Washington Post article about Former Farquhar Administrator

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Full text of McKnight's letter to Farquhar is here: https://mocoshow.com/blog/mcps-superintendent-dr-monifa-mcknight-writes-letter-to-farquhar-middle-school-community/

Dear Farquhar Middle School Staff, Students and Families,

I am writing to address the serious allegations that have recently come to light concerning the former William H. Farquhar principal. Members of the Farquhar community have reported experiences that have been beyond troubling to me personally and professionally. I understand that these allegations have caused a range of emotions within our community, including anger, confusion, and sadness. It is essential that we acknowledge these emotions and work together to navigate through this difficult situation.



As superintendent, a mother, a former teacher, and a middle school principal, I am concerned on multiple levels. I know the importance of building a community of learners with engaged students and staff; this requires trust to be earned and leadership to demonstrate nurturing support and attention to each individual.



The scope of these allegations necessitates swift action to independently and objectively investigate, to gather ALL of the information, and then to take the appropriate actions to ensure that any issues are promptly addressed, adhering to policies.



No one should feel alone during this difficult time, and everyone must have the ability to share and talk about their feelings in this matter. This includes counseling services to provide opportunities for healing. These services will be in-place, at the school beginning tomorrow, August 15, 2023 from 8:30-3:30, when the Department of Health and Human Services will be on site to support. Additional counseling services will be available for various groups as needed and will be communicated with those groups in the near future. I also encourage anyone needing to talk or connect to seek the support team at the school.



I want to share with you the steps I commit to take moving forward:



• The independent investigators will conduct a comprehensive review of our policies and procedures related to harassment, bullying, and retaliation to ensure that they are robust, up-to-date, and effectively enforced.



• Reporting any other information is encouraged and requested to help our investigation and at this time, reporting is best accomplished by utilizing the anonymous Maryland Safe School Tipline, which is found online, or by using this phone number 1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233. Also available is the MCPS/Light House Tip Line (Waste, Fraud and Abuse line) at 877-268-8620 or online at www.lighthouse-services.com/mcps.



• We will work diligently to rebuild the trust that may have been compromised as a result of these allegations. We will prioritize open communication, active listening, and taking appropriate actions to address concerns.

We will make the changes necessary to mend and move forward positively.



It is my sincere hope that, together, we can emerge from this difficult situation as a stronger and more united community. Our collective commitment to the well-being of our students and the integrity of our educational environment will guide us through this challenging situation.

Thank you for your support and your trust that we will take the appropriate actions to ensure that any issues are promptly rectified. Please know that we are here for you.



Sincerely,

Monifa B. McKnight Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

It will not be an independent investigation.
https://parentscoalitionmc.blogspot.com/2023/08/breaking-on-beidleman-matter-board-of.html?m=1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that no one in the principal ranks raised their hand and said, hey, what’s happening here? Instead they applauded en masse and stood up and said they’re proud to work in MCPS? Yuck. I’m also totally turned off by the fact that Dr. McKnight offered counseling to Beidleman’s buddies rather than offering it more broadly as a therapeutic intervention for anyone and everyone upset that they’re part of a rudderless and valueless institution that promoted sexual harassers.

This is a precise example of the toxic mcps culture. From the TOP DOWN

As a parent there has been a sharp turn in school since Jack Smith left. The described meeting is in terrible taste given the nature of the allegations. I'm appalled by what I'm reading here.

[Anonymous]

MCPS has hired a law firm whose employment law practice only defends employers against claims by employees to conduct an “independent investigation.” These kinds of firms are not friends of victims. In addition, MCPS has used the firm to defend it against employee claims in the past, so there’s an ongoing business relationship.

This is not an investigation designed to protect victims or improve processes. It is an admission of guilt by MCPS leadership. You hire firms like this when you’re in an adversarial position with the victims on the other side and you’re circling the wagons.

I was on the fence about whether McKnight should be fired. I wanted to see what the investigation found about her capability. But now it’s clear to me that she needs to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that no one in the principal ranks raised their hand and said, hey, what’s happening here? Instead they applauded en masse and stood up and said they’re proud to work in MCPS? Yuck. I’m also totally turned off by the fact that Dr. McKnight offered counseling to Beidleman’s buddies rather than offering it more broadly as a therapeutic intervention for anyone and everyone upset that they’re part of a rudderless and valueless institution that promoted sexual harassers.

It's because in MCPS, if you want to move up, you have to kiss a$$$$. I was in a meeting last year and Dr. McKnight came to speak. The amount of people that formed a line after the meeting to talk to her was ridiculous. I was talking to a colleague who I hadn't seen for years but was shocked at the amount of administrators that waited. So of course they all clapped because they want her to know they are part of the team. Vote people out.

[Anonymous]

BREAKING on Beidleman Matter:
@mocoboe

@mcps
Board of Education Hires Firm that Represented them in Vax Litigation & sat in Closed Session w/ them in 2021. Firm Already Paid $110,674 to REPRESENT BOE/MCPS. Not an Independent, Outside Investigative Firm. https

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These smiling administrators should be embarrassed- I would be if I were in their shoes. They are a bunch of sheep with no backbones. Anyone that stood and applauded supports what she stands for- harassment, bullying, and deceit; hopefully their staff retaliate and demand for these admin to sit back and remain in their offices all year.

Pathetic followers who can’t practice what they preach. And certainly don’t care for students OR staff

Easy to say that from an anonymous post. Not so easy when you are the one in the room. Not everyone in that room is bad. If the culture of fear is as high as folks are saying on here, who would dare interrupt their boss in front of all their colleagues to address? You wouldn't have been the hero in the room if you were a school admin at that meeting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that no one in the principal ranks raised their hand and said, hey, what’s happening here? Instead they applauded en masse and stood up and said they’re proud to work in MCPS? Yuck. I’m also totally turned off by the fact that Dr. McKnight offered counseling to Beidleman’s buddies rather than offering it more broadly as a therapeutic intervention for anyone and everyone upset that they’re part of a rudderless and valueless institution that promoted sexual harassers.

This is a precise example of the toxic mcps culture. From the TOP DOWN

As a parent there has been a sharp turn in school since Jack Smith left. The described meeting is in terrible taste given the nature of the allegations. I'm appalled by what I'm reading here.

Since Smith left but since Weast retired?

[Anonymous]

BREAKING on Beidleman Matter:
@mocoboe

@mcps
Board of Education Hires Firm that Represented them in Vax Litigation & sat in Closed Session w/ them in 2021. Firm Already Paid $110,674 to REPRESENT BOE/MCPS. Not an Independent, Outside Investigative Firm. https

[Anonymous]

Why is the Board represented by the same law firm that represents MCPS? It’s the same reason the Board receives recommendations from the same General Counsel Offices as MCPS. The Board are just sheep and there’s no independent oversight of MCPS.

That dynamic is why complaints are squashed no matter the number of complaints about the same individual. Victims face a huge organization that has an unlimited legal budget. Montgomery County tax payers will pay for the outside legal firm to fight victims but the funds come out of the county budget, not the school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is the Board represented by the same law firm that represents MCPS? It’s the same reason the Board receives recommendations from the same General Counsel Offices as MCPS. The Board are just sheep and there’s no independent oversight of MCPS.

That dynamic is why complaints are squashed no matter the number of complaints about the same individual. Victims face a huge organization that has an unlimited legal budget. Montgomery County tax payers will pay for the outside legal firm to fight victims but the funds come out of the county budget, not the school system.

What can be done about this? It is despicable that they can get away with this.

[Anonymous]

Alexandra Robbins- this is needs to be further looked into! I am sure she is working hard to expose the truth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is the Board represented by the same law firm that represents MCPS? It’s the same reason the Board receives recommendations from the same General Counsel Offices as MCPS. The Board are just sheep and there’s no independent oversight of MCPS.

That dynamic is why complaints are squashed no matter the number of complaints about the same individual. Victims face a huge organization that has an unlimited legal budget. Montgomery County tax payers will pay for the outside legal firm to fight victims but the funds come out of the county budget, not the school system.

What can be done about this? It is despicable that they can get away with this.

Nothing. Truly.

This is how Montgomery County works. This is what we vote for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS BOE Members are already ducking and covering. Lynne Harris is rich saying this:

When elected members of the county school board reviewed materials submitted to approve Beidleman’s appointment as Paint Branch principal earlier this year, no complaints about him were mentioned, member Lynne Harris (At Large) said. She did not recall reading an email sent anonymously on May 3, 2022, by a Farquhar teacher to the board that alleged Beidleman sexually harassed and emotionally abused staff. She looked through her inbox to try to find it but could not, she said. She said the goal for the school board is to “move forward with transparency” and “get the full story.”

“I want to know what happened — who said what, when, where, how. What was the response after that?” Harris said. “That’s what Jackson Lewis is supposed to do for us.”

Contrast this with her saying, ENTHUSIASTICALLY, that she supported Beidleman's appointment as PBHS principal:

Why is Harris "very proudly" supporting his appointment in one breath and completely in the dark about YEARS of accusations of bad behavior? Even IF that is true, she should be SEETHING at McKnight who definitely did know and set her and other board members up to look like complete fools.

Lynne Harris and the rest represent corrupt, irresponsible government. They jump on the feel good back slapping and recuse all accountability. Who has the backbone to stand up for what is right—that is your obligation? Apparently no one on the BOE. Their only motivation is their own ambition. Clean house in next election. There are plenty of smart, motivated people in this county. Stop voting the same cronies in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t believe that no one in the principal ranks raised their hand and said, hey, what’s happening here? Instead they applauded en masse and stood up and said they’re proud to work in MCPS? Yuck. I’m also totally turned off by the fact that Dr. McKnight offered counseling to Beidleman’s buddies rather than offering it more broadly as a therapeutic intervention for anyone and everyone upset that they’re part of a rudderless and valueless institution that promoted sexual harassers.

This is a precise example of the toxic mcps culture. From the TOP DOWN

As a parent there has been a sharp turn in school since Jack Smith left. The described meeting is in terrible taste given the nature of the allegations. I'm appalled by what I'm reading here.

Since Smith left but since Weast retired?

Meant to say "or" instead of "but".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS has hired a law firm whose employment law practice only defends employers against claims by employees to conduct an “independent investigation.” These kinds of firms are not friends of victims. In addition, MCPS has used the firm to defend it against employee claims in the past, so there’s an ongoing business relationship.

This is not an investigation designed to protect victims or improve processes. It is an admission of guilt by MCPS leadership. You hire firms like this when you’re in an adversarial position with the victims on the other side and you’re circling the wagons.

I was on the fence about whether McKnight should be fired. I wanted to see what the investigation found about her capability. But now it’s clear to me that she needs to go.

Ugh. They clearly have no interest in an investigation. They hired lawyers to protect themselves. This is disgusting.