Reply to Current experiences at Jackson-Reed?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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, [b]more of a DCPS "yes man" than someone who builds community or inspires students, teachers, or parents[/b]. 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.[/quote]

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. [/quote]

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.

[/quote]

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.[/quote]

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