Anonymous wrote:There is nothing at all anywhere online about him. Which is rare in a worlds where you can pretty much google anyone and get something.

Perhaps you are spelling his name wrong? Plenty online about him including prior position outside of the DC area. He rocks. Totally whipping Murch into shape. Teachers are extremely happy.

Kaya is rolling with the punches in regards to her principals this school year. This is the year that school closures are going to be announced and there's going to be a shake-up.

There is nothing at all anywhere online about him. Which is rare in a worlds where you can pretty much google anyone and get something.

It looks like, from Murch's website, that a new principal has been appointed. Does anyone know anything about this person -- Chris Cebrzynski?

Murch please take time to know YOUR leader as they have to KNOW you. One occasion Dawn was very direct with me, but deserving, it was as I shared a personal opinion in the midst of my understanding a critical moment. I went to speak with her about her curt response and I understood and so did she. I enjoyed her down to earth spirit. She will be missed. Remember, humans are no packaged perfectly with a blue and yellow bow. Good luck in the search. My last one will be attending Deal next year!

Well written Dr. Howard and I commend you, as I witness the pettiness on the playground among us parents. I wish Ms. Ellis much success. I found her to be a very effective school and community leader as well.

There was no due process for principal Ellis. Rumors of her not wanting to meet with teachers were spread mercilessly all over the school (and this forum) by a few teachers through their parent connections and she was never ever given a chance to explain her decisions or actions. I hear, she was asked to meet with a few teachers in a personal home over drinks, perhaps that was not the most professional setting. I will never believe she resigned, I am convinced she was let go due to political connections. She stepped on the wrong toes perhaps. Unfortunately, political connections at Murch runs deep and I find the fact that a few control hungry parents and teachers need to have things go their way and their way only very selfish. Time for this crew to loosen their grip and stop trying to run the school as if they really knew was was best for everyone. From what I have experienced in the last 4 years I've been here, these same people have done the same thing several times. Perhaps it's time we parents spoke up against these special interest groups, for until we do, we will continue to go through this every 2 years.

Anonymous wrote:having had personal experience with Ms Ellis, I am sad to see her leave or hear about another change at Murch ES. Ms Ellis was exactly what that school needed, a transparent leader, who expected the same from her staff.I guess if youw eren't prepared to change and become an integral part of the changing DCPS, you prefer to see her go...what a shame.
There is no more space in DCPS for lazy, or politically appointed teachers, it discredits the rest of the staff who try so hard.principals should be kept for their skills, it is not always popular to change , but change is ineveitable, and the parents at Murch should accept it, embrace it, and relinquish their power.....not listening to grumbling, gossiping teachers also helps!! Good luch to Ms Ellis, I am sure she will be an asset to her new school community.

Pleas don't characterize teachers talking as grumbling and gossiping as if that it the only possibility. Others here have tried to show that there are alternative ways of seeing this -- you seem intent on blaming teachers and telling parents at murch how they "should" feel.

having had personal experience with Ms Ellis, I am sad to see her leave or hear about another change at Murch ES. Ms Ellis was exactly what that school needed, a transparent leader, who expected the same from her staff.I guess if youw eren't prepared to change and become an integral part of the changing DCPS, you prefer to see her go...what a shame.
There is no more space in DCPS for lazy, or politically appointed teachers, it discredits the rest of the staff who try so hard.principals should be kept for their skills, it is not always popular to change , but change is ineveitable, and the parents at Murch should accept it, embrace it, and relinquish their power.....not listening to grumbling, gossiping teachers also helps!! Good luch to Ms Ellis, I am sure she will be an asset to her new school community.

Anonymous wrote:As the co-president of the Murch HSA for the past two years, I had many opportunities to interact with Dawn Ellis, and I feel compelled to come to her defense on this forum. I had many interactions with Dawn that spoke to a high level of professionalism. I found her to be a strong administrator, knowledgeable about curriculum, and at least publically, very supportive of her teachers. She was well regarded by many parents and teachers, as well as by the children. She was always respectful to me, and generous with her time. I am aware by report that she was not always this way to others, and that she made diplomatic mistakes. I am disheartened that she was not given a better chance to rectify her mistakes, and I advocate compassion as she ends her tenure with the school. This is a real person, who worked hard for Murch and is finishing a difficult year. Perhaps she has made significant errors in her dealings with people, but that does not mean she is without good qualities.

Respectfully,
Alison Howard

Thank-you Alison, I think that is an important addition to this discussion. Ms. Ellis did her best in a tough situation. I don't know why she chose to resign, but I do think it was the best decision for all concerned. I only hope that DCPS's dysfunctional selection process can yield a good candidate, and that Murch has not developed a reputation as a Principal-killer that would dissuade a good candidate from taking the position.

A small group of parents took it upon themselves to drive out the previous Principal (Ms. Lewis) from the git-go for what were petty, personal, and trumped up reasons, and this Forum was used in their merciless assault upon her. When others attempted to add some background to their insinuations, they were similarly pilloried. So, I think it is quite appropriate for representatives of the HSA to add their voices to this discussion as Allison has.

I hope Ms. Ellis finds a position that is suited to her style and skills and I am confident she will be capable leader in such a situation. I think it's also important for potential Principal candidates to know that Murch has some of the finest teaching staff of any public school in the country, and its wonderful students deserve a leader who can provide them the support they need to continue to make Murch one of the best elementary schools in the City.

My best wishes to the new Principal selection committee in their search.

Anonymous wrote:As the co-president of the Murch HSA for the past two years, I had many opportunities to interact with Dawn Ellis, and I feel compelled to come to her defense on this forum. I had many interactions with Dawn that spoke to a high level of professionalism. I found her to be a strong administrator, knowledgeable about curriculum, and at least publically, very supportive of her teachers. She was well regarded by many parents and teachers, as well as by the children. She was always respectful to me, and generous with her time. I am aware by report that she was not always this way to others, and that she made diplomatic mistakes. I am disheartened that she was not given a better chance to rectify her mistakes, and I advocate compassion as she ends her tenure with the school. This is a real person, who worked hard for Murch and is finishing a difficult year. Perhaps she has made significant errors in her dealings with people, but that does not mean she is without good qualities.

Respectfully,
Alison Howard

As a Murch parent with no particular opinion of Ms. Ellis one way or the other, I appreciate your input, Allison. Thank you very much for chiming in.

Could you update us on the principal search process? I know the parent reps were selected more than a week ago; are there interviews on the calendar? Are we on pace to select a candidate (if a good one emerges) in the next two weeks, as Dr. Wilhoyte suggested?