Parents and teachers at D.C.’s Eastern High School are trying to get schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee to reverse her decision to remove Principal Monica Taylor, saying that would shatter a fragile stability at the school.
Taylor is one of more than 20 principals in the 50,000-student school system who last week received a letter announcing the end of their jobs at the end of the school year next month.
Her departure would mark the 10th principal change in 11 years at the school, which members of the Parent Teacher Association say is unacceptable.
They are now circulating a petition to show their displeasure with Rhee’s decision and their determination to fight to keep Taylor.
Newly elected PTA President Deborah Jones said she and other parents have found Taylor a refreshing influence over the school’s student population.
“She has a vision for the school, and that vision is one for the children,” said Jones, adding that under Taylor’s watch staff members go the extra step to track down truant students, and a plan has been formulated to raise literacy rates.
Parents are confused about why Taylor was in the mix of principals whose position won’t be renewed.
The young principal is part of the New Leaders for New Schools program, which Rhee has often held up as a model for preparing school leaders.
Her confidence in the national project is so strong, she chose its Memphis, Tenn., director for her transition team.
The chancellor also singled out Taylor for her competence during a recent event, according to the petition.
To Earnest Roane, head of the school’s world languages department, Taylor should be given more than a single year to shine.
“It was a matter of the PTA coming to an agreement that stability would be important for the school,” he said.
Jennifer Calloway, assistant press secretary for Rhee, said she would not discuss Taylor’s employment because it’s a personnel matter.
Taylor did not respond to phone calls to her office at the school Tuesday.
