Originally he tapped Jacqueline Byrd to replace LaTonya
Parker at John E. Ford K-8. That didn’t last long as Byrd left the district
and the super decided to go with district admin Mary Mikels. Well friends according to someone close to
the situation, Mikels is now out, heading to yet a different elementary school
but instead of going back with Parker the district has chosen Paula Renfro
another district admin, though she does have Montessori experience, to lead the
school.
Below is a letter that the superintendent sent to the John E.
Ford community.
Dear John E. Ford
Community:
I sincerely thank you
for attending the Community Meeting hosted on Thursday by Board member Wright.
The discussion allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the long-term and
immediate challenges and opportunities facing John E. Ford and the admiration
you hold for principal Parker.
There were particular
themes and concerns consistently expressed that include 1) a critical need to
improve the quality of implementation of the Montessori program 2)
dissatisfaction with the recommended removal of Ms. Parker and replacement with
leader without Montessori training or experience 3) continual principal changes
at the school leading to turnover of teachers and 4) need for additional
resources to support students and train teachers in Montessori implementation.
I greatly considered
and reflected on each of your comments, frustrations, and suggestions. In
addition, I met with Ms. Parker the morning following our meeting to hear her
thoughts and reflection of the year, specific needs, and plan of action for
improvement.
While I enjoyed my
conversation with Ms. Parker and can clearly see the strength of her
interpersonal skills, I remain convinced that her lack of experience as
principal along with an unclear plan of action prohibit her from building the
model Montessori program that we all want for John E. Ford students.
As a result, I have
given considerable thought to the needs expressed and overwhelming concerns
about the quality of Ford's Montessori program. Consequently, I am recommending
a leader who not only has the instructional leadership to raise FCAT scores
that dropped in multiple areas and grade levels, but the experience to build a
model program.
I am convinced that
John E. Ford can be a state and national model for Montessori implementation
due to its rich blend of magnet and community students, involved parents, and
committed teachers. However, to reach that goal, we must continue the
collaboration, commitment and passion demonstrated during last week's meeting.
Ms. Paula Renfro is a veteran leader with 14 years of experience as a principal
and a deep understanding of the Montessori program, urban schools, and student
achievement. Ms. Renfro spearheaded the development of the Axson Elementary
Montessori program, and most recently served as an Executive Director within
the former cluster configuration. She is our most experienced and proven
administrator in Montessori programming with an urban core background.
Ms. Parker will
remain at Garden City Elementary as principal so she can hone and develop her
leadership skills in a stable and small school setting, an environment I am
convinced will contribute to her success. Ms. Mickel will replace Ms. Renfro at
Kernan Elementary.
In addition, I have
communicated to our Human Resources Services department that new Teach for
America (TFA) teachers not be assigned to Ford thereby reducing potential for
increased turnover. We will engage our Teachers' Union on establishing a
long-term plan for teacher placement at the school due to the training
investment, and commit to additional Montessori training and resources that
support teachers and students to raise student achievement.
I thank you again for
your commitment to John E. Ford program and especially children. Together I
know we will improve John E. Ford and build the program and students we all
imagine it can be.
Nikolai P. Vitti,
Ed.D.
Superintendent
Duval County Public Schools
It seems to me that the super met somewhere in the middle. He still replaced Parker but went with an admin who has Montessori experience. A member of the PTA wrote me, We would still prefer Mrs Parker, but at this point, I think we're resigned to it.