Banneker MS Principal On Leave?

[Anonymous]

October 31, 2025
Dear Benjamin Banneker Middle School Staff and Community,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share an important update regarding the leadership of Benjamin Banneker Middle School. Principal DeyJah Chappell is currently on leave. During this time, it is essential that the school continues to move forward with strong leadership and a clear commitment to its vision and goals.

Effective November 3, 2025, Ms. Panagiota (Penny) Tsonis will serve as acting principal of Banneker Middle School. Ms. Tsonis is a seasoned educator and administrator with a long-standing commitment to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). She previously supported Banneker as acting principal this past summer and brings a wealth of experience as a retired MCPS middle school principal. Her leadership and familiarity with the Banneker community will ensure continued stability and support for students and staff.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support of Benjamin Banneker Middle School.

Sincerely,
Jewel Sanders
Director, Division of School Leadership and Improvement

Anyone know whats going on? She just started.

[Anonymous]

No idea what’s going on. Banneker seems to have a new principal every 2 years. Hope she’s okay.

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure but I’ve heard from Kennedy people that they enjoyed working with her. Hope she’s ok.

[Anonymous]

She’s awesome,best of Luck Deyjah!!!!

[Anonymous]

What the heck? I can't imagine what could have gotten Ms. Chappell in trouble at Banneker. She was beloved by staff and students at Kennedy....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What the heck? I can't imagine what could have gotten Ms. Chappell in trouble at Banneker. She was beloved by staff and students at Kennedy....

There might be a personal issue that led to her absence. No use in speculating.

[Anonymous]

Apparently, she was inappropriate with a subordinate teacher. The teacher’s wife sent the school pictures she found on his phone.

[Anonymous]

Heard that, I think the teacher lost his job too because something happened on school grounds that other teachers witnessed…apparently consensual but can’t be doing that this day and age.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]Apparently, she was inappropriate with a subordinate teacher. The teacher’s wife sent the school pictures she found on his phone.[/quote]

Yikes….

[Anonymous]

She’s married.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She’s married.

I mean so was Beidleman when he was doing his dirt in MCPS....

[Anonymous]

This thread is so unbelievably incorrect and full of speculations and lies. This is coming from someone who works in the building currently and has knowledge on the situation. It’s actually a good thing for them that they’re both gone. This building didn’t deserve either of them. People have sat in the building and continued to lie and gossip about something they have 0 facts about. It’s sad and people in the building wonder why Banneker has a new principal every 2 years. It’s because of the immature staff. They act like high schoolers. Best of luck to Chappell and the teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so unbelievably incorrect and full of speculations and lies. This is coming from someone who works in the building currently and has knowledge on the situation. It’s actually a good thing for them that they’re both gone. This building didn’t deserve either of them. People have sat in the building and continued to lie and gossip about something they have 0 facts about. It’s sad and people in the building wonder why Banneker has a new principal every 2 years. It’s because of the immature staff. They act like high schoolers. Best of luck to Chappell and the teacher.

Oooohhh.....why is there so much mess in the NEC schools?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so unbelievably incorrect and full of speculations and lies. This is coming from someone who works in the building currently and has knowledge on the situation. It’s actually a good thing for them that they’re both gone. This building didn’t deserve either of them. People have sat in the building and continued to lie and gossip about something they have 0 facts about. It’s sad and people in the building wonder why Banneker has a new principal every 2 years. It’s because of the immature staff. They act like high schoolers. Best of luck to Chappell and the teacher.

So what is the real reason? MCPS doesn't just rip a brand new principal out of their school for something that isn't serious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is so unbelievably incorrect and full of speculations and lies. This is coming from someone who works in the building currently and has knowledge on the situation. It’s actually a good thing for them that they’re both gone. This building didn’t deserve either of them. People have sat in the building and continued to lie and gossip about something they have 0 facts about. It’s sad and people in the building wonder why Banneker has a new principal every 2 years. It’s because of the immature staff. They act like high schoolers. Best of luck to Chappell and the teacher.

So what is the real reason? MCPS doesn't just rip a brand new principal out of their school for something that isn't serious.

Yes they do.