Comments about the meeting....
Welcome To Alafia Lisa Tierney-Jackson!
Alafia Elementary welcomes new principal -- former Cypress Creek Elementary principal Lisa Tierney-Jackson.
Dec 9, 2008
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BREAKING NEWS...
- Dec. 25th 2008 Tampabay.com: Frustrated Alafia Elementary parents welcome change in principals
- Dec 16th Alafia Elementary names new principal
- Dec. 9th Tampabay.com; Alafia principal to leave school
- Dec. 9th Tampa Trib; Alafia Elementary Principal To Leave Post
- Dec. 9th The Gradebook; Alafia principal to leave school
- TBO.com Dec 8th Coaching Alafia Principal Could Cost District Thousands
- TBO.com Dec 3rd Alafia Parents Not Happy With Fixes
- TAMPA TRIB. November 26, 2008 Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
- November 28, 2008 ST PETE TIMES Alafia Elementary parents vent to superintendent about principal
- November 26, 2008 Parents Complain About Alafia Elementary Principal w/links
- November 21, 2008 Parents voice concerns about Alafia Elementary
- November 21, 2008 Superintendent gets an earful from Alafia Elementary parents
- Video from Elia Meeting 'BAY NEWS 9' November 20, 2008
- November 20, 2008 Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting
- November 19, 2008 Alafia Elementary to host parents' meeting
- November 19, 2008 Bay News 9 Alafia Elementary VIDEO
- November 19, 2008 Bad timing: Hillsborough portable classroom lacks heat
- November 19, 2008 Team Suggests Fixes For Alafia Elementary
- November 11, 2008 Anxiety, stress at an A-rated school
- November 11, 2008 MSNBC Assessment Team Reports On Alafia Elementary
- November 11, 2008 Alafia principal keeps her job for now
- November 10, 2008 Hillsborough School Board wants better PR
- November 10, 2008 Assessment Team Reports On Alafia Elementary
- November 7, 2008 Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal
- Oct 24, 2008 Parent complaints bring school board action
- Oct 24, 2008 Parent complaints about school principal bring action by superintendent.
- Oct 21, 2008 Alafia Elementary School under scrutiny after parents complain
- Oct 17, 2008 School official's reaction upsets
- Oct 10, 2008 Parents take beef with Alafia principal to School Board
- October 9, 2008 Alafia principal on the hot seat
- Oct 8, 2008 Parents Critical Of Alafia Elementary Principal
Previous Blogs
- 1.) Dec 9th Board Meeting Info (1)
- A.) Smith's People Skills - Can She Learn? (1)
- B.) Elia's ACTION PLAN (1)
- C.) Elia Meets with Parents (1)
- D.) Questions For Parents Meeting on 11/20 (1)
- E.) Questions for 11/20 Meeting (1)
- F.) 11/18 Board Meeting Review (1)
- G.) Board Meeting Video Nov 18th (1)
- H.) Elia meets with Teachers. (1)
- I.) PARENTS SPEAK OUT (1)
- J.) TEACHERS SPEAK OUT (1)
- K.) Link To Another Blog with insite on Alafia Elementary (1)
- L.) Contact TBO'S 8 ON YOUR SIDE (1)
- M.) Opinions on the Renovation (1)
- N.) Charter Option (1)
Nov 26th 2008 Tampa Trib article....
"The beleaguered principal of Alafia Elementary School began her work week Monday as she usually does – standing in front of the Valrico school as the students arrived by car, bus or holding the hands of their parents.
This time, however, Principal Ellyn Smith had company. Longtime educator Grace Ippolito was by Smith's side, greeting parents and students. Ippolito, who was principal when Alafia opened in 1987, returned to the school last week under an hourly paid contract with the Hillsborough County School District to serve as Smith's mentor and coach for an unspecified period of time. Her mission is to teach Smith the people skills Alafia parents say she's lacking."
***To read Full article, please click here:
Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE
Published: November 26, 2008
This time, however, Principal Ellyn Smith had company. Longtime educator Grace Ippolito was by Smith's side, greeting parents and students. Ippolito, who was principal when Alafia opened in 1987, returned to the school last week under an hourly paid contract with the Hillsborough County School District to serve as Smith's mentor and coach for an unspecified period of time. Her mission is to teach Smith the people skills Alafia parents say she's lacking."
***To read Full article, please click here:
Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE
Published: November 26, 2008
Quotes From The Board.....
November 11, 2008:..... "It's usually not a good thing to have an assessment team come into a school," Faliero said. "It indicates there is enough evidence to suggest there were things that were not working for this school, that there is just cause to go forward and look into it."
November 10th, 2008:......"I thought it was a good meeting," Hegarty said after meeting with the Alafia faculty. "People spoke from the heart."
October 24th, 2008:.......Elia said school officials have held six meetings regarding the Alafia situation since June. Elia also met directly with the principal. "I want to make it clear that this is something that we have been working on," Elia said.
October 24th, 2008:....."When a school is polarized, it's not a healthy environment for students or staff to be part of, and it filters out into the community as well," Faliero said.
October 10th , 2008: ....."The superintendent needs to get involved, and she needs to find out if there is just cause to these things that they are saying," Faliero said, adding that if true, the charges could be cause for dismissal.
"I just don't see that kind of unified concern from east Hillsborough unless they truly believe something is wrong."
Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero said she has never seen such a large group of parents complain publicly about their school leader. She asked superintendent MaryEllen Elia to work with the parents and look into the situation.
November 10th, 2008:......"I thought it was a good meeting," Hegarty said after meeting with the Alafia faculty. "People spoke from the heart."
October 24th, 2008:.......Elia said school officials have held six meetings regarding the Alafia situation since June. Elia also met directly with the principal. "I want to make it clear that this is something that we have been working on," Elia said.
October 24th, 2008:....."When a school is polarized, it's not a healthy environment for students or staff to be part of, and it filters out into the community as well," Faliero said.
October 10th , 2008: ....."The superintendent needs to get involved, and she needs to find out if there is just cause to these things that they are saying," Faliero said, adding that if true, the charges could be cause for dismissal.
"I just don't see that kind of unified concern from east Hillsborough unless they truly believe something is wrong."
Board chairwoman Jennifer Faliero said she has never seen such a large group of parents complain publicly about their school leader. She asked superintendent MaryEllen Elia to work with the parents and look into the situation.
ALAFIA'S REPORT CARD
** WSE FACTS **
2007-2008 WSE Survey conducted - April 2008
• 92% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not interact with others fairly and empathetically.
• 85% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not recognize and reward staff when appropriate.
• 69% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not promote a safe and orderly school culture that is conducive to learning.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT ***
• 92% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not interact with others fairly and empathetically.
• 85% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not recognize and reward staff when appropriate.
• 69% of teachers indicated they felt strongly that Mrs. Smith does not promote a safe and orderly school culture that is conducive to learning.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT ***
** KEY Observations ** Assessment Team - November 2008
- The Team found a very stressful work environment for teachers and administrators. In addition, the community is experiencing the stress felt at the school.
- Some parent and staff interviews revealed a fear of retaliation for speaking honestly and openly to our assessment team
- Faculty, staff, administration and parents appear fragmented and in distress.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT! ***
- Some parent and staff interviews revealed a fear of retaliation for speaking honestly and openly to our assessment team
- Faculty, staff, administration and parents appear fragmented and in distress.
*** SCROLL BELOW TO VIEW COMPLETE REPORT! ***
Parents Speak Out
"You're going to give her a life coach? In the real world, we don't get a life coach. We get fired!"
PETITION UPDATE
285 SIGNATURES & STILL GOING!
Posts
You did it!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
They are now scared to death that more will show courage and determination in the face of bully administrators.
Ms Smith will get her promotion now.
Ding dong the witch dead!
ReplyDeleteWe should have a big "Welcome" party for the new principal.
ReplyDeleteWow! Wonders never cease...
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing the Blog earlier tonight, the uphill fight the parents have had to put up, along with all of the other disasters the District has had recently and after the PTA meeting last night, it has been cemented in my mind that no one should have ANY confidence in the School District or School Board. I can't wait to find out more details about this latest about face!
Happy 2009 to the Teachers!
Mrs. Elia you must be just like Smith to defend her. Our children have been hurt and you claim that nothing happened that she is a good administrator. why then did you take resposibility at the parents meeting for all the wrong things mrs. smith has done. You should be more careful with your words. We THE PARENTS HAVENT DONE ANYTHING BUT DEFEND OUR CHILDREN FROM POOR ADMINISTRATION.
ReplyDeleteSo where/when is the PARTY...........I heard there were some celebrations already.
ReplyDeleteWE WON! WE WON! WE WON! Mrs. Elia can spin herself right into the ground trying to make Mrs. Smith out to be a good principal. She can pretend all she wants that this was Mrs. Smith's decision. We know the woman was forced out. Forced out by courageous teachers, forced out by honest media coverage, forced out by two School Board members who listened to our pleas, but most of all forced out by parents who wouldn't give up the fight. Postcards and petitions, blogs and e-mail campaigns, phone calls and letters, fearless speakers and Votes of No Confidence. WE DID IT! And we should all be very proud! Our school can now begin its recovery from the damage done by Mrs. Smith. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me the drive to get rid of Mrs. Elia isn't ending. She is less qualified than most of the children at Alafia.
ReplyDeleteWhy was this woman chosen as the Superintendent over the more qualified applicants that applied for the job? Someone should start digging there now.
Alafia can move on and heal, but now we are at the mercy of Mrs. Elia to replace Smith with an acceptable principal.
1 down and 3 to go.
ReplyDeleteLook out Sikes, Otero, and Elia ... you are next!
There is no way that they are going to put someone into Alafia that isn't qualified and fits with the community. Elia wants this issue to go away before it gets bigger, so I think it's time to celebrate and openly welcome our new principle next semester. Everyone needs to remember that no matter who they put in, things are going to be different and change, but I suspect the new person will be open and understanding about how things will work. Lets not toss them under the bus!
ReplyDeleteI am excited about the prospect of new leadership and will certainly do all that I can to make the new principal feel welcomed and supported.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I am unhappy with the turn of events of last night. I sent this letter to April Griffin's blog today:
April,
I was very disappointed in the course of events that took place at the Board meeting. Mr. Hegarty spent an inordinate amount of time making phone calls and speaking to parents directly, trying to silence their voices. When that did not work, you approached the parents with a similar plea. April, we respected you and abided by your wishes. After hearing Mrs. Elia speak, I realized I was duped once again, and felt all the more violated because I had allowed myself to be manipulated by what I thought was the last untainted individual on the school board. I now realize that there is not one of you that can be trusted. You took an oppressed group and further victimized them by facilitating Mrs. Elia's ability to speak her untruthful words unanswered. Mrs. Elia admitted to Mrs. Smith's countless faults at the parent meeting. She could not come up with ONE SINGLE QUALITY that made Mrs. Smith an appropriate candidate to lead Alafia. Yet she was allowed to take the posture that Mrs. Smith had been treated unfairly without rebuke. I know that numerous parents would have liked to point out the falsehoods in her statement, but they were robbed of that opportunity. You played a major role in that travesty by exploiting the trust that parents had in you.
I hope that you will print this letter and explain your actions.
Checked the administrative bulletins to see just what kind of positions are available for a transferring principal. Perhaps there's a promotion to be gained by this after all.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I found:
*******************************************
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
Position Vacancy – Director, Division of Administration
The Director of the Division Administration serves as a member, coordinates, and/or chairs various county level committees and programs, attends principal meetings, school board meetings, and other appropriate or assigned meetings. This position is responsible for the maintenance and custodial care of ROSSAC and oversees functions of the building such as mail, switchboard, and the print room. The director maintains the School Board Policy Manual, is the liaison between Administration, School Security and other agencies. The director is also the liaison between area directors and parents to resolve school related problems.
Professional qualifications include Masters Degree or Advanced Vocational Degree; certification in a subject area and Educational Leadership, Administration/Supervision, Administration at the Adult Level, Vocational Education Director, or School Principal. Three years full-time successful teaching experience and three years successful administrative experience.
Eligible applicants should apply on the district’s website under Administrative Vacancies. For information regarding the position, contact the Division of Administration at 272-4071. For information regarding the application process, please call Kathy Lipsey, Application Services, at 840-7145 located in the Instructional Services Center. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2008.
***************************************
The position seems mostly benign, but I am concerned by the following:
"The director is also the liaison between area directors and parents to resolve school related problems."
What say you?
Anybody willing to join me at the next school board meeting to straighten out Elia for blaming the parents for this mess?
ReplyDeleteMy congratulations to the Alafia intrepid parents.l I plan a long blog entry on your board appearance. That effort you made was just swell.
ReplyDeleteI suggest that you don't rest on your laurels. Ask the board to have some of your members on the review team on the hiring of a new principal. I have a notion that Ms. Smith was Ms. Elia's personal pick. The board allows Elia to use hiring as a patronage privilege. If you don't get an answer from the board, all of you email individually again and again. And send copies of all these emails to the press: Stein@sptimes;angiemanteiga@lagacetanewspaper.com; and mbrown@sptimes. What the board and administration fear more than anything is exposure. That's why they gripe about blogs. lee
Whoopee for all of y'all. lee