Another harmful leader sent to our school Why?

[Anonymous]

I know DC has some really great principals. But Ketcham needs one, and honestly Tiffani White isn’t it. It’s starting to feel like some schools just get whoever, like they’re a dumping ground. Ketcham is dealing with real challenges and we need strong, steady leadership. This is not the answer. Our Ketcham families need to start speaking up more and making sure they are heard. the kids deserve better.

[Anonymous]

I thought principals were on one year contracts and were basically at-will employees. Is that not the case?

[Anonymous]

I have worked under Principal White at Dunbar and know her to be a passionate, committed experienced leader. She rose to the occasion to stabilize our school after a rough few months and was able to reduce suspensions and improve operations. I am sad she is leaving but I’m sure she’ll do great things at Ketchum which is much smaller than Dunbar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe they gave her another school. She is all the things OP said. I’m sorry for the Ketcham community. I can’t even imagine her interacting with small children given how I’ve seen her interact with older kids and adults.

+1, this is outrageous.

OP, I don't think there is anything you can do about the appointment now, but I would talk to other parents and come up with a gameplay moving forward. Document everything (both personally and as a PTA), and be ready to fight if you need to. With her track record, I would actually consider going to the press if/when issues arise. I imagine a Washington Post article detailing White's history and any growing issues at Ketcham would be more effective in forcing the issue than any grievance process through Central. I might even reach out to reporters now, off the record, to get this on their radar because it's an issue that is ripe for coverage.

This 100%. Start a group of Concerned Parents documenting everything.

Can anyone here suggest a reporter who’ll be ready to run a story?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes. White was at Miner very briefly. She wanted the school, but DCPS wouldn’t give it to her. Apparently, the Dunbar staff filed several grievances( lots and lots), but since she was an interim, maybe it didn’t matter. The president of WTU was camped out at Dunbar all year. It was bad. The new principal, whos is supposed to be great, has a big clean-up job to do.

Dunbar principal is one of if not the hardest admin job in the system, regardless.

This^. Dunbar is a very difficult school to lead, and things seem to have calmed down during this past year + with her there. Ketcham should be a lot easier to run.

[Anonymous]

Dunbar person here. It was the exact opposite. Complete disaster all year. Honestly one of the worst principals I have ever seen. Hopefully Principal White learned some lessons this year and do better at Ketcham. We are just glad for our new principal. It was rough.

[Anonymous]

She wasn’t at Miner but for a few minutes. Good luck to Ketcham!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have worked under Principal White at Dunbar and know her to be a passionate, committed experienced leader. She rose to the occasion to stabilize our school after a rough few months and was able to reduce suspensions and improve operations. I am sad she is leaving but I’m sure she’ll do great things at Ketchum which is much smaller than Dunbar

Tiffany has joined the chat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have worked under Principal White at Dunbar and know her to be a passionate, committed experienced leader. She rose to the occasion to stabilize our school after a rough few months and was able to reduce suspensions and improve operations. I am sad she is leaving but I’m sure she’ll do great things at Ketchum which is much smaller than Dunbar

Tiffany has joined the chat.

Lol

[Anonymous]

Incompetent. “Principal” White is textbook incompetent. This is not an opinion but a fact. She literally has bounced from bounced one DCPS school to thr next.She is known for her incompetence and messiness. She was let go from Stuart Hobson to Sousa to Walker Jones. A pattern of failing. If she is going to a elementary school this is not good. Really not good.

[Anonymous]

Most of the Dunbar staff is upset because she ruined an already volatile school and then left. Literally the school has been in shambles all year. Because of White, Dunbar had a massive dip in enrollment resulting in staff losing their jobs. worst part, she made it all personal. The year ended with a string of grievances and staff fighting. Last day of school one teacher maced another. staff was literally freaking out. The students and everyone had one hell of a year. DCPS made a mistake on this. They will see.

[Anonymous]

One teacher macing another teacher is not necessarily the principal's fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One teacher macing another teacher is not necessarily the principal's fault.

+1. One staff member macing another?? Outrageous. How can these individuals be role models for teens?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most of the Dunbar staff is upset because she ruined an already volatile school and then left. Literally the school has been in shambles all year. Because of White, Dunbar had a massive dip in enrollment resulting in staff losing their jobs. worst part, she made it all personal. The year ended with a string of grievances and staff fighting. Last day of school one teacher maced another. staff was literally freaking out. The students and everyone had one hell of a year. DCPS made a mistake on this. They will see.

Personally, I find it hard to believe someone could make Dunbar worse but here we are

[Anonymous]

You'd be surprised how much the principal affects the school, teachers, students and overall well-being. It can be in a positive or a negative manner. My principal never shouts at anyone. I think that is a fabulous start.