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.  [b]There are also issues with one AP[/b] 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.

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

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