Taylor Elem - principal promoted

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m curious what the average turnover is for elementary principals across APS.

ASFS had one for like 25 yrs.

Holly Hawthorne was principal at ATS for something like 25-30 yrs.

I fondly remember Dr. Stone, principal at Taylor for 20 years. He was a gem of a person. And Holly Hawthorne was a teacher at Taylor during that time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m curious what the average turnover is for elementary principals across APS.

ASFS had one for like 25 yrs.

Holly Hawthorne was principal at ATS for something like 25-30 yrs.

I fondly remember Dr. Stone, principal at Taylor for 20 years. He was a gem of a person. And Holly Hawthorne was a teacher at Taylor during that time.

The job has changed so much. I doubt anyone who has started an Admin job in the last 10 years will last that long if they have any other options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

Kids with disabilities are students too. If you don't want to work with 16% of your students, you should not be a principal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

Kids with disabilities are students too. If you don't want to work with 16% of your students, you should not be a principal.

PP said that she had a bad attitude, but is not in any way qualified what exactly happened? And it sounds like the principal isn’t even responsible to deliver services so what was the deal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

Kids with disabilities are students too. If you don't want to work with 16% of your students, you should not be a principal.

PP said that she had a bad attitude, but is not in any way qualified what exactly happened? And it sounds like the principal isn’t even responsible to deliver services so what was the deal?

the principal doesn't directly deliver sped services but has a very big impact on how kids with disabilities are treated overall and with the services they are granted, or not

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

Kids with disabilities are students too. If you don't want to work with 16% of your students, you should not be a principal.

PP said that she had a bad attitude, but is not in any way qualified what exactly happened? And it sounds like the principal isn’t even responsible to deliver services so what was the deal?

So I responded before and we’ve always dealt with the AP but I do know from friends at other APS elementary schools the principal as been in their iep meetings so maybe it’s possible that’s what occurred with PP? They probably don’t want to say what happens for fear of doxxing themselves.

That said Taylor has a unique student population so I can imagine any one principal might not be a great fit for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What did the email say?

She was great, this is a big loss.

Update for the 2025-2026 School Year

Dear Taylor Families:

It has been an honor to serve as the principal of Taylor Elementary School. This school is more than a place of learning, it is a vibrant, caring community made up of incredible students, devoted staff and engaged families. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together over the years, and I will always cherish the memories, milestones and connections we’ve shared.

At the end of the school year next week, I will transition to a new role at the Syphax Education Center, pending School Board approval. In this position, I’ll have the opportunity to support instructional practices across the division and help shape teaching and learning throughout APS. While I am excited for this new chapter, leaving Taylor is not easy. This community has been my home and it has helped in part to shape the leader I am today.

I want to thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. Taylor’s strength is in its people, and I have full confidence that this tradition of excellence will continue. APS leadership will share more about next steps in the coming days to ensure a smooth transition for our students and staff.

Thank you for the joy, the learning and the unwavering support. It has been a privilege to be a part of your students’ educational journey.

Parent here. Not a fan. Not sorry she’s gone. I get that you cant please everyone but just so the thread isn’t all glowing reviews.

Did you experience the principal before her? Have you seen the WL principal? I think we will miss KM.

I will ask then, we have a survey out — what challenges is the school facing — it sounds like you experience them first hand.

Yes, been in APS a long time and now experienced several schools. Look, I get that it's a job where you can't please everyone but my experience with her on a child who had some minor needs was frustrating -- she was dismissive of my concerns. I didn't think she was helpful or in our court or interested in problem solving. Also, of the people I know who were fans of hers, they didn't have kids who had any sort of needs; rather, they dealt with her more on an organizational/planning level as opposed to a problem solving for their child level. And, she's capable on that front, which I guess is something.

She did seem old school so maybe she is a bit dismissive of the endless on slaught of special need kids versus prior decades.

We have a DC with mild ADHD but diagnosed later in life. What accommodations do you even need in elementary school? We get extended test time, and someone meets one a week to help organize homework and assignments. But elementary school has no homework; is she refusing extended test time? What other services are available?

Your attitude sucks too.

Well I liked KM, and I'm a little skeptical of some people looking for support and pining the blame on the Principal. She was just part of the IEP team, and most of the heavy lifting is accomplished by the Special Ed Coordinator and Special Ed Teacher, with more help from school psychologist. The Principal is mostly just validating that resources are available for the specifics of the plan; she may eventually go back to APS and request more resources but that is usually part of the annual budget process not on a per student basis.

So I asked what sort of supports you need, and what supports are available for this age group. I do feel there are a lot more requests for special needs requests than in prior generation; perhaps my choice of onslaught was in poor taste, and I feel that mainstream educators feel like it has been a much larger switch since they are now mainstreamed by default rather than siloed in decades past.

DP. It honestly does not sound like you have any experience with the iep process at Taylor is kind of odd that you would be so dismissive to PP. my child has an IEP and the Special Ed Coordinator has never meaningfully participated ( typically has not joined the meetings etc) let alone “done the bulk of the heavy lifting” so not sure why you feel the need to invalidate PP’s experiences. I’ve personally had very minimal contact with Madigan so can’t speak to that.

No longer siloing special education students by default is no more an “onslaught” than no longer segregating students by race is an “onslaught” of POCs.

My point as a mainstream principle, suddenly, 16% of your students are making special requests, when 20 years ago they just went to a different school.

My kid is on an IEP in middle school, and I was basing it on the process we have there at Hamm. If you don’t meet coordinator and don’t meet with KM, are you just working with a SE teacher? I am just curious what PP expected of the principal for their IEP support — the process is pretty well established and legally mandated so I wouldn’t expect KM to be that involved, yet they have a beef with her over her part of the IEP??

Kids with disabilities are students too. If you don't want to work with 16% of your students, you should not be a principal.

PP said that she had a bad attitude, but is not in any way qualified what exactly happened? And it sounds like the principal isn’t even responsible to deliver services so what was the deal?

the principal doesn't directly deliver sped services but has a very big impact on how kids with disabilities are treated overall and with the services they are granted, or not

Again for elementary school, what are the services? I thought it was mostly pull outs for executive function coaching?