Schools Roundup: Stepping on Flowers Edition
Dr. Galeet BenZion, the principal of Shepherd Elementary in NW D.C., was fired last week by D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee for “unforeseen reasons” after only a few months on the job. As the chancellor’s office is restricted from disclosing details about personnel decisions, no specifics regarding the firing have been forthcoming, predictably resulting in an explosion of speculation and frustration on the school's email list and in the comments section of D.C. Wire. Jamie Miles, a "school improvement specialist and a principal coach" for DCPS, will fill BenZion’s position.
In responses that echo the reactions to Rhee’s last high-profile principal firing, many parents suggest that Rhee had a personal vendetta against BenZion after they clashed over staffing issues, or describe feeling personally betrayed. Further complicating the issue is that BenZion was not the first choice of a principal selection committee of school parents and community members, although she was the candidate chosen by Rhee’s office.
In a letter sent to Shepherd parents on Friday, BenZion wrote:
"My Dear Parents,You have heard by now, that the Shepherd school community has lost its principal today. According to the Chancellor I am not the right fit to this community and it is best for the children that I am replaced.
I feel as if the flower has just began to bloom and was just stepped on. It has been a privilege to get to know each of you.
You are an amazing community and I applaud your commitment to high quality education in the District. I am truly sorry that I have disappointed you."
The emotional response from parents will seem familiar to anyone who has experienced the firing of a well-liked principal or coach – it’s a decision bound to resonate personally for those within that school community. No one likes to think that their kids’ school isn't the best, but without knowing the details of the termination (BenZion’s grammar notwithstanding) it’s difficult to take a stand here beyond wishing Jamie Miles luck in taking on what’s sure to be a contentious school climate.
Photo by sally henny penny
Fixing Special Education: Following a recent report slamming the District for its inability to meet the needs of its special education students, and the replacement of deputy chancellor for special education Phyllis Harris, Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee announced a series of moves designed to address the chronically dismal state of special education in DCPS.
According to the Post, pilot programs have been implemented in eight elementary schools, where SPED students attend class with general education students but receive additional instruction by trained staff, and at eight middle schools, where SPED students “receive individual instruction as part of a broader program of supports involving social workers and psychologists.” These programs will be expanded next year. Rhee also spoke about beginning the process of returning some of the 2,300 SPED students who currently attend private school paid for by DCPS, and introduced a new deputy chancellor for special education, Richard Nyankori, who spoke about increased accountability and commitment to responsiveness.
Schools Notes: New petition launched in the hopes of bringing the teachers’ union contract to a vote… Justice Dept. now involved in mediating the dispute between Dunbar HS and Fort Hill HS over alleged racial slurs on the football field… City Desk also has a striking series of photographs for youth football games at Dunbar… Economic turmoil affecting charter school expansion… One D.C. school reformer who isn’t a media darling (yet) – new UDC president Allen Sessoms.