Is it fair to discuss a specific principal on this forum?

[Anonymous]

I so want to start a thread on our school's principal. But I feel like that would be kind of unfair (since this is anonymous). And as mean as people can get on this forum, I am not seeing much "gossip" about specific principals, which seems like a good thing, really.

Who do you talk to if you are concerned about a specific principal? Can you talk to someone at the county without it getting back to that principal? (I wouldn't want to risk retribution against my child)

[Anonymous]

A gentle, fair conversation with your PTA board? perhaps others have raised concerns?

[Anonymous]

I think its fair. A principals actions or in actions directly affect the quality and culture of a school. It no different than complaining on yelp about restaurant management or the advice being given about doctors on the expecting mom forum. I would of course avoid saying anything regarding personal appearance, intelligence or broad based personality type statements.

Its odd that anyone recommended going to your PTA board. What on earth would they do?

[Anonymous]

The idea rubs me the wrong way, whether it's because the anonymity is one-way, or the fact that principals are public employees, or something else.

[Anonymous]

I have seen discussions of school that have mentioned principals in passing as an element of the school, but I think a thread focused on a principal is not appropriate just because of the dangers of any anonymous internet thread focused on a specific private person.

[Anonymous]

It seems very unfair to have anonymous vitriol about a person searchable by a search on their name. What if you yourself come around to this principal. You've left a trail that could be damaging to them.

I don't see the harm in speaking in vague terms about the principal but I would not use their name.

Why not deal with the situation directly or go over their head. I don't know who the next in command is but you can also try the Office of School Performance, Chief School Performance Officer. I know that person was the one who developed the new recess policy stating that recess should not be withdrawn as a punishment and that parents must give permission if recess time is to be used to make up work or get academic help; and I was told that if the principal was not complying, to call that office.

[Anonymous]

I've seen it done on the private school boards and don't like it at all. So unfair and very inappropriate too. Talk to other parents in person if you have concerns and want to compare notes and use the school system to voice any complaints you feel are important enough to report.

[Anonymous]

i think as long as you put your name address and phone number where you work and a peer review of your work or parenting skills it should be ok

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:i think as long as you put your name address and phone number where you work and a peer review of your work or parenting skills it should be ok

Absolutely. Can I also have your SSN, your DOB and your mother's maiden name.

Jokes aside - do not discuss a specific principal on this forum.

[Anonymous]

I've seen it done in reference when a specific school is mentioned. For example, whenever someone asks for feedback on Ritchie Park that principal is always mentioned as being part of the problem as why that school is so bad.

[Anonymous]

I have seen it posted as - has anyone else had any issues with the admn at X school?

[Anonymous]

OP here... It was one of those questions which in asking it I already had my answer. I have indeed seen principals of a specific school discussed when people are discussing a school. Not by name, but one doesn't really need the name for it to be personal.

That said, I think this DCUM community shows some admirable restraint in this regard that they don't in so many others. (there ARE still a lot of individuals ruthlessly discussed by name.)

I do still want to find a way to talk to someone about this principal, though. There has to be a way to address concerns.

[Anonymous]

What you can do is discuss the problematic actions if this principal without naming him or her or the school in question.

If someone guesses, you can always refuse to confirm it.

[Anonymous]

The question is - what are you trying to protect? If you are trying to protect the reputation of the school, then 18:14 is right.

If you are only trying to protect the digital identity of the principal in question, then you can say "The Principal at St. Larla's Academy" and the person's name will stay out of the google search, but everyone will know who you mean.

[Anonymous]

jeff will pull it and I am not joking