Washington Post article about Former Farquhar Administrator

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From MCEA yesterday. FYI, anyone can use the link to email all BOE members at once to demand an independent investigation.

Dear Colleagues,

A strong union means members stand up for one another. Your help is needed now.

Support your colleagues who have alleged sexual harassment by Principal Joel Beidleman. Tell the MCPS Board of Education (BOE) that we insist on an impartial and thorough investigation. Click here to send a message to the BOE. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/demand-the-boe-conduct-an-impartial-and-thorough-investigation?source=direct_link&link_id=0&can_id=b43af23d21b63b647b26edf7b4b1277b&email_referrer=email_2024169&email_subject=stand-with-your-colleagues-now

We must press for change in how MCPS operates when it comes to allegations of sexual harassment and bullying by management. If you have experienced harassment (sexual or otherwise) at work, and need help reporting these serious incidents, please contact us at [e-mail].

MCEA staff and governance will continue to support all MCEA members who have been impacted by the allegations against Joel Beidleman and the subsequent investigation.
We’ve made a direct request to the Montgomery County Inspector General to intervene in order to have a truly independent investigation.

Now it's time for us to tell the BOE directly we stand together.

In solidarity,
MCEA Team

I applaud the MCEA for keeping the pressure on MCPS and asking for an IG investigation. However, the voice should be louder than just teachers. Students and families reporting sexual harassment and bullying have also been treated in the same fashion by MCPS as teachers. Linking these similar cases and the breadth of the history would give the MCEA a stronger voice to create the change that is needed. A toxic workplace for teachers is a toxic educational environment for children.

The only way this will be handled appropriately is if the federal department of education steps in to conduct a Title IX investigation of MCPS. MCPS has legal obligations to handle these cases appropriately. If you don’t complain, they won’t investigate, and nothing will change.

Again, the place to make that federal Title IX complaint is here:

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pure incompetence! October 16?!? They need that long to find a contract that already exists and send a copy to you? Seems like they need an extension to filter the truth to fit their narraitive

Bingo. I know Janis has her critics on this board, but she's been hammering MCPS quite well on this issue.

Name one person who has done more to hold MCPS accountable than Janis...

DP. Has she done things? Yes. Are they effective? I haven't seen it. The problem is that she is the boy who cried wolf. She has expended her capital and reputation launching attacks on them for every minor thing for years and has come off as a crackpot with a vendetta, so now that there's a really serious issue where this kind of approach is needed, nobody takes her seriously.

That's....not true. Janis was just quoted and interviewed in several news articles for this Beidleman issue. So YOU might not think highly of her but it doesn't mean no one else is listening to what she has to say.

That doesn't negate my point. Of course WJLA will go interview the person screaming for attention and blog hits when they need an easy filler of negative quotes for their articles. Otherwise they might have to do the work of tracking down actual current MCPS employees or parents who were affected by this; instead they can get Janis playing the victim and acting like she speaks for them.

She's posted anywhere from 500-1000 anti-MCPS articles and screeds each year on her blog for the last 15 years. It's impossible to filter out what the serious issues are from all the nitpicking and whining. She makes a lot of noise and none of it effects change, because she's become the blogger equivalent of a vexatious litigant and MCPS feels safe ignoring her. I don't think she's effective. Loud is not the same thing as effective. Serious changes need to come from this incident and she doesn't appear to know how to actually do that aside from lobbing grenades from the peanut gallery and attracting attention to herself. A campaign against McKnight and the BOE needs to be organized by people with gravitas and social capital, not a one-man pony show.

[Anonymous]

I for one am thankful for concerned citizens like Janis Sartucci. The school system is severely broken because MCPS employees and the Board repeatedly violate regulations for their own personal agendas and try to cover up problems versus making the school system better. Just like the public information request demonstrates, instead of transparency, MCPS is dragging its feet. Does the contract not match the stated purpose given at the press conference?

The money to pay the law firm is our tax dollars. We have a right to know what was agreed to by the Board and MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I for one am thankful for concerned citizens like Janis Sartucci. The school system is severely broken because MCPS employees and the Board repeatedly violate regulations for their own personal agendas and try to cover up problems versus making the school system better. Just like the public information request demonstrates, instead of transparency, MCPS is dragging its feet. Does the contract not match the stated purpose given at the press conference?

The money to pay the law firm is our tax dollars. We have a right to know what was agreed to by the Board and MCPS.

+1 million

If she is posting something that is not factual, then please do address that and post the appropriate facts.

Otherwise, it seems like she is actually providing a much needed service for MoCo taxpayers.

[Anonymous]

Case in point -

Another high school and another allegation today. Lots to investigate in MCPS and why it attracts these types of individuals:


Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Case in point -

Another high school and another allegation today. Lots to investigate in MCPS and why it attracts these types of individuals:


Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

They just figured this out today? Hasn't this been discussed on DCUM for years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Case in point -

Another high school and another allegation today. Lots to investigate in MCPS and why it attracts these types of individuals:


Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

They just figured this out today? Hasn't this been discussed on DCUM for years?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Case in point -

Another high school and another allegation today. Lots to investigate in MCPS and why it attracts these types of individuals:


Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

They just figured this out today? Hasn't this been discussed on DCUM for years?

Perhaps you are thinking about the Whitman teacher and crew coach. He was convicted.

It’s sad that cases like sexual harassment, bullying, and child abuse are so pervasive in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

actual lol at “we have made the correct decision.” I’m going to try rolling that out at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pure incompetence! October 16?!? They need that long to find a contract that already exists and send a copy to you? Seems like they need an extension to filter the truth to fit their narraitive

Bingo. I know Janis has her critics on this board, but she's been hammering MCPS quite well on this issue.

Name one person who has done more to hold MCPS accountable than Janis...

DP. Has she done things? Yes. Are they effective? I haven't seen it. The problem is that she is the boy who cried wolf. She has expended her capital and reputation launching attacks on them for every minor thing for years and has come off as a crackpot with a vendetta, so now that there's a really serious issue where this kind of approach is needed, nobody takes her seriously.

The request for the contract was made by Louis Wilen as shown on the letter from MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Thank you WaPo for the closing this issue in MCPS. Not only has it improved the quality of local media reporting but it’s shed light on the true motivations of our BOE and County Council.

https://moco360.media/2023/08/24/council-missed-opportunity-to-pressure-mcps-for-independent-investigation-members-say/

“Beginning the first day of school, how can MCPS staff, students and families report inappropriate conduct and be assured of independent oversight?

What immediate follow-up is being done with other schools who scored poorly for leadership on the 2022-23 Staff Climate Survey?

How and when will the findings of the Jackson Lewis investigation, including the expected Sept. 8 report, be made public?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Case in point -

Another high school and another allegation today. Lots to investigate in MCPS and why it attracts these types of individuals:


Dear Montgomery Blair High School Families,

My staff and I are excited to welcome our students back to school soon. We have been diligently preparing for the opening of school and ensuring that our school is a safe and supportive environment for every student.

I am writing to inform you about a recent development concerning the Blair Crew Club. Blair Crew Club is a club sport that is led by parents and community members. The Crew Club’s governing board hires coaches and staff, and supervises the program.

It has come to our attention that there are serious allegations regarding unprofessional behavior and actions of individuals associated with the Crew Club. In light of these allegations, we have made the correct decision to restrict the Blair Crew Club program from use of our school and campus, effective immediately and until further notice. Montgomery Blair High School is no longer affiliated with Blair Crew Club. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students involved in the Crew Club and to maintain the integrity of our school community.

Per our established procedures, the allegations have been reported to the appropriate authorities. We are collaborating closely with the Montgomery County Public Schools Office of School Support and Well-Being, as well as law enforcement, and we will support any investigative process that may come about as a result of these reports. We will keep you informed of any updates as this matter takes its due course.

If you have any information that might aid in this investigation, or if you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact our school security office at 240-740-7200

The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.

Sincerely,

Renay Johnson
Principal, Montgomery Blair High School

They just figured this out today? Hasn't this been discussed on DCUM for years?

Perhaps you are thinking about the Whitman teacher and crew coach. He was convicted.

It’s sad that cases like sexual harassment, bullying, and child abuse are so pervasive in MCPS.

Truly. A corrupt and dangerous school system. Worse than the Catholic Church. As a parent, it is infuriating.

[Anonymous]

Getting back on track:

So we can lobby the federal dept of education (and I assume our local members of congress- Trone and Raskin- if we’re trying to make it a federal issue?)

On the state side, we can lobby the MD IG and/or the MD dept of education. Would getting the MD delegation on notice help? Here’s a list of delegates by county

https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hsedist.html

The county council and executive have weighed in (for now I guess). Who else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting back on track:

So we can lobby the federal dept of education (and I assume our local members of congress- Trone and Raskin- if we’re trying to make it a federal issue?)

On the state side, we can lobby the MD IG and/or the MD dept of education. Would getting the MD delegation on notice help? Here’s a list of delegates by county

https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/hsedist.html

The county council and executive have weighed in (for now I guess). Who else?

Good point. Where are our state delegates and senators?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's get a couple more MCPS horror stories and we can max out this thread and start a new one to max out. It's so crazy that the threads that center around mcps being abusive to staff and students get maxed out so fast every time. What did you think about that central office,union, and bully sympathizers. Ya going to gaslight the selfless teachers about it. Your negligence ruins lives.

The problem is everyone is outraged on this anonymous board but no one is out there voting or actually going to any council or board meetings and protesting. Everyone hides behind these posts