Ann Arbor principal placed on leave for alleged violation of district's harassment policy
Carpenter Elementary School Principal Charles Davis Jr. remains on administrative leave while district officials investigate a claim of harassment, documents show.
Charles Davis Jr.
From A2schools.org
AnnArbor.com obtained the letter and Davis' personnel file through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Davis could not be reached for comment for this story.
Policy 4020 states that all employees of the district have the right to work in a "professional atmosphere" that "prohibits discriminatory practices, including, but not limited to, harassment." Under this policy, harassment is defined as "verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of his/her race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law."
In order to violate the policy, this conduct must have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance; or adversely impacting an individual's employment opportunities.
Details about Davis' alleged violation of Policy 4020 are not known at this time.
Davis was still on leave as of Monday, said district spokeswoman Liz Margolis. School officials do not comment on personnel matters.
Documents show a history of concerns and complaints about Davis from teachers at Carpenter.
In a memorandum to Davis dated May 3, 2012, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Dawn Linden summarized allegations that included sharing negative impressions of teachers' job performances with other staff, being dishonest with staff members regarding changes to teachers' grade-level placements, creating a climate of fear and intimidation at Carpenter and making inappropriate comments to colleagues that contained foul language.
In a June 21, 2012, performance evaluation in his personnel file, Davis received an overall rating of "effective." He was scored on 43 performance measures and received an "effective" rating in 35 areas, a "highly effective" rating in one area and a "minimally effective" rating in seven areas. He did not receive any "ineffective" scores.
Linden also recognized Davis' efforts to create a new vision of "becoming exceptional" at Carpenter Elementary in her June 2012 evaluation of his performance.
"As a new principal, you recognized quickly that some things at Carpenter needed to change in order to reach higher standards. ... This new vision shows forward thinking," Linden wrote. "... As the year began, you found, not surprisingly, that some people embraced the change while others resisted it. To make transitions smoother, be strategic about engaging some of these folks in specific committees or tasks."
Linden also congratulated Davis on leading his staff toward an increased use of student achievement data in instructional planning and delivery, for improving grounds and building cleanliness and for reducing the number of student suspensions from 2010-11 to 2011-12.
"Your presence in the lunchroom, halls and other common areas contributes heavily, and your positive relationships with students helps them to feel connected, cared for and encouraged," she wrote. "You are to be commended for this incredibly positive impact."
Davis was rated minimally effective for promoting collegiality and collaboration among staff, maintaining a positive learning environment, involving parents and the community in school activities and modeling respect, understanding, sensitivity and appreciation for all people.
The 2012-13 academic year marks Davis' second year as principal of Carpenter Elementary. Scarlett Middle School Assistant Principal Ed Broom was relocated to Carpenter to serve as acting principal during the investigation. Jaye Peterson, a physical education teacher at Scarlett, is filling the assistant principal's role in Broom's absence, as of March 12.
According to his personnel file, AAPS hired Davis prior to the 2005-06 academic year as a resource teacher at Stone High School — the recently renamed Ann Arbor Technological High School. He spent three years as a math teacher at Stone before teaching fourth and fifth grade at Haisley Elementary School. During the 2010-11 school year, Davis served a stint as interim principal at Haisley, after which he was named principal at Carpenter.
Davis received all complimentary teacher evaluations dating back to December 2005. He was said to meet the performance expectations of the district and his evaluations highlighted a mutual respect between Davis and his students, an expertise at bridging gaps in understanding and instruction for at-risk and struggling students, an ability to work collaboratively with parents and a willingness to share information and problem solve with colleagues.
Davis earns a salary of $96,975 as Carpenter's principal.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
TruthSeeker48108
Sat, Apr 20, 2013 : 3:51 a.m.
Principal Davis is a wonderful principal and I look forward to his return to Carpenter Elementary! Please remember that accusations are not facts and no one in the public knows what is truly going on. I am going to reserve judgment until all the facts are known. In the meantime, I know that parents and students truly miss him and the positive impact he's had on Carpenter. BRING BACK PRINCIPAL DAVIS!
cricketrunner
Sat, Apr 20, 2013 : 12:04 p.m.
I would be interested in seeing a poll as to how many parents "miss him and his positive impact" vs the opposite.
Anon
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 11:28 p.m.
As a grandparent of three students at Carpenter Elementary, and a mother of some A2 public school grads, I see Mr. Davis as an intelligent professional and good person. I have witnessed the children at Carpenter looking up to him; hugging him goodbye in the parking lot at the end of the day. He leads with grace and sensitivity to issues the students are dealing with. How can anyone judge him, or anyone else for that matter, when no one knows the issue? How about the person making an accusation come forward, instead of displaying cowardice and trying to ruin a person's reputation? The politics in A2 schools are hostile at best. Superintendents, the top administrators, and the board have lead with few ethics, arrogance, and seemingly very little encouragement to staff. A2 Public Schools are in the news EVERY DAY! A policy manual is one thing, but true leadership begins at the top in setting expectations and guiding administrators, staff, and students how to appropriately interact. How about we have some community cultural and diversity training?
towncryer
Sat, Apr 20, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
"instead of displaying cowardice", oh, that's rich, ANON!
A2flamingo
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
My son had Mr. Davis for his 5th grade year at Haisley and to hear of all of this makes me sad. Mr. Davis was excellent with my son, he created a successful and positive school year for him. This is the first I've ever heard/seen of anything like this about him. I don't know anything about the harassment charges but I do know this ... he was an excellent teacher that made a positive impact on my son's school year and always had his best interest.
towncryer
Sat, Apr 20, 2013 : 3:59 p.m.
He sounds like a product of the PEG/Glenn Singleton school of bullying and guilt-mongering all in the guise of "diversity training" !!
TruthSeeker48108
Sat, Apr 20, 2013 : 3:39 a.m.
@Scarlet: I was at the same PTO meeting and I didn't hear him say anything remotely close to that. Principal Davis was professional and positive and showed great enthusiam for Carpenter students. He is student-focused and the tone of your reply sounds like you wanted him to focus more on the adults than the children. If your accusations were true, why would you keep your children at Carpenter Elementary for two school years?
Scarlet
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 11:42 p.m.
For some power corrupts. He should have staid a teacher and left managing adults to the better equipped. The very first day we met Mr. Davis at the PTO meeting, he looked at all of us and stated "I don't do whiners". He wasn't referring to kids. He was referring to adults. He went on to state he has no patience for whining and drama. When you deal with large communities of people, there are bound to be challenges and a principal needs to be able to handle adults as well as children, especially when it comes to adults worried about their kids. He set up the entire school year to be a challenge with that one statement. Then, after school started in the fall, some families were upset with their teacher assignments and threatened to leave. I heard him say to several people in the hall how he told these parents "See ya. That's just more room for who wants to be here" in a mocking tone. Why would a professional brag about how he treated parents? This wasn't the only occasion. The man wouldn't know politically correct if it bit him no the nose. Mr Davis' calling is children. He needs to leave working with adults alone.
Howard Beale
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 6:49 p.m.
No matter how much evidence they have against this guy, be prepared for the district to be cutting this guy a 6-figure check plus attorney fees, our money keep in mind, in order to make this go away....either that or they'll just promote him and give him a raise.
cricketrunner
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:30 p.m.
Paid leave is unacceptable and having complaints a full year before anything was done completely boggles my mind.
Anon
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 11:29 p.m.
Policy
greymom
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
well, now its time to move principles around so as to hide the problem just as they have done before. Sad! This District used to be an awesome place to work, now we are fearful every day we come to school- job lose, lack of support from upper management and so much more! Sad very sad!
tachi
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 3:04 a.m.
A similar situation is happening at East Middle School in the Plymouth Canton School District, however Plymouth-Canton's Central Office has decided to ignore the problem, rather than take any action. To date, sixteen East Middle School teachers have set up individual meetings with the Director of Human Resources, Monica Merritt, to share extensive and substantiated concerns about the Assistant Principal, Chris Marek, including the mishandling of student situations, inconsistent policies regarding student discipline, intimidation tactics used against staff to create a culture of fear, lack of professionalism, poor judgement, and strained relationships with staff. Despite the unprecedented efforts of a very professional and caring staff, the district is still sitting on their hands. This would be a story worth investigating.
squidlover
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.
First of all, anybody who suggests that Carpenter staff and families are resistant to change and non-progressive need to stop and consider how they would feel if a family member was repeatedly subjected to the types of harassment that Davis is accused of. I don't care if he was an effective principal (which, personally, I do not think he was). Any behavior like his accusers suggest are inexcusable and grounds for termination. Second, according to the article, Dawn Linden praised Davis for increasing the use of student achievement data and reducing the number of student suspensions 1+1/2 months AFTER to memo was sent to him summarizing the allegations. This is another pathetic example of a business (AAPS) focusing on metrics and not paying attention to quality. Third, after the potential fallout of this terrible mess (lawsuits, etc...), I think Dawn Linden may need to clean out her desk as well. Oh, and good luck with making the newly vacated Superintendent position look so attractive...and the school board better not even THINK about claiming this mess made it necessary to raise the salary for the Superintendent position to find somebody qualified to take over.
cricketrunner
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Exactly.
OHHIO
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.
Let me get this straight. According to the article,"In a memorandum to Davis dated May 3, 2012, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Dawn Linden summarized allegations that included sharing negative impressions of teachers' job performances with other staff, being dishonest with staff members regarding changes to teachers' grade-level placements, creating a climate of fear and intimidation at Carpenter and making inappropriate comments to colleagues that contained foul language." Then one month later ( June 21, 2012) he received a good performance evaluation from the same administrator? "He did not receive any 'inaffective' scores." Makes perfect sense. Last note, Linden knew about the accusations and wrote her comments in 2012...ONE FULL YEAR BEFORE HIS SUSPENSION. I assume during that year the district investigated and HAD CAUSE FOR THE SUSPENSION and soon to be termination. Just clarifying the situation for all those who are saying the Carpenter community needs to suck it up because he is just a no nonsense person. I can think of other things to call him. I'll start with ignorant.
AlfaElan
Fri, Apr 19, 2013 : 7:39 p.m.
To be fair, I am sure the performance review was done in April, but isn't delivered until the end of the school year. Having said that, it does indicate deficiencies in the principal performance review process. I suspect the delay was to build sufficient evidence for action and to provide time him to change his ways. The district really needs a better means of providing those going into a leadership position with the skills and guidance to succeed. Judging from the comments for Mr. Davis before he was made principal he did not have the leadership skills the district did not provide him with the tools or guidance/supervision to make the transition.
Kyle Mattson
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
As always, if anyone has questions regarding a removed comment please email me and I'll look into it for you or make a post in the guidelines thread. Thanks.
ViSHa
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
Obviously someone is being heavy-handed with the comment removal, very typical with AAPS stories.....
J. A. Pieper
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:11 a.m.
The sad thing is that it is not just this person who might be ignorant, it is AAPS also. How can you evaluate a person in a conflicting manner? impossible! I think arrogant fits the description of the district also. They are totally unaware of the parents who are pulling their children from this district for other alternatives. There is an influx of some students from directly east of Ann Arbor, but when your core parents/families are thinking that this isn't the right place for my kids, you are in trouble. The sad thing is, the phrase "families who COULD get out" applies to many of us, as we are not in that group, so we are stuck here. If a school district has families who feel "stuck" in a school,, then something is wrong. Arrogance blinds their eyes to this.
Tachyon
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:20 a.m.
Or arrogant? He knew about this for a year and didn't change his ways? So many of us are relieved he's gone (and feeling pretty sure that he won't come back because we think the allegations are true) but it's too bad that in the meantime the families who could get out have already moved their kids elsewhere.
Michigan Man
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:02 a.m.
Public school leadership in Ann Arbor apparently in complete disarray, no sense of direction and vastly overrated.
Tesla
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
I laughed out loud reading "policy 4020". Man am I glad I am self employed and don't have to deal with any of this. I wonder what the other 4000 policies are. Good grief. Wake up people. Start your own businesses.
Morty Seinfeld
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:52 p.m.
Don't worry, the way the Ann Arbor Public School Board of Education handles problems, we'll all be referring to him as Superintendent Davis in about 90-days. Two problems solved!
Wake Up A2
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:26 p.m.
When a staff has an issue with an administrator the district moves them. Pioneer just got a clague problem. You cannot keep moving people hoping they will change, they don't.
J. A. Pieper
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:17 a.m.
Sorry usual, too early, made mistake with your name.
J. A. Pieper
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 10:15 a.m.
Unusual suspect - related to "social engineering" you know the district goal to eliminate the achievement gap has all principals from a certain culture, right? Hot topic in teacher's lounge at lunch today, of course some teachers are voicing, "why does the district always pick on African American principals?" Go figure!
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:04 p.m.
"it is sad because for these situations it seems the district does not have the guts to admit, hey, this person isn't doing a very good job" That would require them to admit their social engineering / affirmative action experiments aren't working, which will never happen.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:39 p.m.
Wake up - this is the common practice for administrators in AAPS. it is sad because for these situations it seems the district does not have the guts to admit, hey, this person isn't doing a very good job, but we can't admit we made a mistake. It happens over, and over. There are always complaints about teachers who aren't let go, and get to remain when they are of poor quality. In part, this is due to the building administrator not doing their job. But the same should also apply to administrators, who is evaluating them, and are their evaluations as comprehensive as they should be? People in these positions need to do their jobs to make the district the best possible.
ViSHa
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:17 p.m.
Getting very nervous about Pioneer as I have my first one entering. I have not heard good things lately. Also, how is it a teacher can be on leave since the beginning of the school year? A friend's child has had a revolving door of subs in English since the beginning of the year! Is this typical?
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
This has been going on for years and years. They keep getting moved around, somebody else gets to have their educational experiences diminished by them, some other parents get to complain about them, some other teachers get to escape them, then they get moved to another school again.
KateT
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
My daughter so admired one of the teachers at Carpenter that she took her name at Confirmation. This extremely gifted teacher recently left. I don't know why, but now I wonder. Many kids in this part of the district can't just go out and pay for private school or drive all over kingdom come to get a high-quality education. I hope that the district does right by them .
KateT
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 5:48 p.m.
Ms. Barnes, former principal, sent home letters so filled with errors, it was an embarrassment. Another teacher there kindly made a movie for the children, but with all the grammatical errors, I cringed to show it to relatives. She, too, has been promoted to principal. Now this guy is accused of dishonesty and creating fear, etc. What are the criteria to become principal around here? I do know of one amazing elementary principal. Yes, Mr. Collins left big shoes to fill. Among other things, he would walk childen to Evergreen Apartments and personally deliver them to their parents. He was smart, caring and devoted. I kept my fingers crossed that my kids would make it through before he left. The guy is a living saint, and I mean it. I do know first-hand that Mr. Broom is an outstanding leader: smart, caring and devoted, so Carpenter is in good hands.But Scarlett needs him back, so he can rejoin that great team.
Youwhine
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 3:34 p.m.
How do you go from teacher to principal in 5 years in a district this big? If he was truly promoted that quickly based on his merits, I would have to think he would be smart enough to avoid a stiuation like this through better interpersonal and management skills.
Tachyon
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:53 a.m.
You would think so. But he is a very different person than was described to us Carpenter parents by friends at Haisley. The only thing we can figure is that he was on a power trip. He had a well-intentioned agenda to help underserved children, but he was happy to flatten everyone else in his path rather than engage people already volunteering at the school to work with him. Why, I have no idea. Then again, this is only tangential to the allegations of harassment that are being investigated.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
Sometimes the trappings of power bring out the real person.
Wake Up A2
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 3:26 p.m.
More then this school have a problem. I wish AA news would go out and get news, not wait for it to be given them.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:31 p.m.
Wake up - you are totally correct, more than just this one school has problems. Some are just being swept under the carpet, hidden from the community so we will continue to think that AAPS is such a great school system.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:22 p.m.
AnnArbor.com (not AA News, that organization long gone) filed a FOIA request to get this information, it was not given to them.
dogpaddle
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 3:21 p.m.
When you read Mr. Davis' glowing performance evaluation as well as look at his stellar history at Stone and Haisley, doesn't this seem like nothing more than bitter resentment to change among Carpenter staff and perhaps parents still adjusting to losing their beloved former principal? We all know change is hard. He's only been there two years. I say either move him to another school or the people at Carpenter need to stop their harassing behavior and appreciate his strengths and move forward. Sometimes there are indeed two sides to every story.
cricketrunner
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 5:05 p.m.
I am so tired of hearing that Carpenter parents are resentful and unopen to change. Not true. Unfortunately Mr. Davis was unable to effectively run the school. Didn't matter his race, experience (or lack thereof), or any high expectations based on the previous principal. Mr. Davis was welcomed with open minds and arms, but quickly threw the school into a downward spiral.
Tachyon
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 12:48 a.m.
Thank you JA Pieper! You hit the nail on the head. I am a Carpenter parent. Of course there are two sides to the story, but you have to realize that these are serious and well-documented allegations otherwise they would not have pulled him out mid year.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.
AAPS has a history of moving bad principals from building to building, and eventually they end up in one of the at risk schools where there is less vocalization by the squeaky wheels. Sometimes a very good teacher just does not have what it takes to move up into an administrative position, their true calling was their gift of teaching. The situation at Carpenter is not related to the staff and school "adjusting" to the change at their school. Unless you are involved, you really have no idea what was truly happening there. How about the district move him to your child's school? I am sure you would be willing to appreciate his strengths, while putting up with all the other behaviors.
pescadero
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
I think there are two parts to that - 1) People are resistant to change 2) A lot of the change he instituted appeared to be nothing but change for change sake I also know there were a number of bad interactions with the PTO and some student groups (in particular the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts).
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
Glad you could see past the vocal miority of about 2% that appear based on their comments to have had their heels dug in as soon as their old principal left.
Wake Up A2
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 3:08 p.m.
I am so glad that we pick and choose our censorship. Mention a middle school its OK, say a high school get removed.
former aaps
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:37 p.m.
I am a former student, volunteer, and worker at Carpenter and I can tell you that that school has many internal issues you dont hear about as a volunteer or a parent. Once you are in the "group" you start to see things. I once witnessed a sub doing something to a student when I was working there and when I questioned it I was called into a meeting with the teacher and principal and was told I over stepped my boundaries and then asked for me to be transfered to another school. So dont believe everything you read those " original " teachers are something else up there.
Morty Seinfeld
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.
?????????????? Can somebody please provide me with a translation on this one?
Tex Treeder
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
The dance of the lemons continues!
Ron Burgandy
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.
Let's hear it for reporter Danielle Arndt! This reporter is definately one of AnnArbor.com's best. Thanks for keeping us well informed on what is going on in Ann Arbor Pubilc Schools. Great job. Tell those management folks over there at AnnArbor.com to loosen up the purse strings and give you a raise!
Joe Kidd
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11 p.m.
You are being sarcastic, right? They dropped a FOIA on AAPS and are simply writing up what is in the file. "Details about Davis' alleged violation of Policy 4020 are not known at this time." In short they do not know, nor tried to find out what happened. It is called developing sources and getting the news. Anybody can submit a FOIA
easy123
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
If you remember a Principal at Forsythe who was removed for disciplining a certain group of kids. HE seemed to be liked by the rest of the parents, with the exception of the parents whose kids were trouble. They played the race card to get him out. I wonder if this is the case here. Mr. Davis seems to be no-nonsense. Given what I have heard about Carpenter- you need someone like that there. He was interim at Haisley- why did we not hear complaints. Parent, I have seen enough "crappy" behavior of some of the kids. I do not like going to the middle ,and high schools because of the language and poor behavior. I am surprised - Mr. White survived for so long! These kids will be losers at the end, because they do not the social skills to make it at work.
Tachyon
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:09 a.m.
dotdash, correct.
dotdash
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2 p.m.
But this seems to about his management of his teachers, not students, no?
Piledriver
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 1:50 p.m.
As a former Carpenter parent, whose children were there during three different principals, Barnes, Collins, and Davis, I saw that school go from bad, to great, back to bad, in that order. We were about ready to pull our first child out of Carpenter until Ron Collins showed up and turned that school around. Our last child only had one year under Davis, and if it would have been any more than that, that child would have been pulled out. For Dawn Linden to write in Mr. Davis' performance evaluation "As a new principal, you recognized quickly that some things at Carpenter needed to change in order to reach higher standards. ... " is an insult to all of Mr. Collins' hard work, dedication, and leadership he put forth in turning that school around. That statement from Ms. Linden alone, shows how out of touch the Board of Education is with reality. In my personal opinion, Carpenter Elementary was in pretty darn good shape when it was turned over to Mr. Davis, then it swiftly became a trainwreck in 18-short months.
OHHIO
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 11:45 p.m.
The review looked like Davis wrote it himself and Linden just signed off on it without reading it. It contradicted what she wrote just one month prior.
jv
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
I had a child in Mr Davis' class at Haisley. He was an effective teacher with a no BS attitude. I was not surprised he was offered the chance to become a principal and very deserving from my perspective. We should all wait for the results of the investigation before concluding anything on this. I would not be surprised at all if the complaints were filed by someone favoring status quo over progress. As a parent+taxpayer, I want positive change even if a few feathers are ruffled along the way.
Tachyon
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:08 a.m.
Sorry JV but we Carpenter parents are not delicate flowers or whiners. The Mr Davis we heard about from friends at Haisley is not the man who showed up with an agenda and a nasty attitude toward PTO and staff. It was very much his way or the highway. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter what we parents think because administration is not acting based on our complaints. This case was brought against him by staff and it must be serious because it is not easy to get Balas to do anything, must less mid-year.
Tesla
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Well said JV. Very well said.
sh1
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
I believe it is a matter of harassing staff members, who apparently had a different experience from you.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
On paid leave? Get real stop his pay until either cleared or fired. If cleared he would get some of his back pay, guilty none. What sort of discipline is paid leave?
ThinkingOne
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Paid leave is no kind of discipline. You don't discipline people based on accusations.
Brad
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 12:34 p.m.
You're having a swell year, AAPS. Keep up the good work.
Susie Q
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 1:23 a.m.
While these are all serious issues, Brad, you made me chuckle. It has been anything but a swell year for AAPS. I am sure many are thinking, "What next?"
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 12:02 p.m.
Let's be careful with this. History has shown us over and over again that an accusation is not always fact. Especially in these times, when a look or a clearing of the throat can lead to some women claiming harassment, we really need to wait and see what the real story is. There are many men these days who, in a work environment, will not allow themselves to be in a one-on-one situation with a woman. I know guys who will exit an elevator if it appears, as people enter and exit at a floor, that they will end up alone in it with one woman. It's not worth the risk of a misunderstood glance, gesture or sound.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
And... what I gave were examples of the point that accusations can some times be baseless, not claims that this event involves these particular actions. Do you people even know how to read? I mean, if the thumbs-up and thumbs-down things didn't have a picture, you'd have no idea which is which. And don't think for a minute your thumbs-down bother me.... I wear them as a badge of pride.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
Holy cow, Teed Off, calm the heck down. The point is at this point it's an accusation or a preliminary action, and we have been given very little details about it. You don't know what it is or isn't, and neither do I. But I do know everybody is entitled to defend himself and these things aren't always as simple as an accusation that leads to a finding of an actual violation. Also, if you've been paying attention, the ability of the AAPS to handle matters of school administration is seriously in question as of late.
harry b
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 4:56 p.m.
Teedoff Its acusations by one or more teachers. Proof is the real question.
ThinkingOne
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:53 p.m.
Teed off Its not that we know it is more or less than a "misunderstood glance, gesture or sound". That's why it is investigated. At the moment it is an accusation.
TeedOff
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:32 p.m.
"In order to violate the policy, this conduct must have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance; or adversely impacting an individual's employment opportunities." C'mon - Do you really think this is about a misunderstood glance, gesture or sound? Your comment is naive and infuriating. Most harassment cases go unreported because the victim fears retaliation or doesn't want people like you blaming them for coming forward.
dotdash
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 12:30 p.m.
This really sounds more like habitual behaviors destructive of the organization as a whole.
AAite
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:56 a.m.
The Policy 420 link is not correct
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
It was policy 4020 not 420.
AAite
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:57 a.m.
4020
SonnyDog09
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
Does he at least need to show up at a "rubber room" each day that he is suspended, or is he getting paid to sit at home? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reassignment_centers
Momma G
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
Maybe Dawn should also speak to volunteers at Carpenter. I've heard from several how unwelcoming he was to them, also. PAID leave - wake up AAPS, your in financial crisis and you continue to pay a person who continued to harass people. You did that for 14 yrs with another principal who harassed, bullied, hit students, etc. and no one in HR would listen to the staff. WAKE UP!!
ViSHa
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:27 a.m.
Agree with you J.A. Pieper. My child's former elementary school STILL has the same principal who also exhibits atrocious behavior, drove many good teachers and families out and maintains an atmosphere of fear amongst the staff. Despite many many complaints, AAPS did/does nothing. I want to support public schools but AAPS does not seem to care about ALL of it's students. I plan on keeping my options open for next year, and know many other families who are also.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 10:18 p.m.
Yes, Momma G, as you pointed out, AAPS has a history of allowing principals to act like this and keep their jobs. I suffered through this atrocious behavior in that building, and it has left me with very unfavorable feelings towards AAPS administration. I will give credit to this new group at Balas for trying to mend the current situation by not allowing this to go on forever at Carpenter!
local
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 11:14 a.m.
Wow, paid leave as well. I don't think this is his first go around with these issues. I have heard many a teachers asking to leave the school voluntarily because of these same issues. He has been on leave for a while now, how long does the investigation take? Will he be on PAID leave for the rest of the year? This was a man with very little experience in the district, yet he got a job as a principal, how did that happen? I can only guess how!!
ThinkingOne
Thu, Apr 18, 2013 : 2:15 a.m.
Harry b You do realize that bond is required by the COURTS to help ensure your AVAILABILITY for a TRIAL. When and if it gets that far, feel free to discuss it. Even if AAPS has their own private court system that I have never heard of, bond would not be a punishment.
jns131
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 5:11 p.m.
Until the allegations are valid, you will get paid leave. It is a he said she said type of thing. Has to go thru the phases and then if charges are dropped or unfounded then he will be put back in place. Probably not at the school where it all started from. Can't wait to hear the outcome.
harry b
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 4:54 p.m.
Steve Is that why they put you in jail while you are awaiting charges (unless you have lots of money)? Why would innocent people go to jail?
oyxclean
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
Will they make him pay it back if he is found guilty?
Steve Hendel
Wed, Apr 17, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
What is so strange about PAID leave? You are presumed innocent until proven guilty in this country.