Why are dozens of principals leaving Fairfax Co. schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd be curious to see the employee satisfaction surveys from the principals who recently left. I suspect a few of them were given the "retire or get fired" ultimatum.

+1
I'd also like to see the employee survey results for Dr. Reid. Interestingly, they were not released.

[Anonymous]

^ +1 was for the survey/exit interview results.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

But it is impossible. Schools can’t fix home life problems that create poor academic outcomes. Any administrator that expects otherwise is a politician and not a serious person.

[Anonymous]

I attended a meeting where someone who said they didn't speak English, but then appeared to speak perfect English when not speaking to Dr. Reid, took up half of a Dr. Reid's meet and greet session to discuss an afterschool bullying incident with a parent off school grounds and they didn't even live in the district the meeting was for. They also admitted they had numerous discussions with the principal. That would drive me crazy as a principal if I had to deal with every offsite incident that happened to a family. I care about racial injustice, but families need to stop making FCPS jump through hoops to meet every issue that comes their way. FCPS needs to narrow their scope of what they can solve and then actually work on solving these issues. They can't solve all issues but at the same time can't be incompetent at all issues. This would also reduce so much change needed from year to year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

That’s a pretty strong statement. What other jobs have greater demands and sacrifices…without going to going to medical or law school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

Cry more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

Cry more.

Not exactly a well thought out response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

Cry more.

I'm not crying. I am merely defending the truth, a truth your reply supports.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

It's hard to respect parents who do the same....every day all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

Cry more.

Not exactly a well thought out response.

It's a response from someone who knows they're full of BS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ +1 was for the survey/exit interview results.

FCPS does not do exit interviews....they just promote or hire the next person. They don't care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.

I agree with this. It's easy to keep swimming along with the stream, especially if you've been doing it long enough to be close to retirement. Do you really care at that point if the system works or if the stream is clean? Do you care if it is a downright toxic environment for a not-insignificant portion of students? Or do you just want to come in and punch a clock and not have to actually manage anyone or be in charge of fixing anything for the next couple of years?

My guess would be just to punch a clock. That's what I'd want to do, but then again, I don't work in a public environment where I'm expected and entrusted to be a guardian working in the best interest of minors. The system stinks, and when you are in charge of managing a stinky system, then you can't afford to just coast through. If you aren't up to right the ship, then the most responsible thing is to jump ship.

And we are. Nobody wants to work with a parent like you that’s going to try to guilt them into loving an almost impossible job.

NP. It’s hard to retain respect for school employees who come on here and whine incessantly about how “impossible” their jobs are.

You would find many other jobs make far greater demands and require greater sacrifices.

BS.

I don't know anyone besides my family who are teachers who uses their own funds to purchase food, coats and gloves, books, and supplies for their "clients." Maybe some social workers do as well, but I don't know of any who are.

The only other people I know who regularly give up one or both weekend days to do their job are attorneys.

I don't think there are many other professionals who deal with the vitriol spewed the way teachers do. Just reading this forum is a window into what they experience. It's disgusting at times.

Cry more.

I'm not crying. I am merely defending the truth, a truth your reply supports.

Nah, you're just trying to make the case for more money as usual.