SSFS HOS leaving

[Anonymous]

Gut wrenching experience for the parents that watched the lower school concert at the end of the school year. We watched the remaining lower school faculty sing “my wish” to the MORE numerous departing staff… the children crying on stage reaching for the teachers that wouldn’t be back… heart breaking… would have never signed up if I had met Rodney prior to enrollment… luckily we saw the writing on the wall and didn’t re-enroll in the spring…. If they hire and advertise rehiring the old teachers, we would be interested in coming back. I hope the school figures out how to get back to its Quaker roots… Everyone that we spoke to and thought highly of SSFS was enrolled was under Tom’s purview… hopefully Tom is brought out of retirement to support a rescue mission…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gut wrenching experience for the parents that watched the lower school concert at the end of the school year. We watched the remaining lower school faculty sing “my wish” to the MORE numerous departing staff… the children crying on stage reaching for the teachers that wouldn’t be back… heart breaking… would have never signed up if I had met Rodney prior to enrollment… luckily we saw the writing on the wall and didn’t re-enroll in the spring…. If they hire and advertise rehiring the old teachers, we would be interested in coming back. I hope the school figures out how to get back to its Quaker roots… Everyone that we spoke to and thought highly of SSFS was enrolled was under Tom’s purview… hopefully Tom is brought out of retirement to support a rescue mission…

Unfortunately because so many LS families left, they don’t need as many teachers this year. Those teachers who left no longer have a job to come back to. If the LS had a higher enrollment perhaps those teachers could come back. It was a snowball effect sadly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gut wrenching experience for the parents that watched the lower school concert at the end of the school year. We watched the remaining lower school faculty sing “my wish” to the MORE numerous departing staff… the children crying on stage reaching for the teachers that wouldn’t be back… heart breaking… would have never signed up if I had met Rodney prior to enrollment… luckily we saw the writing on the wall and didn’t re-enroll in the spring…. If they hire and advertise rehiring the old teachers, we would be interested in coming back. I hope the school figures out how to get back to its Quaker roots… Everyone that we spoke to and thought highly of SSFS was enrolled was under Tom’s purview… hopefully Tom is brought out of retirement to support a rescue mission…

Unfortunately because so many LS families left, they don’t need as many teachers this year. Those teachers who left no longer have a job to come back to. If the LS had a higher enrollment perhaps those teachers could come back. It was a snowball effect sadly.

How many students left in LS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

A fund in his name established on his birthday (which he always had to celebrate on campus in March). He’s such a humble guy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

A fund in his name established on his birthday (which he always had to celebrate on campus in March). He’s such a humble guy.

Except for when he said it WASN'T for his birthday and he didn't know why everyone thought it was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

A fund in his name established on his birthday (which he always had to celebrate on campus in March). He’s such a humble guy.

Except for when he said it WASN'T for his birthday and he didn't know why everyone thought it was.

Maybe the cupcakes with happy birthday toppers had something to do with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

So he doesn’t say why he came to that decision or what his plans are or anything?

What did the board say?

[Anonymous]

I’m assuming that the board asked him to resign. Will families find out if he is being paid beyond his resignation date?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think RG left because he realized this year was going to require more work than he was willing to do to fix the problems that he either directly created or were caused by his neglect. He left before things got worse so he could salvage his reputation.

Both his tenure and departure are infuriating. However, we are staying and absolutely looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Agree. So strange (and sort of gaslighty) to get an email claiming he realized he wanted to leave after a bit of summer relaxation. I don't expect him or the board to dish but must we all participate in the charade?

Can someone post what he wrote?

Dear Friends -

I hope that this letter finds you well. Summer offers us a time to slow down a bit, to reflect and recharge as we plan for the school year ahead. Having had some time to do that myself, I announce that after a period of deep discernment, I am resigning from my role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School.

———that’s the first part. Then it goes on talking about all the great stuff he did. Ends with

Beyonce speaks my mind when she said, “I was here. I lived. I loved. I was here.” Being here with you is something I will always hold dear. I leave parts of myself here, including the Dr. Rodney Glasgow Endowed Fund for Equity, Justice, and Belonging, established this Spring on my 45th birthday including gifts from my friends and family, dedicated to directly supporting students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and initiatives that foster a sense of belonging for these students at SSFS. The kid in me who benefited so much from independent schools, and the adult in me who gained so much from SSFS, is happy to pay it forward. I am thankful for the Friends here at SSFS, and I remain a friend of the school, always.

So he doesn’t say why he came to that decision or what his plans are or anything?

What did the board say?

No plans. He just woke up one morning and decided it was time to try something new.

Board just said he decided to resign effective immediately. And they wished him well and would search for “leadership with considerable business experience, knowledge of enrollment management, and advancement, to help lead SSFS through this next chapter.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m assuming that the board asked him to resign. Will families find out if he is being paid beyond his resignation date?

I’m sure that’s the case however the “effective immediately” makes me think there was a reason why they didn’t entertain the idea of a smooth transition over time. As many ppl have pointed out it would make so much more sense to announce he’s leaving next year and have a year transition like with Tom. Clearly they thought having him present during a graceful transition would be worse than this abrupt and disorganized termination.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Capitalize on quakerism.

That’s not how it works, Friend. 😂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a new family, I’m surprised we haven’t heard anything since. I hope to get more information and questions answered before the family events in two weeks.

I hope new families were sent something. Was the whole letter sent to everyone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha! No bullying in MS? You are so wrong. I’m glad your child didn’t experience that but mine did. MS admin did nothing for MONTHS. My son had a horrible experience and we repeatedly reached out to admin, the counselor, advisor and nothing. Run people, run!

They say personal electronics aren’t allowed but do nothing to stop kids from using them. My ds texted me regularly from class complaining that other students were being disruptive and teachers didn’t really care.