Ritchie Park ES

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a staff member who had been there for many years most of those who left were due to retirement. I think we had 8-9 who retired since he arrived and we are a small staff. A few did leave and some were due to life changes. A few may have left because of how he was holding them accountable but that’s his job. I will say I have been impressed with his student centered approach and support of staff. Not saying he’s perfect but he really wants the best for everyone.

As a staff member who was also there when he became principal, the staff who “retired” or left due to “life changes” were too afraid to speak up and say that they were actually leaving because of him, and that continues to this day. He’s known for yelling (and I mean getting very angry) at students and staff. If that isn’t verbal abuse, I don’t know what is. If he likes you, you’re good. If not, watch out because he’ll make your life miserable.

He was quite the yeller at Barnsley when my kid was there at the HGC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here to say he is one of the best principals I've worked with in MCPS. Not sure what's happened here but hope he is okay. Never witnessed any harassment or bullying from him.

Sounds like one of his friends found this thread - or maybe this is him commenting

[Anonymous]

I also have to say I have only had positive experiences with him. He works hard and really just wants the best for his school, students, and staff. Really hope he’s ok and that he’s back soon!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here to say he is one of the best principals I've worked with in MCPS. Not sure what's happened here but hope he is okay. Never witnessed any harassment or bullying from him.

Sounds like one of his friends found this thread - or maybe this is him commenting

He has a lot of supporters, for sure. However, I think he’s done here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here to say he is one of the best principals I've worked with in MCPS. Not sure what's happened here but hope he is okay. Never witnessed any harassment or bullying from him.

Sounds like one of his friends found this thread - or maybe this is him commenting

He has a lot of supporters, for sure. However, I think he’s done here.

My kids go to RPES- personally I never interacted with him much, just their teachers and the counselor. If he did something really wrong it would not bother me if he was not allowed back. But what concerns me most is consistent lack of administrative support in the building. At what point will MCPS hire someone else ? Or could he be out on leave indefinitely? Thats hardly fair to the school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here to say he is one of the best principals I've worked with in MCPS. Not sure what's happened here but hope he is okay. Never witnessed any harassment or bullying from him.

Sounds like one of his friends found this thread - or maybe this is him commenting

He has a lot of supporters, for sure. However, I think he’s done here.

My kids go to RPES- personally I never interacted with him much, just their teachers and the counselor. If he did something really wrong it would not bother me if he was not allowed back. But what concerns me most is consistent lack of administrative support in the building. At what point will MCPS hire someone else ? Or could he be out on leave indefinitely? Thats hardly fair to the school

Have they made the AP the acting principal? That is what would typically happen, at least at first. If it was going to be a long absence, they could bring in a retiree as acting principal.

[Anonymous]

My kids go to RP too and I really worry what happened to him. He was always present and such a good guy. My kids and their friends really like him. I’m wondering if he is being treated fairly or if he is being blamed for something that may not have even happened. Just a feeling I have and kinda think that after MCPS messed up other situations that they could be proceeding too cautiously and at his expense. I know so many of us want him back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids go to RP too and I really worry what happened to him. He was always present and such a good guy. My kids and their friends really like him. I’m wondering if he is being treated fairly or if he is being blamed for something that may not have even happened. Just a feeling I have and kinda think that after MCPS messed up other situations that they could be proceeding too cautiously and at his expense. I know so many of us want him back.

Barnsley parent and mcps teacher here. He was really engaging and the kids liked him, but he was far from perfect. A lot of teachers were unhappy with some things he did. I certainly don’t wish poorly on him, but I’m guessing if there are allegations against him, they are based on reality and not made up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kids go to RP too and I really worry what happened to him. He was always present and such a good guy. My kids and their friends really like him. I’m wondering if he is being treated fairly or if he is being blamed for something that may not have even happened. Just a feeling I have and kinda think that after MCPS messed up other situations that they could be proceeding too cautiously and at his expense. I know so many of us want him back.

And the principal has entered the chat…

[Anonymous]

These drastically different opinions of and experiences with the principal are interesting and confirm my observations as a parent of a RP student.

He’s definitely involved in a lot of school spirit events and around. My spouse and I raised a few concerns we had, but were ignored or dismissed in a rather condescending manner, and in talking to a few friends he was the same way with them. The general view is if you actually need anything, the AP is the person to reach out to.

I have friends who really dislike him, and I’ve heard a few reports of him yelling at parents and kids for reasons that are completely unacceptable - not that there are acceptable reasons to yell in a professional setting, but these were particularly egregious.

He does have a small, but visible, “fan base” of moms who he is clearly friendly with and responsive to.

[Anonymous]

So interesting as we raised a concern with him and we had no prior interaction with him and honestly felt heard. He followed up and called us a few days later too. My neighbor had an interaction too that was positive. Never seen him or heard from others and I know so many parents in the community about yelling at a parent.

Definitely visible and my young kids really like him. Maybe we should just wait and see what happens before sharing testimonials of support or concern. We really just don’t know what’s going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kids go to RP too and I really worry what happened to him. He was always present and such a good guy. My kids and their friends really like him. I’m wondering if he is being treated fairly or if he is being blamed for something that may not have even happened. Just a feeling I have and kinda think that after MCPS messed up other situations that they could be proceeding too cautiously and at his expense. I know so many of us want him back.

And the principal has entered the chat…

No, I think the principal entered the chat on March 17, which was the first post on this topic after an 8-day-silence.

But thanks to the March 17 poster since that one made me read this thread. Interesting stuff. I know of him, not from MCPS but from the outside world. I also know the principal at another elem school that has been discussed recently. (And have very strong opinions about her... and they are not good opinions, either.)

[Anonymous]

Never the same after he was almost blown up at the Boston Marathon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never the same after he was almost blown up at the Boston Marathon.

Really?? Seemed just fine letting every local news team know he was ok and finished BEFORE the tragedy.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/rockville-principal-lets-community-know-he-was-unharmed-in-marathon/65-314970678

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here to say he is one of the best principals I've worked with in MCPS. Not sure what's happened here but hope he is okay. Never witnessed any harassment or bullying from him.

Sounds like one of his friends found this thread - or maybe this is him commenting

He has a lot of supporters, for sure. However, I think he’s done here.

My kids go to RPES- personally I never interacted with him much, just their teachers and the counselor. If he did something really wrong it would not bother me if he was not allowed back. But what concerns me most is consistent lack of administrative support in the building. At what point will MCPS hire someone else ? Or could he be out on leave indefinitely? Thats hardly fair to the school

I’m expecting them to keep him on leave for a while—up to the rest of the year, but hopefully not that long. They’ll dismiss him entirely and open the position for a new principal.