenge, at every school. I personally, have had a great experience working with the Head of School and Division Directors, sorry to hear that your experience is different. The goal is for the new Head of School to take WES even further, the change may help you.

[Anonymous]

I am excited about WES' future! Nancy Wright, who will serve the interim Head of School, is fabulous and is the ideal person to guide the school while WES conducts a search. She is responsive and thoughtful manager. Beyond Nancy, the school is in a great situation financially. While no school is perfect for every family and problems can arise, WES has a very talented teaching staff who are passionate about their profession and our kids.

[Anonymous]

Another happy WES mom here. We are fortunate to have so many great schools in our area. My experience is that different schools are right for different kids/ families. Nancy will do a great job leading us into the future of WES. Jill

[Anonymous]

Why doesn't Mrs. Wright become the newest Head of School?

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it would save the school board from the every three year headmaster search.

[Anonymous]

She's been working at the school for many years and knows the landscape. Easy!

[Anonymous]

Only if she is willing to fire and take the necessary steps to put that house in order. If she is too cozy from being around for too many years and pals with the faculty, the situation will just repeat itself.

[Anonymous]

joromo703 wrote:I think your view of the school is a bit distorted. WES is not in "serious trouble" at all -- enrollment is growing and parents are happy. I am very pleased with the direction of the school.

I'm not on the Board but I like that parents of current students are, as they have a finger on the pulse of the school. You clearly have a different opinion, but not one that is especially convincing.

I have no specific knowledge or connection with WES, so I am speaking in general terms here. It is fine to have some current parents on the board, but you need a balance of alumni, past parents, retired administrators from other schools, people with business experience, etc. The problem with having too many current parents is that they often have personal agendas and are thinking more in the short-term, rather than than making decisions that will be best for the school in the future but may not currently benefit their kids. Research shows that head of school turnover, and thus instability, occurs most often in schools with 80% or more current parents making up the board. Current parents often do not understand that the role of the board is to set policies and long-term strategies, rather than manage the day to day operation of the school. I am sure that nearly all current parents serving on the boards of independent schools are well-meaning and dedicated to the school. However, it is only natural for them to be guided by self-interest at times, rather than making decisions that are best for the long-term health of the school.

[Anonymous]

+1000