Principal Steve Brandt just announced to staff and students this morning that he will not be returning to Roxborough next year. He is leaving the district, and made it clear that it is due to not being able to work under their current philosophies and ways of operating.
This is awful news for so many reasons.
Selfishly, yes, I want to see him stay. Roxborough has been a bright spot in my travels between high schools. It is BY FAR the best school climate I have seen in 3 years of traveling the district, and is miles ahead of where other neighborhood high schools are.
This school has turned around in his few years here, and he completely deserved the Lindback award for principal of the year.
I simply do not understand how a district that is struggling as ours is, cannot do more to keep one of the best and brightest young leaders that it has.
How can we ever expect to change things if this is how we operate? Forget budgets and contracts and school closings for a minute....take a look at what type of people you want here. It doesn't make sense.
Sorry, this is by the seat of my pants this morning, as I was floored with this announcement, but I'm apalled.
Steve is a product of this district, graduating from Roxborough himself. He really cares about this place. He poured his heart into this school.
And now, he's given his recommendation that Ms. Jenkins, his assistant principal replace him. This would be a great transition. She understands this building and what makes it work. However, the tone seems to be that this recommendation doesn't matter. The understanding is that the district will place who they see fit into this position.
I question, based on what exactly?!?! If you care about these students, and see how far they've come in a few years, why on earth would you possibly change that for them? This is an especially unique situation, with students pouring into Roxborough next year from the Germantown closure.
School District of Philadelphia, open your eyes. Save one of your neighborhood schools next year, by maintaining some continuity for the students and staff.
You are already losing an amazing principal; please don't throw away an entire school as well.
The district is losing more than one excellent principal; many teachers and students who want something better for themselves will also be leaving.
ReplyDeleteWI can't blame anyone who decides to leave because honestly, there's no reason to stay.
I completely agree. I myself am torn year after year on whether or not I can remain here.
ReplyDeleteI am not at all blaming Mr. Brandt for leaving, I am simply hoping that those with the power to decide on the new leader for the school, will think carefully and take Mr. Brandt's recommendation seriously and give the position to Ms. Jenkins.