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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Would suggest OP read this recent thread citing multiple issues at GDS HS including discipline process, college counseling office, HS principal

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1185149.page
[/quote]

GDS HS parent here. It's much better this year with the much-disliked former head of the HS having been bounced.

The school still has a broken, capricious, and non-sensical disciplinary process. And in the HS, all assemblies are programmed by the DEI office - 100% of all assemblies. And no student clubs are funded except affinity groups. So if you are not in an affinity group club you need to ask the HS for funding instead of getting automatic funding for your club as all race-based and identity based affinity groups get

Have had 2 finish there and last one is done soon. Teaching is mostly great - though English dept has massive turnover every year for some reason. Lots to love about the school but like many institutions, it over-torqued in 2020-2022 and is slowly moving back[/quote]

What was the issue with the former head? We are new, but she seemed nice. [/quote]
Unfortunately, the former HS principal never really connected with the students. I can't speak to how the faculty regarded her, but the HS student body did not find her to be a good leader. She was IMHO hired because she came from Dalton, did DEI work there, and had ties to the Black and Jewish communities, but she had no experience as a HS principal. GDS HS is not a place where you can put in a newbie principal and expect her to thrive. The search committee failed, big time. Maybe in 10 or 15 years, she would have had the experience and wisdom to navigate the position, but she was a poor choice.[/quote]

Faculty was not supportive. It’s a group of excellent very experienced teachers - so heavy handed approach not particularly welcome. Students not that supportive either. Was a swing and a miss [/quote]

Yup exactly - she was green at the role, had previously run community engagement at Dalton and nothing bigger. Sadly, it was a 2021 era hiring mistake like many institutions made. The faculty greatly disliked her as did students, She came in heavy handed, wanted to change some core basic rituals that students have had for decades (senior run in, themed school dances) and caused WWIII. With long standing faculty she banned certain field trips/overnight trips. It all seemed random. She was managing from inside her office most days and did not walk around and get to know students or make any effort. And there were other issues too. School decided mid last year to not renew her and then did not tell community until end of school year had passed. The way that all went down was not cool. as if school did not want to admit its hiring mistake. She was disappeared 1 week after school year ended. [/quote]

So it was known well ahead of time?
[/quote]

Umm maybe by some in the administration but it was a surprise to most students and parents - but a welcome surprise. [/quote]

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