Current experiences at Jackson-Reed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Unfortunately, the best DCPS principals are ones that have significant external job market worth or have a high-earner spouse. In both instances, the principals are willing to challenge authority and usually get their individual school more than "it's fair share".

Michelle Rhee managed to bring in some highly qualified, idealistic principals like Principal Kim at Deal, that really transformed that school. Principal Kim went to on to work in Venture Capital...not a traditional next job for a former HS principal. Her replacement (a man...can't remember his name), also wasn't afraid to rock the boat and had a high-earning spouse.

Principal Neal, while good-intentioned, is the main breadwinner for her family (including elderly parent). She just can't afford to rock the boat. Deal has stagnated since she became Principal.

Principal Brown is in the same vein. He is a good guy, but he can't afford to lose the job.

This is an extraordinarily condescending take. Wow.

I’ll simply say that how you feel about Rhee/Kim vs. Neal maps directly onto how you feel about the early 21st century education reform agenda. That Kim left DCPS (actually was pushed out for bullying) for venture capital and Rhee is now a supporter of school vouchers should tell you all you need to know about their commitment to public education.

Yet, Kim dramatically changed Deal for the better. The afterglow is still there...though fading.

The Janney Principal was another person who didn't really need the job and a tremendous advocate for the school (prior to the current principal). Heck, she got the school renovated twice before schools like Murch or Lafayette had their schools renovated once.

Rhee being a supporter of school vouchers now can tell you how messed up DCPS Central office is. I only work with parts but the dysfunction is real. And I feel that the Council supports instead of of trying to fix.

[Anonymous]

There are a number of problematic Assistant Principals at JR. But the trouble begins with Brown who supposedly supervises them but really just validates their abusive behavior toward teachers, students, and families. This school and community deserve better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Unfortunately, the best DCPS principals are ones that have significant external job market worth or have a high-earner spouse. In both instances, the principals are willing to challenge authority and usually get their individual school more than "it's fair share".

Michelle Rhee managed to bring in some highly qualified, idealistic principals like Principal Kim at Deal, that really transformed that school. Principal Kim went to on to work in Venture Capital...not a traditional next job for a former HS principal. Her replacement (a man...can't remember his name), also wasn't afraid to rock the boat and had a high-earning spouse.

Principal Neal, while good-intentioned, is the main breadwinner for her family (including elderly parent). She just can't afford to rock the boat. Deal has stagnated since she became Principal.

Principal Brown is in the same vein. He is a good guy, but he can't afford to lose the job.

This is an extraordinarily condescending take. Wow.

I’ll simply say that how you feel about Rhee/Kim vs. Neal maps directly onto how you feel about the early 21st century education reform agenda. That Kim left DCPS (actually was pushed out for bullying) for venture capital and Rhee is now a supporter of school vouchers should tell you all you need to know about their commitment to public education.

Yet, Kim dramatically changed Deal for the better. The afterglow is still there...though fading.

The Janney Principal was another person who didn't really need the job and a tremendous advocate for the school (prior to the current principal). Heck, she got the school renovated twice before schools like Murch or Lafayette had their schools renovated once.

How gross that you have investigated principals’ spouses and HHIs and consider only those you deem wealthy as capable. It says more about you, frankly. The Deal principal went to Vassar, by the way, and she is truly impressive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Unfortunately, the best DCPS principals are ones that have significant external job market worth or have a high-earner spouse. In both instances, the principals are willing to challenge authority and usually get their individual school more than "it's fair share".

Michelle Rhee managed to bring in some highly qualified, idealistic principals like Principal Kim at Deal, that really transformed that school. Principal Kim went to on to work in Venture Capital...not a traditional next job for a former HS principal. Her replacement (a man...can't remember his name), also wasn't afraid to rock the boat and had a high-earning spouse.

Principal Neal, while good-intentioned, is the main breadwinner for her family (including elderly parent). She just can't afford to rock the boat. Deal has stagnated since she became Principal.

Principal Brown is in the same vein. He is a good guy, but he can't afford to lose the job.

This is an extraordinarily condescending take. Wow.

I’ll simply say that how you feel about Rhee/Kim vs. Neal maps directly onto how you feel about the early 21st century education reform agenda. That Kim left DCPS (actually was pushed out for bullying) for venture capital and Rhee is now a supporter of school vouchers should tell you all you need to know about their commitment to public education.

Yet, Kim dramatically changed Deal for the better. The afterglow is still there...though fading.

The Janney Principal was another person who didn't really need the job and a tremendous advocate for the school (prior to the current principal). Heck, she got the school renovated twice before schools like Murch or Lafayette had their schools renovated once.

Rhee being a supporter of school vouchers now can tell you how messed up DCPS Central office is. I only work with parts but the dysfunction is real. And I feel that the Council supports instead of of trying to fix.

Or it tells you that her commitment to public education was always weak and that she saw much rosier opportunities aligning herself with the sort of big-money interests that have spent years undermining it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Unfortunately, the best DCPS principals are ones that have significant external job market worth or have a high-earner spouse. In both instances, the principals are willing to challenge authority and usually get their individual school more than "it's fair share".

Michelle Rhee managed to bring in some highly qualified, idealistic principals like Principal Kim at Deal, that really transformed that school. Principal Kim went to on to work in Venture Capital...not a traditional next job for a former HS principal. Her replacement (a man...can't remember his name), also wasn't afraid to rock the boat and had a high-earning spouse.

Principal Neal, while good-intentioned, is the main breadwinner for her family (including elderly parent). She just can't afford to rock the boat. Deal has stagnated since she became Principal.

Principal Brown is in the same vein. He is a good guy, but he can't afford to lose the job.

This is an extraordinarily condescending take. Wow.

I’ll simply say that how you feel about Rhee/Kim vs. Neal maps directly onto how you feel about the early 21st century education reform agenda. That Kim left DCPS (actually was pushed out for bullying) for venture capital and Rhee is now a supporter of school vouchers should tell you all you need to know about their commitment to public education.

Yet, Kim dramatically changed Deal for the better. The afterglow is still there...though fading.

The Janney Principal was another person who didn't really need the job and a tremendous advocate for the school (prior to the current principal). Heck, she got the school renovated twice before schools like Murch or Lafayette had their schools renovated once.

Rhee being a supporter of school vouchers now can tell you how messed up DCPS Central office is. I only work with parts but the dysfunction is real. And I feel that the Council supports instead of of trying to fix.

Or it tells you that her commitment to public education was always weak and that she saw much rosier opportunities aligning herself with the sort of big-money interests that have spent years undermining it.

Both are true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Unfortunately, the best DCPS principals are ones that have significant external job market worth or have a high-earner spouse. In both instances, the principals are willing to challenge authority and usually get their individual school more than "it's fair share".

Michelle Rhee managed to bring in some highly qualified, idealistic principals like Principal Kim at Deal, that really transformed that school. Principal Kim went to on to work in Venture Capital...not a traditional next job for a former HS principal. Her replacement (a man...can't remember his name), also wasn't afraid to rock the boat and had a high-earning spouse.

Principal Neal, while good-intentioned, is the main breadwinner for her family (including elderly parent). She just can't afford to rock the boat. Deal has stagnated since she became Principal.

Principal Brown is in the same vein. He is a good guy, but he can't afford to lose the job.

This is an extraordinarily condescending take. Wow.

I’ll simply say that how you feel about Rhee/Kim vs. Neal maps directly onto how you feel about the early 21st century education reform agenda. That Kim left DCPS (actually was pushed out for bullying) for venture capital and Rhee is now a supporter of school vouchers should tell you all
you need to know about their commitment to public education.

Yet, Kim dramatically changed Deal for the better. The afterglow is still there...though fading.

The Janney Principal was another person who didn't really need the job and a tremendous advocate for the school (prior to the current principal). Heck, she got the school renovated twice before schools like Murch or Lafayette had their schools renovated once.

Rhee being a supporter of school vouchers now can tell you how messed up DCPS Central office is. I only work with parts but the dysfunction is real. And I feel that the Council supports instead of of trying to fix.

Or it tells you that her commitment to public education was always weak and that she saw much rosier opportunities aligning herself with the sort of big-money interests that have spent years undermining it.

Both are true.

It was her job to fix that, but instead she quit after three years to found this grift: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/StudentsFirst

She also quit teaching after three years (and at least one child’s mouth taped shut).

Absolute scam artist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:JR has a lot of potential, but to me, it lacks vibrant, creative leadership. From what I've seen over the last two years, principal Sah Brown is distant and rigid, more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents. He reminds me of the principals you see in 80s, 90s movies, just lacking in personality and warmth. For example he promotes these totally empty "ROAR values" (respect, ownership, attendance, responsibility) that remind me of corporate leadership babble. Teachers are a mixed bag. Some are fantastic, talented teachers who really care about kids, but they come across as tired and discouraged. I've heard that a number of really good teachers have left JR for greener pastures--both to other DCPS schools (MacArthur, Coolidge maybe) and Maryland/VA schools. Basically, JR seems to be stagnating or going backwards a bit. On the plus side, there are great kids and families and some wonderful teachers. The negative is a truly meh principal who should be pushing paper downtown instead of running a school. If I had to do it again, I'd probably try my luck with Banneker or Walls.

I mean…that’s what public school principals are, especially HS principals. They are hired by DCPS to be DCPS yes-people and to ensure things run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And that’s what he does. I haven’t heard any reports of the Walls or Banneker principals being any different or more inspirational; in fact, a few years ago DCPS pushed out a Walls principal who was allegedly just the sort you describe.

I don’t disagree that teachers find him generally unsupportive; JR has lost some good ones in the last few years.

JR has huge potential and what makes it great is the teachers and the breadth of offerings particularly in STEM. Brown is a huge company man. Not a bad guy - does really want what is best for the kids - but does not like to rock the boat. In that capacity, he sometimes errs towards penalizing the more outspoken teachers/staff. There are also issues with one AP and the bias with which Impact is being wielded that may cause more teacher flight. However, he does keep the bus going much more smoothly than in the past. If he would engage and support the teachers more, he would be pretty solid. He seems to be unaware of how unapproachable he can be.

Can you say more about this problematic AP? Are we talking about an assistant principal or AP course?

Assistant Principal who is liked by Brown because they tow the party line. Has alienated many very good teachers and has at least two I know of looking for new jobs this year. Not supporting and working with the teachers. While there are some who they should be working on getting rid of - these are not the ones who are having issues.

Thanks for that additional info. I wonder if there is anything we as parents can do.

[Anonymous]

The LSAT (where parents are supposed to have a say) routinely gets sidestepped by Brown, who does as he pleases. And "instructional superintendent" Kim Martin (who hired Brown and supervises him) also is no ally of parents (or teachers). So, it's unclear to me how parents can really have meaningful impact on the school. That said, some parents have been at least partly successful in getting their way--like pro-Israel parents to take one recent example--but I'm not sure how they've pressured Brown. In my experience, with more than one kid, Brown can choose to ignore complaints/concerns from parents, students, and teachers without facing any consequences.