Color Me Surprised

It was announced yesterday that Mrs. Jenkins will in fact be the prinicpal to replace Mr. Brandt when he leaves at the end of the school year.

This is such amazing news for the school and its community!

I wish I wasn't so surprised by such news, but this was an unexpected result. Everyone that I have talked to who has been in this district for a long time, (including administrators at other schools) said that the placement of principals seems to be a completely arbitrary and subjective decision by the "powers that be".

Sadly, it was also said by more than one person, that the trend tends to be that they don't like being "told" what to do, and often will not take recommendations into consideration for that very reason. I would think it would be the opposite, that a good leader would look to input from a community.....alas, much of what makes sense to many of us, does not seem to happen when the district makes decisions.

But, surprised or not, I'm thankful that it's a reality. As someone who works at both Germantown and Roxborough, I now have more hope that the transition from the Germantown closure will go more smoothly.

I do believe that an active alumni association, a community that was willing to speak up, and Mr. Brandt's willingness to fully disclose in his official letter that he recommended Mrs. Jenkins made a difference. Sometimes you really have to be enough of a "squeaky wheel" so that decision makers notice, and want to quiet things down. It should have been a easy decision though, simply by seeking the advice of a principal they respect, and following through.

Here's hoping that genuine respect and fair consideration is given in all other school closing/merger situations in the coming weeks.

I would LOVE to be pleasantly surprised by the district all summer long. Positive progress would be a wonderful thing!

Wishing nothing but the best to both Mr. Brandt and Mrs. Jenkins!

Sad News at Roxborough High

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.