SSMA Principal is leaving...?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SSMA parent here. In spite of the administrative upheaval, the school still suits us wonderfully and I think any parent who visits would see that it's a fantastic environment for early childhood. The teachers (guides) are excellent, and the commitment to Montessori methods is strong. The departing principal apparently did not have a particularly great relationship with the teachers as a whole - and from what I understand, it was an "us or her" call. I'm really unhappy that they couldn't make it work through the entire year - but if it makes for a better overall environment, so be it. I'm mostly sad for the class of (young) 3 year olds who had the principal as their stand-in teacher at the beginning of the year and continue to have a strong bond to her.

While I'm sure this move will get the school skewered on DCUM by people who don't know it - it's a HUGE lottery sleeper. Great teachers, great aftercare, Montessori, extremely diverse student body, strong parent community.

I posted above but I'm always absolutely an advocate of going to the school and seeing for oneself what the school looks and feels like. I have crossed off a HRCS from my list just from my 2 visits, and the opposite happens too, where you weren't sure you were interested until you visited and loved the school.

I wish SSMA and all of it's students, parents and staff the best of luck in coming through all this into a place where they are thriving.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear that when it because clear it was principal or guides that the board sided with the guides.

[Anonymous]

So was the principal not liked by the guides or the board? Really? If so that is sad. So then maybe she did the right thing by moving on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So was the principal not liked by the guides or the board? Really? If so that is sad. So then maybe she did the right thing by moving on.

PP here. I provided the extent of the information that I heard. I can't speculate beyond that. It sounds like there was a personality conflict that was (presumably) irreconcilable. Seems a bit extreme to me to not just stick it out 4 more months...but who knows?

[Anonymous]

Hopefully the school can move forward in a positive direction even with the administration challenges. I hope that the children will not be affected too much. Hopefully the board and the executive director will do their due diligence to properly vet the next principal, maybe include feedback and buy in from the guides. That way they can get someone who will not only know what to do and how to run the program, but someone who can show the guides and families the love and support they need to make it a success. If the exiting principal could not do that, then it sounds like her departure was best for the school. Good luck.