Reply to Why are dozens of principals leaving Fairfax Co. schools?

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Reply to "Why are dozens of principals leaving Fairfax Co. schools?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]At least some of them are retiring to get FCPS pensions while collecting a salary in a new division.

I get the impression Reid actually expects some results from principals and the ones who quit were used to Brabrand’s do-nothing style.[/quote]

+1. I also get a strong sense from community meetings that Reid is out here pushing for real results - especially for the most disadvantaged and those lagging far behind the norm. I think some principals, specifically those closer to retirement, realize it's going to be hard work to fix the failing schools and jumping ship to a system with less expectations is an easy way out.[/quote]

Administrator here ... my take is that it is some of both. Dr. Reid IS pushing for real results, but she has horrible interpersonal skills and has not demonstrated an understanding of the nuances and complexities that make up FCPS. She relies on old research to back many of her ideas, and it seems like she is trying to replicate what she did in Washington in a system that is very, very different.

While I do believe she wants what is best for kids and is willing to prioritize that over creating/maintaining a caring culture, I don't believe that the two have to be done in such conflict with one another. Her perceived incompetence/unwillingness to truly understand our system coupled with severe lack of regard for relationships is leading to the admin exit we are seeing.   [/quote]

I wonder what you mean about horrible interpersonal skills? Can you explain elaborate? I haven’t seen that in my several interactions with her (but I am not a principal).[/quote]

I’m a principal in FCPS. I disagree that Reid has horrible interpersonal skills. I’ve spent a lot of time with her in association meetings. I think she was not prepared for how political the job is. But she has adjusted. Her goal in the first year was to connect with the community, and she’s been doing that. Principals were not her first priority, and honestly, I wasn’t offended by that. She came in WITHOUT a unanimous board vote and had to prove herself. She did that by going to every event everywhere.

I think she is listening to principals now and has course-corrected. I’m very happy with the increase i got in my October paycheck. But there’s only so much change one person can do quickly in such a large organization. She came in with a Human Resources Dept in shambles.  If anyone can make the changes that need to happen, she is the one who can. She’s very passionate about do what’s best for kids, very smart and up for the challenge. She’s not perfect, but no one is. It’s an incredibly hard job. I know I couldn’t do it. Anyone here up for it? [/quote]

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