New Basis DC Head of School

[Anonymous]

The new Basis Head of School was announced earlier this evening— Alex Rose-Henig, an internal candidate with about 7 years of experience at Basis DC.

IMO, Alex is a fabulous selection. He has impressed us endlessly during our time at Basis. He’s thoughtful, approachable and a natural leader. The school is in very capable hands.

[Anonymous]

How many Heads of School since BASIS DC opened its doors in 2012? Is he #7 or #8?

Come on, the school would be in "very capable hands" if they stopped changing the principal almost every school year, or every other school year when they're on a roll.

[Anonymous]

I think he's #9.

[Anonymous]

I think it's great! Instead of bringing in new person from outside, they've got someone already invested and basically doing the job.

[Anonymous]

OK, but can somebody please tell us why a BASIS DC HOS never lasts more than a year or two when the school is supposed to be terrific academically. From within, from outside, they just never last long. What the hell.

[Anonymous]

He's also getting married in about a month. Or, at least, he's supposed to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, but can somebody please tell us why a BASIS DC HOS never lasts more than a year or two when the school is supposed to be terrific academically. From within, from outside, they just never last long. What the hell.

Quit the bashing. Unsure if you’re the same poster as above, but the incessant vindictiveness at Basis from those on the outside is very tiresome.

The school did great this year under its competent Interim Head and has chosen a remarkable leader for the future.

Meanwhile, a can cite several schools that continue to suffer from the same tired leadership year after year after year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The new Basis Head of School was announced earlier this evening— Alex Rose-Henig, an internal candidate with about 7 years of experience at Basis DC.

IMO, Alex is a fabulous selection. He has impressed us endlessly during our time at Basis. He’s thoughtful, approachable and a natural leader. The school is in very capable hands.

Agreed! From what I have seen he seems like a great choice.

[Anonymous]

I'm happy that they went with someone in the school & didn't ship in someone from Arizona.

Best of luck to Mr Rose! He'll be great in the role.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, but can somebody please tell us why a BASIS DC HOS never lasts more than a year or two when the school is supposed to be terrific academically. From within, from outside, they just never last long. What the hell.

The BDC HOSs don't deal much, if at all, with actual students. They hire and fire (takes a ton of time at ALL charters when there is turnover), evaluate teachers and staff, and deal with the BASIS HQ in Arizona, and budgets. They are pretty plug and play TBH. Some have been better, some worse.

If teachers are ok with the choice, and I don't know whether they are or aren't, then I wouldn't worry too much about it.

-Parent of 2 BDC kids, one in college now.

[Anonymous]

Right then, plug and play principals in a school that runs itself. Inspiring.

[Anonymous]

Leadership matters and this is not simply a BASIS DC issue, but a BASIS wide issue. It is not bashing to question the frequent changes in leadership, and to wonder about its effects on staff and students.

With that said, he sounds like a solid choice and hopefully will break the cycle of revolving door leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Right then, plug and play principals in a school that runs itself. Inspiring.

It is what it is. If that's a show stopper for you, and I totally get why that's an issue for LOTS of people, don't enroll your kid. Because, like the crappy building, that won't change.

Reasons to go, despite those 2 factors are: the cohort, the advanced math, the test scores, the 3 different sciences in 6-8th, and the college admissions results.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OK, but can somebody please tell us why a BASIS DC HOS never lasts more than a year or two when the school is supposed to be terrific academically. From within, from outside, they just never last long. What the hell.

Quit the bashing. Unsure if you’re the same poster as above, but the incessant vindictiveness at Basis from those on the outside is very tiresome.

The school did great this year under its competent Interim Head and has chosen a remarkable leader for the future.

Meanwhile, a can cite several schools that continue to suffer from the same tired leadership year after year after year.

NP. I've never before weighed in on Basis on this DCUM but the question to which you replied is fair. It is in fact a logical query. I would respectfully suggest to you that OP is not the one with the agenda blinding his/her perspective, you are. Basis can be a great school and still struggle with keeping continuity of leadership. The two are't mutually exclusive. FWIW, you do not come off as a credible resource by being so darn defensive.

P.S. If it makes you feel better by all means reply to this accusing me of also being vindictive and having an agenda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Leadership matters and this is not simply a BASIS DC issue, but a BASIS wide issue. It is not bashing to question the frequent changes in leadership, and to wonder about its effects on staff and students.

With that said, he sounds like a solid choice and hopefully will break the cycle of revolving door leadership.

Impossible, BASIS DC is addicted to new heads. Only a dyed in the wool booster could fail to appreciate the funny side of this. A fabulous, wildly popular charter that no head can stand for more than around 18 months. Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers anyone?