Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 May 18,1994 Ms. Estelle Matthis Deputy Superintendent Little Rock Public Schools 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Ms. Matthis: The Gibbs School PTA convened yesterday evening for the special purpose of considering how to best engage parents and patrons in the important decision of choosing a new principal for Gibbs Elementary School. Enclosed to this letter are the nomination of five parents of Gibbs students who we believe would positively contribute to the selection decision. We are submitting five names for several reasons. First, we wish to assure a true representation and cross section of Gibbs parents and student needs. You will notice our nominations are balanced among mothers and fathers, black and white parents, and across grade levels. Second, we are aware that one year ago, somewhat larger selection committees were successful in choosing principals for other LRSD schools. At Pulaski Heights Elementary, for example, the larger committee interviewed all applicants, ranked their top three preferences among the candidates,. and the LRSD administration made the final choice from these three. This process seems to capture the right balance of participation and decision-making between parents and the LRSD. Finally, two other suggestions were adopted at our meeting. The PTA wishes to recommend that the Gibbs faculty have the prerogative to appoint five faculty members to the selection committee. Also, Ms. Marie McNeal, the Social Studies Supervisor for the LRSD, is viewed as very knowledgeable of Gibbs since its inception as an International Magnet School since 1988-89. Ms. McNeal has been instrumental in thedevelopment of Gibbs international studies curriculum and theme, hope she also will find a place on the selection committee. We We are very interested in hearing from you about proceeding with the selection of a new Gibbs principal, numbers and address indicated. We can be reached at the telephone Best Regards. \ MAA Dorothy D. Rhodes Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work (morning only) 324-2330 im Lynch Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work 569-8572 Enclosure: Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations cc: Executive Board Members, Gibbs PTA Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 May 18,1994 Telephone 324-2490 RSCE?'*'^?) Ms. Estelle Matthis Deputy Superintendent Little Rock Public Schools 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 MAY 2 0 1994 eiiiiSe Qt D3scgrsoai
on > Dear Ms. Matthis: The Gibbs School PTA convened yesterday evening for the special purpose of considering how to best engage parents and patrons in the important decision of choosing a new principal for Gibbs Elementary School. Enclosed to this letter are the nomination of five parents of Gibbs students who we believe would positively contribute to the selection decision. We are submitting five names for several reasons. First, we wish to assure a true representation and cross section of Gibbs parents and student needs. You will notice our nominations are balanced among mothers and fathers, black and white parents, and across grade levels. Second, we are aware that one year ago, somewhat larger selection committees were successful in choosing principals for other LRSD schools. At Pulaski Heights Elementary, for example, the larger committee interviewed all applicants, ranked their top three preferences among the candidates, and the LRSD administration made the final choice from these three. This process seems to capture the right balance of participation and decision-making between parents and the LRSD. Finally, two other suggestions were adopted at our meeting. The PTA wishes to recommend that the Gibbs faculty have the prerogative to appoint five faculty members to the selection committee. Also, Ms. Marie McNeal, the Social Studies Supervisor for the LRSD, is viewed as very knowledgeable of Gibbs since its inception as an International Magnet School since 1988-89. Ms. McNeal has been instrumental in the . ..J.ingdevelopment of Gibbs international studies curriculum and theme, hope she also will find a place on the selection committee. We We are very interested in hearing from you about proceeding with the selection of a new Gibbs principal, numbers and address indicated. We can be reached at the telephone Best Regards. Dorothy D. Rhodes Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work (morning only) 324-2330 im Lynch Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work 569-8572 Enclosure: Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations cc: Executive Board Members, Gibbs PTA Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Mr. Willie Jones Black Male 5th Grade Mr. Dotie Angulo White Male 1st Grade Ms. Easter Tucker Black Female 3rd Grade Ms. Ann Cashion White Female 4th & 6th Grade Mr. Zachary Polett White Male 1st GradeGibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 'T^ (aJoaa^C'C/ 7^ //s^' s H.ja '^>'f'^*'<' "rkt i z:/" /)lptt^^ lMA5 , ,' X^SiMVl ^1,1^ /jMi^i^ y /j/<6 l/Jdi kM/^ I I < 1 (aaA aa. C/ Ia\^Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 May 25, 1994 Ms. Estelle Matthis Deputy Superintendent Little Rock Public Schools 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Ms. Matthis: As we informed you in our letter of May 18, we have selected five parents to represent the Gibbs parents in the principal selection process. However, while respecting your and Dr. Williams request for only three parent nominations, the following parents are offered: Mr. Willie Jones 1022 West 11th Street Little Rock, Ark. 72202 Work 374-5472 Home 374-2193 Ms. Easter Tucker 9510 Vanderbilt Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 Home 227-9870 Mr. Zachary Polctt 614 North Taylor Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 Work 376-7151 Home 664-9259 We also request that the following two persons be added as non-voting alternates with the opportunity to observe the committees working sessions:Zach Polen 501-376-2423 3E 7/17/94 6:42PM 22/4 Mary Virginia Mayeux 614 N. Taylor Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 June 26, 1994 Honorable Susan Weber Wright Federal Building 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Judge Wright: I am writing as a concerned parent of two children at Gibbs Elementary Magnet School concerning the process by which the Little Rock School District administration is attempting to appoint Dr. Ed Jackson as the principal of our school. In May, when our previous principal announced her early retirement (under pressure from the district administration to move to another school), a Gibbs PTA representative contacted assistant superintendent Larry Robertson and deputy superintendent Estelle Matthis about what role, if any, parents would play in the selection of a new principal to fill this vacancy. We were told that we would follow the same procedure that has been in place in the district for several years in which a committee of parents, teachers and district administrators interview a number of candidates for the position and select their top three preferences, in rank order. The superintendent then chooses one from among these three and recommends that choice to the school board. The district administration appointed such a committee, the Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee, and included on it three Gibbs parents, two Gibbs faculty, and three district administrators. Prior to the interviews, the parents and teachers on the committee requested from the administration a list of all applicants for the position and those from that list selected by the administration to be interviewed by the committee. This information was denied to them by Dr. Richard Hurley, the custodian of the records, Estelle Matthis and the office of Dr. Williams. This denial was made even after the district had supplied a copy of this list to an Arkansas citizen not on the committee who hadZach Polett 501-376-2423 3117/17/94 3:42 PM 3/4 filed an FOI request. Subsequently, the parent and teacher members of the comittee were able to obtain the list from this citizen, and prepared a letter to Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis asking to interview five of the applicants. This letter was hand-delivered by a member of the selection committee to the offices of Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis the day before the interviews were to be conducted. The letter was never responded to and the request was eventually effectively denied. This selection committee met on June 7 and interviewed five candidates (selected by district administrators with no input from Gibbs parents or the selection committee). The committee unanimously, by consensus, decided not to recommend to the superintendent any candidates from those interviews, and was assured by the administration-appointed chair of the committee, an assistant superintendent, that the committee would be able to interview additional candidates within a few days. On June 9, this assistant superintendent informed us that Dr. Williams had refused to honor this commitment and that the selection committee portion of the process was over. Thus, the committee met and interviewed, but emphatically consideration as Gibbs principal. did not select three candidates for Despite many subsequent conversations with administrators and board members and a group meeting with Dr. Williams on June 1 5 in which we made clear the committee's decision that it needed additional interviews. Dr. Williams proceeded to name Ed Jackson as Gibbs principal and to claim that the committee participated in that selection. The problems which have resulted form this procedure are numerous and serious, including: (1) Parents have lost all confidence in district administrators to speak to them truthfully. (2) Parents are shocked and angered that they have been directly and emphatically told on two occasions by Dr. Williams that their participation in their children's education is not needed. (3) A principal whose strengths are in basic skills and discipline has been appointed, against his will, to a school where the emphasis is on international studies, as reflected in reading, writing, art, music, andZach Polett 501-376-2423 3E 7/17/94 08:43 PM 24/4 languages. We believe that this is an inappropriate mismatch of principal and school theme and could endanger the vital distinct magnet program. ive character of our Prior to the present controversy, Gibbs parents and students loved the warm supportive atmosphere and positive learning environment of our school and had spoken so highly of it to many others that there was a surge in applications for the school this spring resulting in lengthy waiting lists for admission, longer than Carver and other historically popular magnet programs. However, in a few short weeks the Little Rock School District administration has endangered what has taken years of hard work by principal, teachers and parents to create -- a successfully integrated, very popular school located in an old building in the middle of central Little Rock. Parents are distressed and angry about being shut out of any meaningful input in deciding the school's future. The prospect of losing a large number of middle class black, white and Asian students from the school is very real. Instead of attracting students and parents as magnet schools are supposed to do, the Little Rock School District is apparently trying to repel them. Please consider directing the Little Rock School District administration to allow the district's Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee to complete its work by interviewing a group of five (or so) additional suitable candidates and recommending three of them to Dr. Williams so that he can select an appropriate principal to recommend to the school board for the school we love so much. Sincerely, Mary Mayeux P. S.: You may enjoy the enclosed picture of my son and his two best friends, all of whom are Gibbs students. Enclosure++ I: / /o t 7 7 /3(X>>U. / - '"f (Xot>u/i/t><v<4 Uj- iAiti/tx>i^' Bli l^'^ + 3:e>c) 6cje^ 6i>i/i 1/ Jt) r O n 4 </ /1C<^ '^T'^xJL. C^a 1^ ^:<i^ Zach Poieff 501-376-2423 37/15/94 1'32 PM 22/5 GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT ASSOCIATlOf MEMORANDUM 6/4/94 TO: Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent Ms. Estelle Matthis, LRSD Deputy Superintendent FROM: Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee RE: Meeting Preparation for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee By this memorandum, we are again requesting the list of names of applicants currently scheduled for interview by our committee. Please deliver a copy to Gibbs Elementary, attention Easter Tucker and fax a copy to 376-2423. Attached are the following materials: 1) interviews. A list of questions we intend to ask all applicants at Tuesday's 2) A brief list of procedures we propose to help facilitate the interview process. 3) A list of applicants that we request the LRSD administration schedule for interview by the Gibbs Committee on Tuesday, June 7, in case any of these are not already scheduled. Thank you for your assistance with these matters. Attachment:Zach Poiett-' 501-376-2423 117/15/94 G1 32 PM 23/5 Partiai List of Questions for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee 1) Briefly describe a lesson you have taught or observed recently that you believe was very successful. Explain v
hy this lesson worked well. Do the same for a lesson or activity that you taught or obsserved which did not succeed. Why did this lesson fail, in your opinion? 3) When you informally observe classroom instruction what are the 3 most important things you look for, or hope to see? 4) How would you encourage appreciation of and proficiency in reading and writing among staff and students (and parents)? 5) As principal, what can you offer Gibbs? 6) What are your goals for Gibbs? 7) In what ways do you see yourself supporting the staff in disciplinary matters? 8) In regards to non-academic programs, what ideas or philosophies would you initiate? 9) What do you see the balance to be between the basic instructional needs of reading, science, math, etc. with the international studies theme of the school? 10') What do you think about using the school as a resource for the community as a whole, including after 5 p.m.? 11) What would be your strategies for removing the achievement disparity between at-risk minority and/or lower income children and majority and/or higher income children? rZac^i Poietf 0'501-376-2423 ai 7/15/94 01:31 PM ZS1/5 DATE: TO: Friday. July 15, 1994 MEMO < LL FAX: FROM: Melissa Ripling. Office of Desegretation Mnnitorinn 371-0100 Here is the memo you requested for your study Zach Polett PAGES: 5 Zah Pelen" S 501-376-2423 Jl7/15/94 G 1:33 PM 24/5 Partial List of Applicants We Would Like to Interview on Tuesday. June 7 Diane Barksdale Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Cassandra Norman-Mason Stan StraussZach 05'6'.! 501-376-2423 3t 7/15/94 G 1:33 PM 25/5 Proposed Procedijres for Interview Proce: 1) We believe that we will not be prepared to make recommendations at the completion of the Tuesday morning interviews, so would like it understood from the beginning that there will be a follow-up committee meeting at a later date for the committee to evaluate the applicants and make its recommendations. 2) We understand from discussion with Estelle Matthis on Friday, May 27 that the application process was being kept open. If after the Tuesday morning interviews we do not believe we have seen the next principal of Gibbs, then we hope and expect that the District will continue to seek additional applicants and schedule further interviews. 3) We look forward to working closely and cooperatively with the administration and Gibbs staff members of the committee to come up with the best possible principal for Gibbs Elementary.Ct- . GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT ASSOCIATlOf TO: FROM: RE: Meeting MEMORANDUM 6/4/94 REC aEj.5 Jbl 1 5 19941 Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent Ms. Estelle Matthis, LRSD Deputy Superinten^^l^j Desegregation Monitonna Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion on Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Preparation for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee By this memorandum, we are again requesting the list of names of applicants currently scheduled for interview by our committee. Please deliver a copy to Gibbs Elementary, attention Easter Tucker and fax a copy to 376-2423. Attached are the following materials: 1) interviews. A list of questions we intend to ask all applicants at Tuesday's 2) A brief list of procedures we propose to help facilitate the interview proce: ^2. 3) A list of applicants that we request the LRSD administration schedule for interview by the Gibbs Committee on Tuesday, June 7, in case any of these are not already scheduled. Thank you for your a: istance with these matters. Attachments Zach Poiett 501-376-2423 327/15/94 01:32 PM C3/5 Partial List of Questions for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee 1) Briefly describe a lesson you have taught or observed recently that you believe was very successful. Explain why this lesson worked well. 2) Do the same for a lesson or activity that you taught or obsserved which did not succeed. Why did this lesson fail, in your opinion? 3) When you informally observe classroom instruction what are the 3 most important things you look for, or hope to see? 4) How would you encourage appreciation of and proficiency in reading and writing among staff and students (and parents)? 5) As principal, what can you offer Gibbs? 6) What are your goals for Gibbs? 7) In what ways do you see yourself supporting the staff in disciplinary matters? 8) In regards to non-academic programs, what ideas or philosophies would you initiate? 9) What do you see the balance to be between the basic instructional needs of reading, science, math, etc. with the international studies theme of the school? 1 0) What do you think about using the school as a resource for the community as a whole, including after 5 p.m.? 11) What would be your strategies for removing the achievement disparity between at-risk minority and/or lower income children and majority and/or higher income children?Zach Polett 501-376-2423 3C7/15/94 01:33 PM 24/5 Partial List of Applicants We Would Like to Interview on Tuesday, June 7 Diane Barksdale Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Cassandra Norman-Mason Stan StraussZach Polett 501-376-2423 aa 7/15/94 01:33 PM 5/5 Proposed Procedures for Interview Process 1) We believe that we will not be prepared to make recommendations at the completion of the Tuesday morning interviews, so would like it understood from the beginning that there will be a follow-up committee meeting at a later date for the committee to evaluate the applicants and make its recommendations. 2) We understand from discussion with Estelle Matthis on Friday, May 27 that the application process was being kept open. If after the Tuesday morning interviews we do not believe we have seen the next principal of Gibbs, then we hope and expect that the District will continue to seek additional applicants and schedule further interviews. 3) We look forward to working closely and cooperatively with the administration and Gibbs staff members of the committee to come up with the best possible principal for Gibbs Elementary.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:14 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 10 S' GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM 6/4/94 TO
Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent Ms. Estelle Matthis, LRSD Deputy Superintendent FROM: Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee RE
Meeting Preparation for Gibbs Prindpai Selection Committee By this memorandum, we are again requesting the list of names of applicants currently scheduled for interview by our committee. Please deliver a copy to Gibbs Elementary, attention Easter Tucker and fax a copy to 376-2423. Attached are the following materials: 1) A list of questions we intend to ask all applicants at Tuesday's interviews. 2) A brief list of procedures we propose to help facilitate the interview process. 3) A list of applicants that we request the LRSD administration schedule for interview by the Gibbs Committee on Tuesday, June 7, in case any of these are not already scheduled. Thank you for your assistance with these matters. AttachmentsJUN-28-94 TUE 14:15 ' 4201 ruitfu SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 11 Partial List of Questions for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee 1) Briefly describe a lesson you have taught or observed recently that you believe was very successful. Explain why this lesson worked well. Z) Do the same for a lesson or activity that you taught or obsserved which did not succeed. Why did this lesson fail, in your opinion? 3) When you informally observe classroom instruction what are the 3 most important things you look for, or hope to see? 4) How would you encourage appreciation of and proficient^ in reading and writing among staff and students (and parents)? 5) As principal, what can you offer Gibbs? 6) What are your goals for Gibbs? 7) matters? In what ways do you see yourself supporting the staff in disciplinary 8) In regards to non-academic programs, what ideas or philosophies would you initiate? 9) What do you see the balance to be between the basic instructional needs of reading, science, math, etc. with the international studies theme of the school? 10) What do you think about using the school as a resource for the community as a whole, including after 5 p.m.? 11) What would be your strategies for removing the achievement disparity between at-risk minority and/or lower income children and majority and/or higher income children?JUN-28-94 TUE 14:15 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 12 Partial List of Applicants We Would I Ike tn Interview on Tupsday, June 7 Diane Barksdale Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Cassandra Norman-Mason Stan StraussJUN-28-94 TUE 14:16 4acn roien SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 13 I Proposed Procedures for Interview Process 1) We believe that we will not be prepared to make recommendations at the completion of the Tuesday morning interviews, so would like it understood from the beginning that there will be a follow-up committee meeting at a later date for the committee to evaluate the applicants and make its recommendations. 2) We understand from discussion with Estelle Matthis on Friday, May 27 that the application process was being kept open, if after the Tuesday morning interviews we do not believe we have seen the next principal of Gibbs, then we hope and expect that the District will continue to seek additional applicants and schedule further interviews. 3) We look forward to working dosely and cooperatively with the administration and Gibbs staff members of the committee to come up with the best possible prindpal for Gibbs Elementary.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:14 SUSAN U WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 09 TO: GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT - TEACHER ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM 6/15/94 Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent FROM: Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Wilhelmina Lewellen Vickie Oonterman Gibbs Staff Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee RE: Follow Up to Our Memorandum of June 4, 1994 As members of theLRSD's Gibbs Principal Selection Committee, we again respectfully request to interview the following people for the principalship of Gibbs at the earliest convenience: Sharon Davis Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Diane Barksdale Katherine Tweedie Please ask your staff to schedule these interviews as soon as it is feasible. ThanK you in advance for your assistance in this matter.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:13 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P.07 GIBBS elementary - teacher association PARENT .CHAi^SRS OF SUSAN WR?SH'r JUN 2 0 1994 U. S. DfSTS/GT J!JOGE June 17, 1994 Dr. Katherine Mitchell T. Kevin O'Malley Dorsey Jackson John A. Riggs, IV Linda Pondexter Patricia Gee Oma Jacovelli RE: Principal Selection Process for Gibbs Magnet School Dear Members of the Little Rock School Board: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter sent to Dr. Henry Williams following out committee's meeting with him on June 15, 1994 . This letter is being provided to each of you so that you will be aware of our concerns regarding the selection process and procedures employed by the district administration which was designed to result in the superintendent's recommendation to you of a new principal for Gibbs Magnet School. We believe that it is important for each of you to know that the parent-teacher members of the committee unanimously believe that the process was inherently and fatally flawed, if for no other reason than it substantially eliminated any significant and meaningful input by the parents and faculty at Gibbs. Additionally, the selection committee did not recommend any names to Dr. Williams for consideration for the principal position at Gibbs.. JUN
28-94 TUE 14:14 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 08 Members of Little Rock School Board June 17, 1994 page Two As you can see, we have simply asked Dr. Williams to allow us the opportunity to interview additional candidates for the position of Gibbs principal. Sincerely, Gibbs Parent-Teacher Principal Selection Cojnmittee Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Wilhelmina Lewellen Vicki Gonterman BY
A AFAjt/jc Enclosure 3861d JUN-28-94 TUE 14:11 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 02 PARENT GIBBS ELEMENTARY ' - TEACHER ASSOCIATION June 17, 1994 Dr. Henry P, Williams superintendent Little Rock School District 810 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 RE: OF SUSA'-Z WFQP.F-R y.'.RjCHT JUN 2 0 19S4 U. S. DfSTHtCT JIJDGE HAND DELIVERED Principal Selection Process for Gibbs Magnet School Dear Dr, Williams: Again, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank you for your time in discussing the selection process with us. think we can all agree that an important component to this I successful functioning of not only an individual school such as Gibbs but of the entire school district is the meaningful and significant involvement of parents and teachers in the decision-making process. As patents and teachers, we observe, on a daily basis, how our schools operate and, therefore, can offer relevant input in the selection of a principal for our school. At the conclusion of our meeting, you indicated that you would review the process and procedures which have taken place to date. You agreed to advise the committee whether or not you would permit us to interview additional candidates for the Recognizing that you will be involved in principal's position. other activities through the end of this week, we ask that you notify us by 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, 1994, Although I believe we made it quite apparent during the course of our meeting, I would like to reiterate that our primary concern is with the validity of the procedure by which the next principal of Gibbs is to be determined. has been stated by the administration that this particular Although it procedure had worked" in prior applications, it has been our experience that the process in this instance is inherently and fatally flawed.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:11 SUSAN M WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 03 Dr. Henry P, Williams June 17, 1994 Page Two When we initially learned that there would be a vacancy, the Gibbs PTA met and determined that we would like to be involved Subsequently, we undertook efforts to in the selection process, determine what the process would be and what we, the parents and faculty of Gibbs, needed to do in order to become a part of the At no time were we ever given specific or accurate process. . _ . information regarding the process and procedures to be employed in the selection of a new principal nor were we told what our Upon the recommendation of Deputy Superintendent Estelle Matthis, we met and selected a committee to represent role would be. Gibbs and drafted communications to the school district We also requested requesting involvement in the process. information regarding the names of applicants for the position but were not provided that information until third party filed a freedom of information request. Dpon obtaining this information, the committee met and on June 4, 1994, submitted a list of names of candidates that we wished to interview, a list of questions to be posed to the applicants, and after learning by word of mouth some aspects of the selection procedure, 11 a list This of proposed procedures that we wished to be included. letter was hand delivered to both your office and that of Estelle Matthis, Deputy Superintendent by a member of the Gibbs committee. However, it is apparent that neither you nor any administration representative on the selection committee ever saw this communique prior to the June 7, 1994 interview session. On June 7, 1994, the parents and faculty of Gibbs posed several questions to the administrative representatives on the selection committee. we asked how the five interviewees were selected and were told that all five had been selected based on We are now told their expressed interest in the Gibbs position. by you that that was "misinformation*. It was not until the interview session that we were informed as to what the procedure Both before the for selection of the principal would be. interview process and at the conclusion of the interviews, inquired of the administrative representatives whether, in the event that we were not satisfied with any of the applicants we interviewed, could we interview additional applicants. In response to our inquiries,we were told that the answer to our inquiry was unknown but were later told that, yes, if we could not come to a consensus on the applicants to be recommended to you, the process would remain open and we would be able toJUN-28-94 TUE 14:12 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 04 Dr. Henry P. Williams June 17, 1994 Page Three interview additional candidates. During the course of our meeting of June 15, you indicated that your representatives were "misinformed*. The parent and faculty members of the selection committee also expressed serious reservations about the utilization of the Our concerns were the lack of prior input evaluation forms. into the questions to be posed to the applicants as well as the use the forms would serve in the selection process. we were assured that it would not simply be a matter of tabulating the scores and then selecting the top three candidates based on There was substantial reluctance on the simple mathematics. part of the faculty and parent members of the committee to fill out the forms until we gained assurances from the administration that those forms would not be used as set forth above. At the conclusion of the interview process, the consensus was that we had not interviewed a candidate that wecould recommend to the administration for the Gibbs principal After lengthy discussions, the group agreed not to position. . . submit any names to the administration and that we would request the opportunity to interview additional candidates. Administration representatives insisted that the forms be filled out and that was done only after again receiving assurances that the forms not be used and the scores tabulated to arrive at three candidates based on the highest scores obtained. We were told that the only reason to fill out those forms was to document the fact that the committee had interviewed the five Additionally, several members of the committee. applicants. committee, expressly stated that any recommendation to the administration would not be based solely on the evaluation forms as those forms did not accurately reflect an individual's choices. As a general matter, it is difficult to understand how a principal can be selected based solely on a thirty minute interview. Dr. williams, based on the foregoing, we simply ask that you provide us with an opportunity to interview additional candidates and complete what we believe is an incomplete process. I am, under separate cover, sending a copy of this letter to the individual members of the Little Rock School Board as well as to Judge Susan Webber Wright and Donna Creer of the Magnet Review Committee.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:12 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P, 05 Dr. Henry P. Williams June 17, 1994 Page Four We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Gibbs Parent-Teacher Principal Selection Committee Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Wilhelmina Lewellen Vicki Gonterman BY: A^red^. Angulo, Jz. AFAjr/jc cc: Dr. Katherine Mitchell Shorter College 604 Locust Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 T. Kevin O'Malley Ark. Board of Review Tower Building, Suite 700 Little Rock, AR 72201 Dorsey Jackson 1400 Worthen Bank Bldg. 200 West Capitol Little Rock, AR 72201 John A. Riggs, IV J. A. Riggs Tractor Co. P.O. BOX 1399 Little Rock, AR 72203JUN-28-94 TUE 14:13 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 06 Linda Pondexter Fuller Jr. High P.O. Box 8601 Little Rock, AR 72216 Patricia Gee 8409 Dowan Drive Little Rock, AR 72209 Owa Jacovelli 6622 Gold court Little Rock, AR 72209 The Honorable Susan Webber Wright U.S. District Judge P.O. BOX 3316 Little Rock, AR 72203 Donna Creer Magnet Review Committee 1920 N. Main North Little Rock, AR 72114 3860dAAai^_^mocrat :^(^azctte FRIDAY, JUNE 24. 1994 a ijtQa Rock Newaoaoen. ine. Parents input LRSD unnecessary, Williams says BY CHRIS REINOLDS Oemocrai-Gazene Staff Writer Little Rock Superintendent Henry Williams angered a roomful of parents Thursday night by suggesting that their involvement wasnt necessary in running a successful school system. That remark followed an angry exchange over parents insistence on being involved in the selection of a new principal at Gibbs Magnet Elementary school. Ive read a great deal of literature that suggests schools can be successful without parental involvement, Williams told the parents. I just want you to tell it like it is. The audience reacted with an exclamation of disbelief at that comment. He was responding to a complaint by a parent, Alfred Angulo Jr., that he and other parents met with Dr. Williams and. were told schools can run without parental involvement. Williams has decided to reassign 17 elementary and junior high principals for the 1994-95 school year, saying he recommended the moves to.improve See LRSD, Page 13A Continued from Page 1A and revitalize the schools involved. The reassignments were presented to the Little Rock School Board for action Thursday, according to the agenda for the meeting. At Gibbs. Williams assembled a committee of parents, staff and district officials to interview candidates and recommend one for the principals position. The committee interviewed five candidates but decided against recommending any of them for the vacancy caused by Donna Davis retirement. Parents said they asked to interview more candidates but were denied. If we did not see an appropriate candidate, then the process should remain open, Angulo told board members. Why go through the sham _ and pretense of involving us in Angulo asked a process? 9 Williams. We are asking for meaningful participation. Angulos remarks prompted a deafening standing ovation from the packed room of more than 65 people. Theyre asking to make the decision on who the principal should be, Williams said, referring to the parents. I would not put people in positions that would not improve the schools, he said. After that exchange, the board approved several agenda items, then brought up the issue of approving the 17 principal transfers. When Williams said Ed Jack- son, principal of Williams Elementary, would be reassigned to Gibbs, a cry of protest sounded from the audience members with children in the magnet school. Patricia Gee, a board member, made a motion that Gibbs parents be allowed the opportunity to continue interviewing candidates for principal. The motion failed 3-3. Gee, T. Kevin OMalley and O.G. Jacovelli voted for the motion, while Katherine Mitchell, Dorsey Jackson and John A. Riggs IV voted against it. Linda Pondexter had become ill and left the meeting. We ask for parental involvement, and we shouldnt slam the door in their face," Gee said. The board then swiftly moved into executive session. Gee and Jacovelli voted against that move. Both agreed that parents should have a say about the assignment of a principal to Gibbs. When the board returned from behind closed doors and resumed business less than five minutes later, members noted that the reassignments had been completed and a vote was unnecessary, despite the matters inclusion on the board agenda. That left no doubt Jacksorr'is now the principal at Gibbs Elementary. Another issue that has spurred controversy during the past two months was apparently put to rest earlier Thursday. The board voted 4-3 against using a private company to run the districts school buses. A cheer resounded from bus drivers and others when the board took that action. Gee, Jacovelli, Pondexter and Mitchell cast the majority vote. The board also voted 4-3 to hire a staff attorney at a salary of $60,000 to deal with routine legal matters. The district will still retain the Friday Eldredge & Clark law firm, which has been representing it in the Pulaski County desegregation lawsuit ,,jGibbs School PTA RECEJ^fSO 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 SUSAN Wi JUN 27 1934 U. S. CStSTftlCT JUDGE kftx'Lru^L< zc + cbM-^ -a-^- ' du. PnA u?-K< .cbL(LkJ^ J-, s> I 5^eAyU>^ I ) 5^>ut>^ L/U^^ r\ )<u 0)^ "^wo^ ^UlWii> U>-^ (_,4- 5 ^^Az\ C^tO'^ JWax ,,j
i,J), <cu2j 'Vz^sRa -ta u>Pui^^sc^X<, Sxj-WBBRRIffWW Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 t/AAh ttu '^y^D(X^c^ (2X^xj(Ta,<:cJ^ -tn-O tAJAXM: (
t^ ti-Ukh^.^ (zO~t(K n, wwA ^r hJi[/CM it luhb^'^^ U>1 w~> ,l/un>^ ZpA A. ' ^i) [M- (AH- y) [/^^ I (/H WA- 1}J^ f lit <7^^ XAp-^ .2 -i.^^<T' r 5 Zach Poien W 501-376-2423 3B7/17/94 06:42 PM 2/4 Mary Virginia Mayeux 614 N. Taylor Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 June 26, 1994 Honorable Susan Weber Wright Federal Building 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Judge Wright: I am writing as a concerned parent of two children at Gibbs Elementary Magnet School concerning the process by which the Little Rock School District administration is attempting to appoint Dr. Ed Jackson as the principal of our school. In May, when our previous principal announced her early retirement (under pressure from the district administration to move to another school), a Gibbs PTA representative contacted assistant superintendent Larry Robertson and deputy superintendent Estelle Matthis about what role, if any, parents would play in the selection of a new principal to fill this vacancy. We were told that we would follow the same procedure that has been in place in the district for several years in which a committee of parents, teachers and district administrators interview a number of candidates for the position and select their top three preferences, in rank order. The superintendent then chooses one from among these three and recommends that choice to the school board. The district administration appointed such a committee, the Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee, and included on it three Gibbs parents, two Gibbs faculty, and three district administrators. Prior to the interviews, the parents and teachers on the committee requested from the administration a list of all applicants for the position and those from that list selected by the administration to be interviewed by the committee. This information was denied to them by Dr. Richard Hurley, the custodian of the records, Estelle Matthis and the office of Dr. Williams. This denial was made even after the district had supplied a copy of this list to an Arkansas citizen not on the committee who hadZach Polen 501-376-2423 3E7/17/94 0:42 PM 23/4 filed an FOI request. Subsequently, the parent and teacher members of the comittee were able to obtain the list from this citizen, and prepared a letter to Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis asking to interview five of the applicants. This letter was hand-delivered by a member of the selection committee to the offices of Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis the day before the interviews were to be conducted. The letter was never responded to and the request was eventually effectively denied. This selection committee met on June 7 and interviewed five candidates (selected by district administrators with no input from Gibbs parents or the selection committee). The committee unanimously, by consensus, decided not to recommend to the superintendent any candidates from those interviews, and was assured by the administration-appointed chair of the committee, an assistant superintendent, that the committee would be able to interview additional candidates within a few days. On June 9, this assistant superintendent informed us that Dr. Williams had refused to honor this commitment and that the selection committee portion of the process was over. Thus, the committee met and interviewed, but emphatically consideration as Gibbs principal. did not select three candidates for Despite many subsequent conversations with administrators and board members and a group meeting with Dr. Williams on June 15 in which we made clear the committee's decision that it needed additional interviews. Dr. Williams proceeded to name Ed Jackson as Gibbs principal and to claim that the committee participated in that selection. The problems which have resulted form this procedure are numerous and serious, including
(1) Parents have lost all confidence in district administrators to speak to them truthfully. (2) Parents are shocked and angered that they have been directly and emphatically told on two occasions by Dr. Williams that their participation in their children's education is not needed. (3) A principal whose strengths are in basic skills and discipline has been appointed, against his will, to a school where the emphasis is on international studies, as reflected in reading, writing, art, music, andZach Poiett tt 501-376-2423 307/17/94 08:43 PM D4/4 languages. We believe that this is an inappropriate mismatch of principal and school theme and could endanger the vital distinct magnet program. ive character of our Prior to the present controversy, Gibbs parents and students loved the warm supportive atmosphere and positive learning environment of our school and had spoken so highly of it to many others that there was a surge in applications for the school this spring resulting in lengthy waiting lists for admission, longer than Carver and other historically popular magnet programs. However, in a few short weeks the Little Rock School District administration has endangered what has taken years of hard work by principal, teachers and parents to create -- a successfully integrated, very popular school located in an old building in the middle of central Little Rock. Parents are distressed and angry about being shut out of any meaningful input in deciding the school's future. The prospect of losing a large number of middle class black, white and Asian students from the school is very real. Instead of attracting students and parents as magnet schools are supposed to do, the Little Rock School District is apparently trying to repel them. Please consider directing the Little Rock School District administration to allow the district's Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee to complete its work by interviewing a group of five (or so) additional suitable candidates and recommending three of them to Dr. Williams so that he can select an appropriate principal to recommend to the school board for the school we love so much. Sincerely, Mary Mayeux P. S.: You may enjoy the enclosed picture of my son and his two best friends, all of whom are Gibbs students. EnclosureJUN-27,-94 MON 10:26 SUSAN M WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 02 Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 June 26, 1994 CHA SUSAN Vr i ''.mGHT District Judge Susan Webber Wright 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, AR 72201 JUN 27 ldS4 s, n(STir?!CT JLIDGE Dear Judge Wright, I am the mother of a second grader, Jake Tull, at Gibbs Magnet School and am writing to you about some recent events regarding this school that I find very troubling. Let me preface my concerns, however, with praise and positive feedback for this wonderful school. Gibbs has been a perfect environment for my child, and one in which he is very happy. The faculty is outstanding and the curriculum is well suited to his need for more than a basic skills track. He has been enriched by Gibbs excellent art, music, language, and science programs, especially the Dunbar Garden". As a tactile, kinesthetic child with diagnosed learning differences Jake has blossomed in the two years at this school. More importantly, he has learned respect for individuals of race and religion other than his own, and has been given respect himself. As a parent, I have also been enriched by the association with the children, faculty, and parents of Gibbs school. It is the most amazing and cooperative collection of multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multireligious persons that I have ever had the pleasure to be around. I am very concerned for several reasons. First of all, I am distraught with the so-called selection process of a new principal in which I have been involved. This process was misrepresented to us from the very beginning and we were sand-bagged" every step of the way by Dr. Williams and his immediate staff. Our only intent as parents in this process was to have some input regarding the person whom we thought most appropriate to maintain the level of excellence and professionalism at Gibbs School that we have enjoyed. We by no means wanted complete control over the determination of the new principal. I find it inexcusable that we had to threaten the Little Rock School District with a Freedom of Information lawsuit in order to obtain information regarding principal applicants. Furthermore, I find it appalling that only one out of seven of our requested applicants was present on June 7th to interview. We were not under any circumstances allowed to interview the candidates that we had wanted to and did not submit three names to Dr. Williams for contention in-JUN-27-94 MON 10:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 03 the Gibbs School principal position. As far as we were concerned we had not seen the "right" person for the job and were promised that the selection process would remain open. This did not happen and it became apparent that we had been set-up". Secondly, I find it inconceivable that the superintendent of the Little Rock School district would even allude to the fact that parental involvement is unnecessary for strength within the district and individual schools, much less quote this thought three times and have studies to prove it. He obviously needs a history lesson regarding the Little Rock public schools. As far as I am concerned, the parents rank third behind both the students and the faculty in providing strength to a school. 1 have held PTA positions, been a room parent, and tutored individual students at Gibbs school for two years. Nothing, with the exception of my family, holds greater importance to me. Thirdly, I find Dr. Williams' arbitrary and "fruit basket turnover approach of transferring principals very unsettling. If his purpose is to stabilize the school district, he is accomplishing just the opposite. In all honesty, I cannot find the rationale for transferring Dr. Jackson from a strong magnet school" to another strong magnet school" with a totally different curriculum and philosophy. 1 think highly of Dr. Jackson and feel that perhaps he is just a pawn in Dr. Williams power play
a game in which everyone loses. I am asking you to review these matters and counsel the Gibbs PTA on our next step. We are in the public schools because we believe in them and feel that they provided the best education for Jake. Please continue your efforts in making them the best environment for our children. Thank you. Sincerely, Sue Tull, Gibbs PTA Treasurer and concerned parentZach Poiett W 501-376-2423 36:7/17/94 6:42PM 2/4 Mary Virginia Mayeux 614 N. Taylor Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 June 26, 1994 Honorable Susan Weber Wright Federal Building 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Judge Wright: I am writing as a concerned parent of two children at Gibbs Elementary Magnet School concerning the process by which the Little Rock School District administration is attempting to appoint Dr. Ed Jackson as the principal of our school. In May, when our previous principal announced her early retirement (under pressure from the district administration to move to another school), a Gibbs PTA representative contacted assistant superintendent Larry Robertson and deputy superintendent Estelle Matthis about what role, if any, parents would play in the selection of a new principal to fill this vacancy. We were told that we would follow the same procedure that has been in place in the district for several years in which a committee of parents, teachers and district administrators interview a number of candidates for the position and select their top three preferences, in rank order. The superintendent then chooses one from among these three and recommends that choice to the school board. The district administration appointed such a committee, the Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee, and included on it three Gibbs parents, two Gibbs faculty, and three district administrators. Prior to the interviews, the parents and teachers on the committee requested from the administration a list of all applicants for the position and those from that list selected by the administration to be interviewed by the committee. This information was denied to them by Dr. Richard Hurley, the custodian of the records, Estelle Matthis and the office of Dr. Williams. This denial was made even after the district had supplied a copy of this list to an Arkansas citizen not on the committee who hadZach Polen 501-376-2423 237/17/94 (Sfl:42PM 3/4 filed an FOI request. ubsequently, the parent and teacher members of the comittee were able to obtain the list from this citizen, and prepared a letter to Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis asking to interview five of the applicants. This letter was hand-delivered by a member of the selection committee to the offices of Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis the day before the interviews were to be conducted. The letter was never responded to and the request was eventually effectively denied. This selection committee met on June 7 and interviewed five candidates (selected by district administrators with no input from Gibbs parents or the selection committee). The committee unanimously, by consensus, decided not to recommend to the superintendent any candidates from those interviews, and was assured by the administration-appointed chair of the committee, an assistant superintendent, that the committee would be able to interview additional candidates within a few days. On June 9, this assistant superintendent informed us that Dr. Williams had refused to honor this commitment and that the selection committee portion of the process was over. Thus, the committee met and interviewed, but emphatically consideration as Gibbs principal. did not select three candidates for Despite many subsequent conversations with administrators and board members and a group meeting with Dr. Williams on June 1 5 in which we made clear the committee's decision that it needed additional interviews. Dr. Williams proceeded to name Ed Jackson as Gibbs principal and to claim that the committee participated in that selection. The problems which have resulted form this procedure are numerous and serious, including: (1) Parents have lost all confidence in district administrators to speak to them truthfully. (2) Parents are shocked and angered that they have been directly and emphatically told on two occasions by Dr. Williams that their participation in their children's education is not needed. (3) A principal whose strengths are in basic skills and discipline has been appointed, against his will, to a school where the emphasis is on international studies, as reflected in reading, writing, art, music, andZach Polett SOI-376-2423 S: 7/17/94 0:43PM 4/4 languages. We believe that this is an inappropriate mismatch of principal and school theme and could endanger the vital distinct magnet program. ive character of our Prior to the present controversy, Gibbs parents and students loved the warm supportive atmosphere and positive learning environment of our school and had spoken so highly of it to many others that there was a surge in applications for the school this spring resulting in lengthy waiting lists for admission, longer than Carver and other historically popular magnet programs. However, in a few short weeks the Little Rock School District administration has endangered what has taken years of hard work by principal, teachers and parents to create - a successfully integrated, very popular school located in an old building in the middle of central Little Rock. Parents are distressed and angry about being shut out of any meaningful input in deciding the school's future. The prospect of losing a large number of middle class black, white and Asian students from the school is very real. Instead of attracting students and parents as magnet schools are supposed to do, the Little Rock School District is apparently trying to repel them. Please consider directing the Little Rock School District administration to allow the district's Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee to complete its work by interviewing a group of five (or so) additional suitable candidates and recommending three of them to Dr. Williams so that he can select an appropriate principal to recommend to the school board for the school we love so much. Sincerely, Mary Mayeux P. S.: You may enjoy the enclosed picture of my son and his two best friends, all of whom are Gibbs students. Enclosure JUL-21-94 THU 15:51 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P.Ol UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT (501) 324-5422 FAX LINE (501) 324-6576 DATE: July 21, 1994 TO: Ms. Ann Brown F.Y.I, FROM: Judge Susan Webber Wriaht NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET 7JUL-21-94 THU 15:52 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 i6<h P, 02 V cf-i.'-r-iv/i'i?' SIJSAM V.S-T' " l.i, JU I 2 I !U04 Dif^HIGT JUf:2GE /L Atvidi ... oC^aMa f AaA li, m(^ .............. I *6, L. 'p 1 Xe> .A. . -/- /7, 'y^C X ./-/^ . -/ '2'kf AL, . . ! r. yi> f / a. ^tC'T^<^'<JC zd) A A.. ^ctATJuAbA A'V ypAhbcAA ' " / - / JUL-21-94 THU 15:52 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P.03 /^ '! } 7 / tti-cA /C-7-^ ^^''A'y'ie^edL ,7ac^bL^>/:Z(r^^ 'ZuoiT^ "'a' 1 / ! / /cAj-ChJ^ r ^-CC^ aZ.&^<auj-^ AA\^tj^''L/t '(JyjJ-^'^ f AU'AT.i^AitJL L / .. '7 A 'iU^d i. A "'L AW- TvA^I - '2Ual. JUL-21-94 THU 15:53 .3>.................................... SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 04 7 /OO /KrUJ ^0 &7. /&:) /t , J /OyAzTiyi- I'Uyj2^.(.^^'^<^ " '.------------- ^c <' /^ ^-G <^^6L-2-^yi:CL<yc^ , y.T 7 'U 7 fy '^Lx' 1 A ^-t ' , n ' ' ''7V9 C6h:. d) Z^'LCj^yd^y A .9 4 y /^ '^<J2,. tTL. /'o .-7 ,(> i-^ A-^ c<L^"^ JUL-21-94 THU 15:53 4 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 05 y^/-^ yziid^ t. /^ Ul '/Coy cy( ^ Cd ( y-i .7^ 4 tc^yi^^L 1 CC^C ,1 dd/y) < L.- ^'^/yy uL 'i '^CQ/ /.1,-^J/ci /dd> //^'d /^ C-CjC d^ccA'i 4 Cil^ J ,<? / y^nunyt^} CcfJZ) -U^'-J. ') (5 ----_ ---------. ^p<$^Ctyz<C //iy A-C'Cl'^Z ^'Xeyj-TK^U--^ C^'7^ ) -^^0 ydd /Cy y , t "Adji. (y . yi'.,. J ,4 r dC^''-~iS:^^/\J 4^?-lZi't4 JUL-21-94 THU 15:54 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 06 /U\^- aI /6Lc dii Mjl ./3cAffv^ /(^}tJ6c.j^. 6 /6ci . ,CC-}U.a, //y 7) 63) ^6c 't:c. Z' w r'J fi /? / Ccc^i 3 i^- c L' CCAi 'tXc. /tcz^'6 >1 0, -1 ./r>vle. ^6' /) * ..3bi.o^3^UNAyCi:^ ^'^)e^ctun^ .. ..^&CC6 .d^K -.^-^ < /W^y,. 0 /. /Ca~cdL - 4'/ ' . liJx. .<3A^ } L /UCAa^ ' JUL-21-94 THU 15:55 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 07 //
^iC^ 'J a /' -^i ,sW tJAZnu *7- 1'^k( Skip Rutherford 5604 Hawthorne Road Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 June 24, 1994 Mr. Dorsey Jackson KPMG 1400 Worthen Bank Building 200 West Capitol Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 dUH 2 7 1994 Dear Dorsey: Office of In all my years of supporting public education never have 1 seen sucli outrageous and insensitive public statements as the ones made by Dr. Henry Williams regarding parental involvement in the school (clipping attaclred). His actions also completely contradict both the intent and the spirit of the desegregation plan which calls for parental involvement. Dr. Wilhams' continuing actions are comparable to the insensitive public attitudes of former superintendent Ed Kelly. Dr. Kelly's "controlled choice" plan and his actions blindly "rubber stamped" by a majority of the school board forced over 1,000 students to leave the district and many families to leave the city. Tlrere is a rapidly growing feeling particularly among those with children in the public schools - that Dr. Williams is taking the district and tire city in the same disastrous direction. Perhaps, however. Dr. Williams' uncaring and arrogant attitude regarding the public does explain why he "job-hopped" so much before coming to Little Rock for a lucrative contract with a "pension for pals" provision. With tlrat kind of sweetheart deal, he doesn't need the public even thou^r he is head of a public school system. Someday though the district will need to go back to the public for a vote of support and to the Federal Court to explain why it is directly violating the court-approved plan. Good luck. Sincerely, Skip Rutherford SR:sw Enclosure cc: Judge Susan Webber Wright Ms. Ann Brown v Ms. Pat Gee Ms. O.G. Jacovelli Dr. Katherine Mitcliell Arkansas Democrat "O' (Oazell ARKANSAS NEWSPAPER Copyright 1994, Little Rock Newspapers, Inc. LITTLE ROCK, JUNE 24,1994 108 PAGES 10 SECTIONS Parents input unnecessary, Williams says BY CHRIS REINOLDS Democrat-Gazette Staff Writer Little Rock Superintendent Ileniy Williams angered a roomful of parents Thursday night by suggesting that their involvement wasnt necessary in running a successful school system. That remark followed an angry exchange over parents insistence on being involved in the selection of a new principal at Gibbs Magnet Elementary school. I've read a great deal of literature that suggests schools can be successful without parental involvement, Williams told the parents. 1 just want you to tell it like it is. The audience reacted with an exclamation of disbelief at that comment. He was responding to a complaint by a parent, Alfred Angulo Jr., that he and other parents met with Dr. Williams and were told schools can run without parental involvement. Williams has decided to reassign 17 elementary and junior high principals for the 1994-95 school year, saying he recommended the moves to improve See LRSD,- Page 13A and revitalize the schools involved. The reassignments were presented to the Little Rock School Board for action Thursday, according to the agenda for the meeting. At Gibbs, Williams assembled a committee of parents, staff and district officials to interview candidates and recommend one for the principals position. The committee interviewed five candidates but decided against recommending any of them for the vacancy caused by Donna Davis retirement. Parents said they asked to interview more candidates but were denied. If we did not see an appropriate candidate, then the process should remain open, Angulo told board members. Why go through the sham and pretense of involving us in a process? Angulo asked Williams. We are asking for meaningful participation. Angulos remarks prompted a deafening standing ovation from the packed room of more than 65 people. Theyre asking to make the decision on who the principal should be, Williams said, referring to the parents. I would not put people in positions that would not improve the schools, he said. After that exchange, the board approved several agenda items, then brought up the issue of approving the 17 principal transfers. When Williams said Ed Jack- son, principal of Williams Elementary, would be reassigned to Gibbs, a cry of protest sounded from the audience members with children in the magnet school. Patricia Gee, a board member, made a motion that Gibbs parents be allowed the opportunity to continue interviewing candidates for principal. The motion failed 3-3. Gee, T. Kevin OMalley and O.G. Jacovelli voted for the motion, while Katherine Mitchell, Dorsey Jackson and John A. Riggs IV voted against it. Linda Pondexter had become ill and left the meeting. We ask for parental involvement, and we shouldnt slam the door in their face, Gee said. The board then swiftly moved into executive session. Gee and Jacovelli voted against that move. Both agreed that parents should have a say about the assignment of a principal to Gibbs. When the board returned from behind closed doors and resumed business less than five minutes later, members noted that the reassignments had been completed and a vote was unnecessary, despite the matter.s inclusion on the board agenda. That left no doubt: Jackson is now the principal at Gibb.s Elementary. Another issue that has spurred controversy during the past two months was apparently put to rest earlier Thursday. The board voted 4-3 against using a private company to run the district's school buses. A cheer resounded from bus drivers and others when the board took that action. Gee, Jacovelli, Pondexter and Mitchell cast the majority vote. The board also voted 4-3 to hire a staff attorney at a salary of $60,000 to deal with routine legal matters. The district will still retain the Friday Eldredge & Clark law firm, which has been representing it in the Pulaski County desegregation lawsuit.CTfl iUwxm I I/CO S't-jV'' fbv uAaa?X^ ^'fT^ U^ (J^ i (D-tt (/U4^ r/o ^d~ \cha f X.JUN-17-94 FRI 14:42 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 10 Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 May 18,1994 Ms. Estelle Matthis Deputy Superintendent Little Rock Public Schools 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Ms. Matthis
The Gibbs School PTA convened yesterday evening for the special purpose of considering how to best engage parents and patrons in the important decision of choosing a new principal for Gibbs Elementary School. Enclosed to this letter are the nomination of five parents of Gibbs students who we believe would positively contribute to the selection decision. We are submitting five names for several reasons. First, we wish to assure a true needs. representation and cross section of Gibbs parents and student You will notice our nominations are balanced among mothers and fathers, black and white parents, and across grade levels. Second, we are aware that one year ago, somewhat larger selection committees were successful in choosing principals for other LRSD schools. At Pulaski Heights Elementary, for example, the larger committee interviewed all applicants, ranked their top three preferences among the candidates,, and the LRSD administration made the final choice from these three. This process seems to capture the right balance of participation and decision-making between parents and the LRSD. Finally', two other suggestions were adopted at our meeting. The PTA wishes to recommend that the Gibbs faculty have the prerogative to appoint five faculty members to the selection committee. Also, Ms. Marie McNeal, the Social Studies Supervisor for the LRSD, is viewed as very knowledgeable of Gibbs since its inception as an International Magnet School since 1988-89. Ms. McNeal has been instrumental in theJUN-17-94 FRI 14:42 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 12 development of Gibbs international studies curriculum and theme, hope she also will find a place on the selection committee. We We arc very interested in hearing from you about proceeding with the selection of a new Gibbs principal, numbers and address indicated. We can be reached at the telephone Best Regards. Dorothy D. Rhodes Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work (morning only) 324-2330 Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work 569-8572 Enclosure
Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations cc
Executive Board Members, Gibbs PTA JUN-17-94 FRI 14:42 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 11 Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Mr. Willie Jones Black Male Sth Grade Mr. Dotie Angulo White Male 1st Grade Ms. Easter Tucker Black Female 3rd Grade Ms. Ann Cashion White Female 4th & 6th Grade Mr. Zachary Poiett White Male 1st GradeGibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 ,^}a>^e.d y^U do n "'v I i^iki i/k /^.^sb (//AS hoLc \ MtvCk / IM/[S (if ''yl/^^C II 'flit' > ! I t X^SMAIA JlJt- A:l,lf ^1 /)/t.i- l^- iO t t t e d>Md (aaA 4/I.C,t^JUN-17-g4 FRI 14:41 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 09 RECEIVED SUSAN CHAMBERS OF IN - -norr^ WRIGHT Gibbs School PTA MAY 20 1994 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas lZl22.(12S1 RiCT JUDGE Telephone 324-2490 My /II 0 tx/tl % i/ZA P^^Siix^UT' PVh Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 May 18,1994 Telephone 324-2490 receiwo Ms. Estelle Matthis Deputy Superintendent Little Rock Public Schools 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 MAY 2 0 1994 Qfi'iM ot Desegregaiion u. Dear Ms. Matthis: The Gibbs School PTA convened yesterday evening for the special purpose of considering how to best engage parents and patrons in the important decision of choosing a new principal for Gibbs Elementary School. Enclosed to this letter are the nomination of five parents of Gibbs students who we believe would positively contribute to the selection decision. We are submitting five names for several reasons. First, we wish to assure a true representation and cross sectionof Gibbs "parents and student j<oL's3 needs. You will notice our nominations are balanced among mothers and fathers, black and white parents, and across grade levels. .cV. Second, we are aware that one year ago, somewhat larger selection committees were successful in choosing principals for other LRSD schools. At Pulaski Heights Elementary, for example, the larger committee interviewed all applicants, ranked their top three preferences among the candidates, and the LRSD administration made the final choice from these three. This process seems to capture the right balance of participation and decision-making between parents and the LRSD. Finally, two other suggestions were adopted at our meeting. The PTA wishes to recommend that the Gibbs faculty have the prerogative to appoint five faculty members to the selection committee. Also, Ms. Marie McNeal, the Social Studies Supervisor for the LRSD, is viewed as very knowledgeable of Gibbs since its inception as an International Magnet School since 1988-89. Ms. McNeal has been instrumental in the 331-. X7O ...-ifingdevelopment of Gibbs international studies curriculum and theme, hope she also will find a place on the selection committee. We We are very interested in hearing from you about proceeding with the selection of a new Gibbs principal, numbers and address indicated. We can be reached at the telephone Best Regards. Dorothy D. Rhodes Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work (morning only) 324-2330 \ im Lynch Co-President Gibbs PTA 16 Lenon Drive Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 Home 661-0406 Work 569-8572 X
V ^7 jw odw j oj diiw av/ o! iiffUfi evil 3PIt -516 'sW Enclosure: Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations /O Ef'E .,iSOfr\ TOitSJ.Tri
-If tfi '' '!C :U'I s cc: Executive Board Members, Gibbs PTA - - p n i { Gibbs PTA Parent Nominations for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Mr. Willie Jones Black Male Sth Grade Mr, Dotie Angulo White Male 1st Grade Ms. Easter Tucker Black Female 3rd Grade Ms. Ann Cashion White Female 4th & 6th Grade Mr. Zachary Polett White Male 1st GradeODM Interoffice Communication Log Date: To: ilkUi From:' (3^ y.' Attachment Subject: kc/p VvLt Jb (jbx . Qa^ZcavI^ , CXto oJiiJLJ u^ST) (fo lA/Ui c k L I'l r Please com, by Date: Attachment Comments on action or results: Cd C/c^- X)//zca^'inMAY-10-94 THU 14:26 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 05 .-af- .4 0(3 (T> U/VA*/ n - I <-{ t
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C May 17, 1994 Hon. Susan Webber Wright United States District Judge 600 West Capitol Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 t. W/iy ig *.u' VV
^334 S. Cl,'='f''iri'x^,! Cr Dear Judge Wright, I am writing today, net only as an involved parent of Williams Magnet, but also of the Little Rock School District. As the individual with the final authority in all district staffing changes, I am addressing my concerns to you. I am concerned about the transfer of Dr. Ed Jackson from Williams Magnet to another school. This is a concern shared by what I feel is a majority of the parents, teachers, staff at the school. elementary enrolling because schools. My wife both public and and I investigated our of oldest child at Williams. private, prior and many to We chose Williams its discipline, accomplishments. reputation. and the presence and influence of Dr. strict Jackson. I truly believe that his role in the success of Williams Magnet can't be overated. When news of his transfer reached the school, there was an immediate outcry not to do this. The issue was brought to the attention of Dr. Williams, and he met with a group of parents to discuss the change. Dr. Williams prefaced the meeting by explaining that he was moving Dr. Jackson so that his He expertise also made could be used to strengthen a weaker school. justify, s tand-it perfectly in his opinion. clear that unless we could As a business decision another district. changing that decision. it would person, I can understand Dr. Williams to try and use Dr. school. not He is just williams. his seeming indifference. the legitimate at williams. Jacksons abilities to improve superintendent of the entire What I do not understand is and condescending attitude toward concerns of the parents. teachers and staff If Dr. Williams truly feels that the transfer of Dr. Jackson is in the best interest of the district and you and However, the Magnet Review Committee agree, so be it. how can he make that decision without knowing who the replacement will be? I feel we have a right to know. cont. MAY-13-94 THU 14:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 06 page .2 Hon. Susan Webber Wright It ' decisions would ! and help their if he would be more hesitant to explain justification. Dr. open about his Williams seemed parents of the the changes in detail/ schools involved have a Part rounds. of the problem Some are the rumors say that this Dr. Jackson and some of his superiors. which I believe right to know. that are making the is a personal problem between Another is that this is an attempt to get Dr. Jackson to retire/ thus saving the district his salary which is said to be the highest of any elementary school principal. The most moving Dr. disturbing rumor is that Dr. williams is friend/ a Jackson in order to replace him with a personal These rumors/ neighbor in f act / from outside the district. and Dr. Williams reluctance to either confirm or dispel them, are basic to the conflict. Cne final thought. I Williams as support for keeping Dr. attended the meeting with Dr. Jackson. I could tell from his opening remarks that the decision was made, with no chance However, of reversal/ another Williams decision. so I had decided to remain parent in attendance/ made the were trying to keep Dr. Jackson, quiet. a supporter of Dr. statement that he thought we not for his abilities, but to prevent the placement of a black person as principal. He felt it was all racially motived. I then felt compelled to speak, making it clear that I don't care about the race of a principal, only in the education of my children. I can't speak for all the parents and staff there, but I personally was offended and angry. get two children into Williams, I have camped-out to and I'm planning to do the same for my third, all the while living in a predominately white is, elementary district. Race is not the issue. If it then I suggest making assistant Mitchel the new principal. principal Deborah She is experienced in the Magnet School system, .she knows the Williams Magnet philosophy, and she is respected by the parents. teachers, and staff. We just want some assurance that this change is best interests of the students and not truly in the personal conflicts. I don' t believe this move 1 s based on Standards, but on petty politics. I believe educational it is Dr. Williams flexing his muscles to show the district who's the boas / and he will never change his mind for fear of appearing weak. school board. My wife wrote all of these concerns to the and one member called her at home to let her know she was correct in her nothing that member could do. do. assumptions, but there was There is something you can cont.MAY-19-94 THU 14:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P.07 page 3 Hon. Susan Webber Wright This is that these important to the district. staff changes/ especially Dr. Please make Jackson's/ sure will benefit William's Magnet as well as the district. Don't let a staring contest between administrators, waiting to see who will blink first/ model to tear down Williams's Magnet. schools. copy/ not a source of material to Make it the patch other Thank you very much for your time. As a taxpayer and a parent/ I believe that it is not only my right but ray duty to question decisions that affect my children. I am a firm believer in the saying and so are my children"/ decision. "My heart is in the public schools/ and I want to feel safe in that Sincerely/ 'c Kenny Clark 6 Calais Court Little Rock, AR 72211 (501)821-2983 Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham. Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 June 27, 1994 Kenny Clark 6 Calais Court Little Rock, AR 72211 Dear Mr. Clark: I am responding to your letter on behalf of Judge Susan Webber Wright. Although she is sensitive to the concerns community members have about desegregation and other educational issues, as a matter of policy. Judge Wright does not correspond directly with citizens. Instead she relies on us in her Office of Desegregation Monitoring (ODM) to discuss school matters with individuals and organizations. I am one of the associate monitors working at ODM. As Im sure your aware, the LRSD Board of Directors voted on June 23,1994 to assign Dr. Ed Jackson to iBbs and Ms. Mary Menking to Williams. I understand that the Magnet Review Committee (MRC) intends to discuss the issue of principal assignments at a meeting this afternoon. On several occasions in the past, the MRC has successfully advocated for the magnet schools. While we at ODM are very concerned about all the schools in Pulaski County, we have no direct authority over school operations. Each school district continues to be responsible for their own operations. One of the districts responsibilities is adherence to the court-approved desegregation plans. If we find evidence that a district is not complying with their desegregation obligations, we will bring that situation to the attention of the court. The desegregation plans address staffing issues in a broad general fashion. The plans do not outline requirements for staff transfers. We will continue to monitor staffing changes throughout the summer, looking closely at the process by which staff members are hired or assigned. Thank you for taking the time to convey your concerns to the court. We appreciate your willingness to work for quality education in Pulaski County. Sincerely, Melissa Guldin Associate MonitorJUN-28-94 TUE 14:10 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P.Ol UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT (501) 324-5422 FAX LINE (501) 324-6576 DATE
TO
5tI-oIoo FROM: NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET 15 JUN-28-94 TUE 14:11 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 02 PARENT GIBBS ELEMENTARY ' - TEACHER ASSOCIATION June 17, 1994 Dr. Henry P. Williams Superintendent Little Rock School District 810 W. Markham Little Rock, AR 72201 RE: recssvsd OF SUSAN WEBRFR WW'GiNT JUN 2 0 19S4 U. S OfSTH'C'T JIJDQS HAND DELIVERED Principal Selection Process for Gibbs Magnet School Dear Dr. Williams
Again, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank you for your time in discussing the selection process with us. think we can all agree that an important component to this I successful functioning of not only an individual school such as Gibbs but of the entire school district is the meaningful and significant involvement of parents and teachers in the decision-making process. As patents and teachers, we observe, on a daily basis, how our schools operate and, therefore, can offer relevant input in the selection of a principal for our school. At the conclusion of our meeting, you indicated that you would review the process and procedures which have taken place to data. You agreed to advise the committee whether or not you would permit us to interview additional candidates for the principal's position. Recognizing that you will be involved in other activities through the end of this week, we ask that you notify us by 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, 1994. Although I believe we made it quite apparent during the course of our meeting, I would like to reiterate that our primary concern is with the validity of the procedure by which the next principal of Gibbs is to be determined. has been stated by the administration that this particular Although it procedure had worked" in prior applications, it has been our experience that the process in this instance is inherently and fatally flawed.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:11 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 03 Dr. Henry P. Williams June 17, 1994 Page Two When we initially learned that there would be a vacancy, the Gibbs PT.A met and determined that we would like to be involved in the selection process. Subsequently, we undertook efforts to determine what the process would be and what we, the parents and faculty of Gibbs, needed to do in order to become a part of the At no time were we ever given specific or accurate process. information regarding the process and procedures to be employed in the selection of a new principal nor were we told what our role would be. Upon the recommendation of Deputy Superintendent Estelle Matthis, we met and selected a committee to represent Gibbs and drafted communications to the school district requesting involvement in the process. We also requested information regarding the names of applicants for the position but were not provided that information until third party filed a freedom of information request. upon obtaining this information, the committee met and on June 4, 1994, submitted a list of names of candidates that we wished to interview, a list of questions to be posed to the applicants, and after learning by word of mouth some aspects of the selection procedure, a list of proposed procedures that we wished to be included. This letter was hand delivered to both your office and that of Estelle Matthis, Deputy Superintendent by a member of the Gibbs Committee. Eowever, it is apparent that neither you nor any administration representative on the selection committee ever saw this communique prior to the June 7, 1994 interview session. On June 7, 1994, the parents and faculty of Gibbs posed several questions to the administrative representatives on the selection committee. we asked how the five interviewees were selected and were told that all five had been selected based on their expressed interest in the Gibbs position. We are now told It was not until the by you that that was misinformation*, interview session that we were informed as to what the procedure for selection of the principal would be. Both before the interview process and at the conclusion of the interviews, we inquired of the administrative representatives whether, in the event that we were not satisfied with any of the applicants interviewed, could we interview additional applicants. In response to our inquiries, we were told that the answer to our inquiry was unknown but were later told that, yes, if we could not come to a consensus on the applicants to be recommended to you. the process would remain open and we would be able toJUN-28-94 TUE 14:12 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 04 Dr. Henry P. Williams June 17, 1994 Page Three interview additional candidates. During the course of our meeting of June 15, you indicated that your representatives were 'misinformed*. The parent and faculty members of the selection committee also expressed serious reservations about the utilization of the evaluation forms. Our concerns were the lack of prior input into the questions to be posed to the applicants as well as the use the forms would serve in the selection process. We were assured that it would not simply be a matter of tabulating the scores and then selecting the top three candidates based on simple mathematics. There was substantial reluctance on the part of the faculty and parent members of the committee to fill out the forms until we gained assurances from the administration that those forms would not be used as set forth above. At the conclusion of the interview process, the consensus was that we had not interviewed a candidate that we could recommend to the administration for the Gibbs principal After lengthy discussions, the group agreed not to position. submit any names to the administration and that we would request the opportunity to interview additional candidates. Administration representatives insisted that the forms be filled out and that was done only after again receiving assurances that the forms not be used and the scores tabulated to arrive at three candidates based on the highest scores obtained. We were told that the only reason to fill out those forms was to document the fact that the committee had interviewed the five applicants. Additionally, several members of the committee expressly stated that any recommendation to the administration would not be based solely on the evaluation forms as those forms did not accurately reflect an individual's choices. As a general matter, it is difficult to understand how a principal can be selected based solely on a thirty minute i nterview. Dr. williams, based on the foregoing, we simply ask that you provide us with an opportunity to interview additional candidates and complete what we believe is an incomplete process. I am, under separate cover, sending a copy of this letter to the individual members of the Little Rock School Board as well as to Judge Susan Webber Wright and Donna Creer of the Magnet Review Committee,JUN-28-94 TUE 14:12 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 05 Dt. Henry P. Williams June 17, 1994 Page Four We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Gibbs Parent-Teacher Principal Selection Committee Easter Tucket Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Wilhelmina Lewellen Vicki Gonterman BY
Angulo, Jr, AfAjr/jc cc: Dt. Katherine Mitchell Shorter College 604 Locust Street North Little Rock, AR 72114 T. Kevin O'Malley Ark. Board of Review Tower Building, Suita 700 Little Rock, AR 72201 Dorsey Jackson 1400 Worthen Bank Bldg. 200 West Capitol Little Rock, AR 72201 John A, Riggs, IV J. A. Riggs Tractor co. P.O. Box 1399 Little Rock, AR 72203JUN-28-94 TUE 14:13 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 06 Linda Pondexter Fuller Jr. High P.O. Box 8601 Little Rock, AR 72216 Patricia Gee 8409 Dowan Drive Little Rock, AR 72209 Owa Jacovelli 6622 Gold court Little Rock, AR 72209 V The Honorable Susan Webber Wright U.S. District Judge P.O. Box 3315 Little Rock, AR 72203 Donna Cceer Magnet Review Committee 1920 N. Main North Little Rock, AR 72114 3860dJUN-28-94 TUE 14:13 SUSAN M WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 07 GIBBS ELEMENTARY - TEACHER ASSOCIATION PARENT C-IAHS^S OF SUSAN .VR?SHT JUN 2 0 1334 U. S. DfS-m/CT JfJDGE June 17, 1994 Dr. Katherine Mitchell T. Kevin O'Malley Dorsey Jackson John A. Riggs, IV Linda pondexter Patricia Gee Oma Jacovelli RE: Principal Selection Process for Gibbs Magnet School Dear Members of the Little Rock School Board: Enclosed please find a copy of a letter sent to Or. Henty Williams following out committee's meeting with him on June 15, 1994 . This letter is being provided to each of you so that you will be aware of our concerns regarding the selection process and procedures employed by the district administration which was designed to result in the superintendent's recommendation to you of a new principal for Gibbs Magnet School. We believe that it is important for each of you to know that the parent-teacher members of the committee unanimously believe that the process was inherently and fatally flawed, if for no other reason than it substantially eliminated any significant and meaningful input by the parents and faculty at Gibbs. Additionally, the selection committee did not recommend any names to Dr. Williams for consideration for the principal position at Gibbs.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:14 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 08 Members of Little Rock School Board June 17, 1994 Page Two As you can see, we have simply asked Dr. Williams to allow us the opportunity to interview additional candidates for the position of Gibbs' principal. sincerely, Gibbs Parent-Tsacher Principal Selection committee Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Poiett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Wilhelmina Lewellen Vicki Gonterman BY: A AFAjr/jc Enclosure 3861d JUN-28-94 TUE 14:14 SUSAN H WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 09 TO*. GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT > TEACHER ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM 6/15/94 Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent FROM: Easter TucKer Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee Wilhelmina Lewellen Vickie Oonterman Gibbs Staff Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee RE: Follow Up to Our Memorandum of June 4, 1994 As members of the LRSO's Gibbs Principal Selection Committee, we again respectfully request to Interview the following people for the principalship of Gibbs at the earliest convenience: Sharon Davis Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Diane Barksdale Katherine Tweedie Please ask your staff to schedule these interviews as soon as it is feasible. Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.JUN-28-94 TUE 14:14 &AUI rwivu SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 10 GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT ASSOCIATION MEMORANDUM 6/4/94 TO
Dr. Henry Williams, LRSD Superintendent Ms. Estelle Matthis, LRSD Deputy Superintendent FROM: Easter Tucker Willie Jones Zach Polett Dodie Angulo Ann Cashion Gibbs Parent Association Members on Gibbs Principal Selection Committee RE
Meeting Preparation for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee By this memorandum, we are again requesting the list of names of applicants currently scheduled for interview by our committee. Please deliver a copy to Gibbs Elementary, attention Easter Tucker and fax a copy to 376-2423. Attached are the following materials
1) A list of questions we intend to ask all applicants at Tuesdays interviews. 2) A brief list of procedures we propose to help facilitate the interview process. 3) A list of applicants that we request the LRSD administration schedule for interview by the Gibbs Committee on Tuesday, June 7, in case any of these are not already scheduled. Thank you for your assistance with these matters. AttachmentsJUN-28-94 TUE 14:15 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 11 Partial List of Questions for Gibbs Principal Selection Committee 1) Briefly describe a lesson you have taught or observed recently that you believe was very successful. Explain why this lesson worked well. 2) Do the same for a lesson or activity that you taught or obsserved which did not succeed. Why did this lesson fail, in your opinion? 3) When you informally observe classroom instruction what are the 3 most important things you look for, or hope to see? 4) How would you encourage appreciation of and proficiency in reading and writing among staff and students (and parents)? 5) 6) As principal, what can you offer Gibbs? What are your goals for Gibbs? 7) matters? In what ways do you see yourself supporting the staff in disciplinary 8) In regards to non-academic programs, what ideas or philosophies would you initiate? 9) What do you see the balance to be between the basic instructional needs of reading, science, math, etc. with the international studies theme of the school? 10) What do you think about using the school as a resource for the community as a whole, including after 5 p.m.? 11) What would be your strategies for removing the achievement disparity between at-risk minority and/or lower income children and majority and/or higher income children?JUN-28-94 TUE 14:15 r zacn roieu SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 12 Partial List of Applicants We Would Like to Interview on Tuesday, June 7 Diane Barksdale Sharon Brooks Deborah Mitchell Cassandra Norman-Mason Stan StraussJUN-28-94 TUE 14:16 4acn rwen SUSAN M WRIGHT FAX HO. 5013246576 P. 13 Propcsed Procedures for Interview Process 1) We believe that we will not be prepared to make recommendations at the completion of the Tuesday morning interviews, so would like it understood from the beginning that there will be a follow-up committee meeting at a later date for the committee to evaluate the applicants and make its recommendations. 2) We understand from discussion with EsteJie Matthis on Friday, May 27 that the application process was being kept open. If after the Tuesday morning interviews we do not believe we have seen the next prindpai of Gibbs, then we hope and expect that the District will continue to seek additional applicants and schedule further interviews. 3) We look forward to working closely and cooperatively with the administration and Gibbs staff members of the committee to come up with the best possible prindpai for Gibbs Elementary.JUN-27-94 MON 10:26 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 fcU-l44t n-l-q*! P.Ol UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT (501) 324-5422 FAX LINE (501) 324-6576 DATE
June 27, 1994 TO: Ms. Ann Brow FAX: 371-0100 FROM
Judge Susan Webber Wright.. JUK-27-94 MON 10:26 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 02 Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 June 26. 1994 SUSAN WTiSSWi Vf^G/iT District Judge Susan Webber Wright 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, AR 72201 JUN 27 1924 U. SDfSTRfCT JUDGE Dear Judge Wright, I am the mother of a second grader, Jake Tull, at Gibbs Magnet School and am writing to you about some recent events regarding this school that 1 find very troubling. Let me preface my concerns, however, with praise and positive feedback for this wonderful school. Gibbs has been a perfect environment for my child, and one in which he is very happy. The faculty is outstanding and the curriculum is well suited to his need for more than a "basic skills" track. He has been enriched by Gibbs excellent art, music, language, and science programs, especially the Dunbar Garden". As a tactile, kinesthetic child with diagnosed learning differences Jake has blossomed in the two years at this school. More importantly, he has learned respect for individuals of race and religion other than his own, and has been given respect himself. As a parent, I have also been enriched by the association with the children, faculty, and parents of Gibbs school. It is the most amazing and cooperative collection of multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multireligious persons that I have ever had the pleasure to be around. 1 am very concerned for several reasons. First of all, I am distraught with the so-called selection process of a new principal in which I have been involved. This process was misrepresented to us from the very beginning and we were sand-bagged" every step of the way by Dr. Williams and his immediate staff. Our only intent as parents in this process was to have some input regarding the person whom we thought most appropriate to maintain the level of excellence and professionalism at Gibbs School that we have enjoyed. We by no means wanted complete control over the determination of the new principal. I find it inexcusable that we had to threaten the Little Rock School District with a Freedom of Information lawsuit in order to obtain information regarding principal applicants. Furthermore, I find it appalling that only one out of seven of our requested applicants was present on June 7th to interview. We were not under any circuipstances allowed to interview the candidates that we had wanted to and did not submit three names to Dr. Williams for contention inJUN.-27-94 MON 10:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P.03 the Gibbs School principal position. As far as we were concerned we had not seen the right person for the job and were promised that the selection process would remain open. This did not happen and it became apparent that we had been set-up". Secondly, I find it inconceivable that the superintendent of the Little Rock School district would even allude to the fact that parental involvement is unnecessary for strength within the district and individual schools, much less quote this thought three times and have studies to prove it. He obviously needs a history lesson regarding the Little Rock public schools. As far as I am concerned, the parents rank third behind both the students and the faculty in providing strength to a school, 1 have held PTA positions, been a room parent, and tutored individual students at Gibbs school for two years. Nothing, with the exception of my family, holds greater importance to me. Thirdly, I find Dr. Williams arbitrary and fruit basket turnover" approach of transferring principals very unsettling. If his purpose is to stabilize the school district, he is accomplishing just the opposite. In all honesty, I cannot find the rationale for transferring Dr. Jackson from a strong magnet school" to another strong magnet school" with a totally different curriculum and philosophy. 1 think highly of Dr. Jackson and feel that perhaps he is just a pawn in Dr. Williams "power play
a game in which everyone loses. I am asking you to review these matters and counsel the Gibbs PTA on our next step. We are in the public schools because we believe in them and feel that they provided the best education for Jake. Please continue your efforts in making them the best environment for our children. Thank you. Sincerely, Sue Tull, Gibbs PTA Treasurer and concerned parenti : in iivi I u Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 '(^ZaAF (Xt<z>( cjjjJiAPX iA.iXuz< Kz-<-^x. R)x tejxxii (vr"^ hJil/CM U^Ji ^C-' ,(A(n>^ d ZZ ' '^1) IZA w I (/X -f{_ UA' 5 ''"'''jkj!^^ ^^jrUAyRECEJ^/Szi Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 SUSAN Vi!i JUN 27 1334 u. s, DiSTSiCT JUDGE PtA .cbL(U<-J^ HA- -wj ' , i ^i/QoJl TW.(3WM p I jy } <^(jCilUx.cJi CA lA I 0ZU)Ci^^ '^wotA- '- J^-UuZ^ b^'^ J. 5 C^tO'^ t4uc.^-t<as^5 irp^JLha ^p SWJlCi- I I'AU' -^ q-tus CAi-< f <JV<1 i F t s i h' V r: L .' * "V k -'* * V t l * 4 \- > 1 . J t 1 r . 7 J . J" 1 ai! *- X^5^S 1 T|? b
>-o (S*^ 7 '.*1 F^ .-< 1* u A *"^^j4SJLl *34 WED 11:26 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P.Ol UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS U. S. DISTRICT JUDGE SUSAN WEBBER WRIGHT (501) 324-5422 FAX LINE (501) 324-6576 DATE: July 13, 1994 TO: Ms. Ann Brown F.y.l. FROM: Judge Susan Webber Wright NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET lor Tr^JaS?^: - v' ^2- *- >~^z*<', r. JUL-13-94 WED 11:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 02 SUSAfe* Hontsrcib/^ Ct Ub^ba*^ U
JU,\' /'Tlu Ili<sb?c2n^ c^/t^l( 'T^ /ia,t>< t r J^art,c -i^t^ ^'T/I t>/ ($/bbj: Scb^)/ -y/^c ko^ 4c see '^Ue^ttaM^ noi^ -Tc ajj ^7 ! t i- r 'll f J 7 ckn/efre^ e^^ttca^kea ^thhr, IaJ^. C^Pesj- kou^ co^bk -/. _l7 a^ a. fat y -n ei skrf^^ l^te^rcsk t't^ S6- - ' C(r>U.,r^^J -ho O^ffKUtty -^ho. , 7lAtcA<^ rhe^s/ta^ej fr,c,f,^. -7-^ tS'/U^ ^l<^c//cn 'ra^ -fi^^ <^1^ ^,4/, ~PanC'/(tS>tt^ r:,/ f 'J C)Cf~D ^<J7M/ytC L J / -7%^ J2i^ n Dct^ 'H^ -fojSty a.'tf^r.^B-fg^ -6 g,'i^ 2i-. ce^ f /4t.AeLM-13-94 WED 11:27 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 03 As . (jJi? &uy) <::Sh-t 'iz. z >^1JUL-13-94 WED 11:28 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 04 Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16Lh Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 ifC'l'i.. 'H (^U-yLi. cC 1 :) a^bC' 'ZCuu ^jJCCCc. / cTc^Ct'^ ^^Cc-fi^i-^ /L't''-LLCC'^^' . b Ly {/ b'C'' .C^. RSCE^VL^O SUSAN CHAMiA^j r t>' ESUb. fi: WRU.>IT JUN 28 WIM LL S. DISTRICT JUDGE cC t..<^i <L,C.^^' Z6 r* -7 . c M-13-94 wed 11:28 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 05 HAND DELIVERED Gibbs School PTA 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202 Telephone 324-2490 Juns 28, 1994 TO! Judge Susan Weber Wright From: Chuck and Nancy Hamilton, Co-Presidents/Gibbs PTA Subject: Principal Changes in the Little Rock School District In a school district that must continually be sensitive to the need for stability, why is the LRSD changing principals in more than 25 of its schools, including 4 elementary magnet schools? This question has been repeatedly asked of the administration with contradictory responses being given. responsible or accountable for this decision? Is no one holding the district Patrons are worried, anxious. This leads to instability. and confused. This leads to distrust. The LRSD cannot afford to lose the faith and trust of its patrons. History has proven that parental support brings stability. Please ask the question "why", Judge Wright, and expect a responsible answer. Respectfully -mcH ent? Chuck and Nancy Hamilton or -?S t3S4 s. 'OGeJUL-13-94 WED 11:28 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 06 Mary Virginia Mayeux 614 N. Taylor Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 June 26. 15S4 Honorable Susan Weber V/right Federal Building 600 W. Capitol Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 SUS,AN WScstJcR WRJGHT JJN 271394 Dear Judge Wright: L'. S. DISTRICT JUDG^ I am writing as a concerned parent of two children at Gibbs Elementary Magnet School concerning the process by which the Little RocK School District administration is attempting to appoint Dr. Ed Jackson as the principal of our school."" * In May, when our previous principal announced her early retirement (under pressure from the district administration to move to another school), a Gibbs PTA representative contacted assistant superintendent Larry Robertson and deputy superintendent Estelle Matthis about what role, if any, parents would play in the selection of a new principal to f Hi this vacancy. We were told that we would follow the same procedure that has been in place in the district for several years in which a committee of parents, teachers and district administrators interview a number of candidates for the position and select their top three preferences, in rank order. The superintendent then chooses one from among these three and recommends that choice to the school board. The district administration appointed such a committee, the Gibbs Elementary Schoo! Principal Selection Committee, and included on it three Gibbs parents, two Gibbs faculty, and three district administrators. Prior to the interviews, the parents and teachers on the committee requested from the administration a list of all applicants for the position and those from that list selected by the administration to be interviewed by the committee. This information was denied to them by Dr. Richard Hurley, the custodian of the records, Estelle Matthis and the office of Dr, Williams, This denial was made even after the district had supplied a copy of this list to an Arkansas citizen not on the committee who hadJUL-13-94 WED 11:29 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P, 07 filed an FO! request. Subsequently, the parent and teacher members of the comittee were able to obtain the list from this citizen, and prepared a letter to Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis asking to interview five of the applicants. This letter was hand-delivered by a member of the selection committee to the offices of Dr. Williams and Ms. Matthis the day before the interviews were to be conducted. The letter was never responded to and the request was eventually effectively denied. This selection committee met on June 7 and interviewed five candidates (selected by district administrators with no input from Gibbs parents or the selection committee). The committee unanimously, by consensus, decided not to recommend to the superintendent any candidates from those interviews, and was assured by the administration-appointed chair of the committee, an assistant superintendent, that the committee would be able to interview additional candidates within a few days. On June 9, this assistant superintendent informed us that Dr, Williams had refused to honor this commitment and that the selection committee portion of the process was over. Thus, the committee met and interviewed, but emphatically iid.nat.select three candidates for consideration as Gibbs principal. Despite many subsequent conversations with administrators and board members and a group meeting with Dr. Williams on June 1 5 in which we made clear the committee's decision that it needed additional interviews, Dr. Williams proceeded to name Ed Jackson as Gibbs principal and to claim that the committee participated in that selection. The problems which have resulted form this procedure are numerous and serious, including: (1) Parents have lost al! confidence in district administrators to speak to them truthfully. Parents are shocked and angered that they have been directly (2) and emphatically told on two occasions by Dr. Williams that their participation in their childrens education is not needed. (3) A principal whose strengths are in basic skills and discipline has been appointed, against his will, to a school where ths emphasis is on international studies, as reflected in reading, writing, art, music, andJUL-13-34 WED 11:30 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 08 languages. We believe that this is an inappropriate mismatch of principal and school theme and could endanger the vital distinctive character of our magnet program. Prior to the present controversy, Gibbs parents and students loved the warm supportive atmosphere and positive learning environment of our school and had spoken so highly of it to many others that there was a surge in applications for the school this spring resulting in lengthy waiting lists for admission, longer than Carver and other historically popular magnet programs. However, in a few short weeks the Little Rock School District administration has endangered what has taken years of hard work by principal, teachers and parents to create a successfully integrated, very popular school located in an old building in the middle of central Little Rock. Parents are distressed and angry about being shut out of any meaningful input in deciding the school's future. The prospect of losing a large number of middle class black, white and Asian students from the school is very real. Instead of attracting students and parents as magnet schools are supposed to do, the Little Rock School District is apparently trying to repel them. Please consider directing the Little Rock School District administration to allow the district's Gibbs Elementary School Principal Selection Committee to complete its work by interviewing a group of five (or so) additional suitable candidates and recommending three of them to Dr. Williams so that he can select an appropriate principal to recommend to the school board for the school we love so much. Sincerely, Mary Mayeux P. S.: You may enjoy the enclosed picture of my son and his two best friends, all of whom are Gibbs students. EnclosureJOL-13-^4 WED 11:30 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO, 5013246576 P. 09 GIBBS ELEMENTARY PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION SCREENING COMMITTEE June 27, 1994 SUS/fW' lAi '- .J O- .VPJCHT JUN 23 1994 The Honorable Susan Webber Wright U.S. District Judge P.O. Box 3316 Little Rock, AR u, s. District judg
RE: 122(^3 Principal Selection process Little Rock School District Dear Judge Wright: I just learned some disturbing news regarding the principal selection process employed by the Little Rock School District. It is my understanding that on this date the Magnet Review Committee met in special session to discuss the process by which principals are being reassigned in light of the mRC guidelines. It is my further understanding that the Magnet Review Committee determined that the school district had not complied with those guidelines which require consultation prior to implementing such changes. However, based on the erroneous representations made by district representatives and without any input from our group, the Committee determined that the selection process was followed with integrity and did function as designed. This conclusion was premised, in part, on the assertion by district representatives that the Gibbs' selection committee (consisting of three administrative representatives, two members of the Gibbs' faculty, and three Gibbs' parents) recommended three names to the Superintendent as candidates for the Gibbs principal position. That is simply not true. At the conclusion of the interviews conducted on June 7, the only concensus the selection committee reached was that it could not and would not recommend any names to the superintendent and that the process should continue so that additional candidates could be interviewed. Our group is gravely concerned that the Magnet Review committee has not been given accurate information and that it's determinations are not based on true and complete facts.JUL-13-94 WED 11:31 SUSAN W WRIGHT FAX NO. 5013246576 P. 10 * The Honorable Susan Webber Wright June 27, 1994 Page Two would welcome the opportunity to provide the Court with additional information if the Court deems it appropriate. sincerely, Gibbs Elementary Parent Teacher Association Screening Committee BY: 57 Jr'. Aj/f'red Fz Angal6 ,'~jf. cc: Zach polett Willie Jones Easter Tucker Ann Cashion 3961d 11 et t Wo y/^/^Y 0). JO. 0)^ 1 '( /9 If 5015698576 APfiC 288 P01 JUL 18 94 14:54 Date: .FROM: RE- FAX COVER SHEET FAX No. G100 (zWV ___ FAX No. Numb.er of Pages (Including Cover Sheet) Message:5015698576 APAC 288 P03 JUL 18 94 14:56 Dr. Henry Wiiiiams 7/e/94 Make sure that the position is advertised QN: Wilt you let us have a list of the names of the candidates who have applied for elementary principal positions? not give you a list of anything. (shouting) 1 will not give you a list with Jesus Christs name on it. You're being irrational about this. I'm the person who is ultimately responsible for what happens in th* ' building. I 4 I r f H e'-' r 1 V 3 -fU (6 U'P J, i\A5015698576 APAC 288 P02 JUL 18 94 14:55 Memorandum for the Record July 18. 1994 Re: Availability of Resumes for Gibbs Principal Applicants and Status of Gibbs Principals Position from Deputy Superintendent Estelle Mathis at approximately 1:40 pm and I inquired of her what was meant by the sign inside the Gibbs School door that said was gone and would not be at the school on Monday or Tuesday, the sign was probably prepared by Ed Jackson who although her understanding was that he was still the Principal She said Mathis said she understood was in the building unassigned. Ms. my concern (I already had said that Gibbs School had no principal that I knew about) but that was just Ed Jacksons way. I also said that the Gibbs PTA was requesting the full list and resumes of all applicants for the principals job at Gibbs. LRSD Superintendent, had told another Gibbs I said that Dr. Williams, the information would not be publicly available. parent filing a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) parent 10 days ago that such I noted the necessity of a iuuig a ivuuAi rreeaom or iniormation (FOI) request several weeks ago during the first sequence of screening interviews to obtain applicant resumes. I noted that such resumes were considered a routine part of the public file. She said she would work with Gibbs on this oroblem. The telephone call was concluded. on this problem. The At 1.55 pm., Ms, Mathis called my office a second time and said she had spoken to the Superintendent and that he had agreed that the would be available after the closing of the application date which was Friday, July 22nd. I thanked her for smoothing out this exchange of information and said that r ' resumes someone from Gibbs would be contacting her on Monday, July 25th, to obtain copies of the information. indicated her agreement with this arrangement. The telephone call was concluded. arrangement. Ms. Mathis lAAA, dm Lyn^ jibbs Ele tary School PTAX X X X X X X X LENDER 14:4f o01669oo!O P.Ol TRANSACTION REPORT JUL-18-94 MON 14:49 1 RX TIME PAGES 1' p
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.|ii(XOOI*!i:*.>if.j|!OO*m*)|(**O)i:il#**nxilx*n5015698576 APAC 288 P01 JUL 18 94 14:54 FAX COVER SHEET Date: ! !Ti TO: __fax No. .FROM: J t4A< i YA^C-H________ RE: Number of Pages (Including Cover Sheet) Message:5015698576 APAC 238 P03 JUL 18 94 14:56 Dr. Henry Witiiams 7/8/94 Make sure that the position is adv/ertised QN
Will you let us have applied for elementary principal positions'^* a list ot the names of the candidates who hsv^ 9ve you a list of anything. (shouting) I will not give you a list with Jesus Christs name on it. being irrational about this. Pson who is ultimately responsible for what happens in th^^t hili Hinn building. I ... 'I pc ,1 I L * r rh''
j f. I , j}-( CH H, I \ 'A V'-^ i' A' V ..A5 0^ V,.* J, I 01 M A-^5015698576 APAC 288 P02 JUL IS 94 14:55 Memorandum for the Record July 18. 1994 Re: Availability of Resumes for Gibbs Principal Applicants and Status of Gibbs Principals Position Today I received a return telephone call from Deputy Superintendent Estelle Mathis at approximately 1:40 pm and I inquired of her what meant by the sign inside the Gibbs School door that said the was Principal was gone and would not be at the school on Monday or Tuesday. the sign was probably prepared by Ed Jackson who was in the building although her understanding was that he was still unassigned. Mathis said she understood She said Ms. my concern (I already had said that Gibbs School had no principal that I knew about) but that was just Ed Jacksons way. I also said that the Gibbs PTA was requesting the full list and resumes of all applicants lor the principals job at Gibbs. I said that Dr. Williams the (fV LRSD Superintendent, had told another Gibbs parent 10 days aeo thatsuch y information would not be publicly available. parent filing a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) parent 10 days ago that such I noted the necessity of a request several weeks ago during the first sequence of screening interviews to obtain applicant Z resumes. I noted that such resumes were considered a routine part of the public 1,-nrV c-ibbs on this problem. The telephone call was concluded. . file. She said she would work with Gibbs At 1:55 pm., Ms. Mathis called rny office a second time and said she had spoken to the Superintendent and that he had agreed that the would be available after the cIosins resumes of the application date which ---- -J. J-_______ W3S Friday, July 22nd. 1 thanked her for smoothing out this exchange of c* information and said that someone from Gibbs would be contacting her on Monday, July 25th, to obtain copies of the information. indicated her agreement with this arrangement. The telephone call was concluded. arrangement. Ms. Mathis dm Lyn^ jibbs Ele- tary School PTAJuly 18, 1994 Members of the Little Rock School Board 800 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Little Rock School Board Members: JUL 1 8 1991 Office of Desegrogaiion Monitoring My name is Sera Vena and I am a parent of children at Gibbs Magnet School. I am active in the Gibbs PTA and I am following the events to screen and choose and new principal for Gibbs. I wish to inform you as our elected representatives that despite your assurances to us on July 7th that the Gibbs selection process would remain open and everyone would try their best for a successful result, the following has happened, much to our sadness and disappointment. First, Mr. Ed Jackson has been housed at Gibbs School and is working out of the Gibbs school building. This decision undermines what we had hoped would be a climate of cooperation between parents and administrators. The process apparently is not open but rather tilted very heavily toward Mr. Jackson. He is already discussing Gibbs plans for next year. There is a sign today at Gibbs School referring to the Gibbs principal which was prepared by Mr. Jackson. Second, the presence of Mr. Jackson unfairly pressures the faculty members of Gibbs who serve on the screening committee and presents a clear ethical and professional conflict of interest. How can any screening process be objective and open when faculty representatives brazenly are confronted by a principals candidate who already is occupying an office at their school building? Other elementary buildings in the District require summer supervision and Mr. Jackson easily could have been assigned to any such school. His assignment to Gibbs was deliberate and can only be interpreted as yet another high-pressure tactic to discourage genuine participation by the screening committee.Third, on July 13th parents from Gibbs met with the Superintendent to discuss the steps of the re-opened screening process. Upon specific inquiry, we were told by the Superintendent that a Central Office Administrator would oversee Gibbs for this interim period. Never were we told that Ed Jackson was the Central Office Administrator. So much for honesty and openess. How would each of you feel if you learned that a previously-rejected principal candidate was being given interim authority over the school under discussion? Gibbs parents have never asked for anything more than a chance to recommend three names from the field of candidates. Yet at every turn we are confronted with pressure, half-truths and outright manipulation. As our elected representatives, we ask you to put the process back on a fair, solid footing. Mr. Jacksons presence at Gibbs is not necessary and undermines your decision of July 7th. Would you please assure us the pressure will stop, the ethical and professional conflicts-of-interest will stop, and parents and community can participate as reasonable, well-motivated persons who care a great deal about quality education in Little Rock? Thank you. Best Regard Sera Vena 3011 Echo ValleyDrive Little Rock, Arkansas 72227 223-9602 July 18, 1994 Members of the Little Rock School Board 800 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Dear Little Rock School Board Members: RECEIV^^ JUL 1 8 1994 Office of Dosegrogation Monitoring My name is Sera Vena and 1 am a parent of children at Gibbs Magnet School. I am active in the Gibbs PTA and 1 am following the events to screen and choose and new principal for Gibbs. 1 wish to inform you as our elected representatives that despite your assurances to us on July 7th that the Gibbs selection process would remain open and everyone would try their best for a successful result, the following has happened, much to our sadness and disappointment. First, Mr. Ed Jackson has been housed at Gibbs School and is working out of the Gibbs school building. This decision undermines what we had hoped would be a climate of cooperation between parents and administrators. The process apparently is not open but rather tilted very heavily toward Mr. Jackson. He is already discussing Gibbs plans for next year. There is a sign today at Gibbs School referring to the Gibbs principal which was prepared by Mr. Jackson. Second, the presence of Mr. Jackson unfairly pressures the faculty^ members of Gibbs who serve on the screening committee and presents a clear ethical and professional conflict of interest. How can any screening process be objective and open when faculty representatives brazenly are confronted by a principals candidate who already is occupying an office at their school building? Other elementary buildings in the District require summer supervision and Mr. Jackson easily could have been assigned to any such school. His assignment to Gibbs was deliberate and can only be interpreted as yet another high-pressure tactic to discourage genuine participation by the screening committee.Third, on July 13th parents from Gibbs met with the Superintendent to discuss the steps of the re-opened screening process. Upon specific inquiry, we were told by the Superintendent that a Central Office Administrator would oversee Gibbs for this interim period. Never were we told that Ed Jackson was the Central Office Administrator. So much for honesty and openess. How would each of you feel if you learned that a previously-rejected principal candidate was being given interim authority over the school under discussion? Gibbs parents have never asked for anything more than a chance to recommend three names from the field of candidates. Yet at every turn we are confronted with pressure, half-truths and outright manipulation. As our elected representatives, we ask you to put the process back on a fair, solid footing. Mr. Jacksons presence at Gibbs is not necessary and undermines your decision of July 7th. Would you please assure us the pressure will stop, the ethical and professional conflicts-of-interest will stop, and parents and community can participate as reasonable, well-motivated persons who care a great deal about quality education in Little Rock? Thank you. Best Regard Sera Vena 3011 Echo ValleyDrive Little Rock, Arkansas 72227 223-9602 July 19, 1994 Angelo Coppola 1940 Waterside Drive North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116 receives Mr. Richard E. Hurley Director of Human Resources Little Rock School District JUL 2 0 1994 810 W. Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Office of Desegregaiioii Dear Mr. Hurley: I am writing requesting consideration for the position of principal at Gibbs Magnet School. ' administrative experience. I have over 15 years of 4-4. J- - ------ member of the Magnet Review Committee for four years
I organized the Bi-racial Committee . superintendent of schools at Marked Tree
and I am a certified trainer in teacher evaluations, PET, Effective Schools classroom management. as TESA, and This along with my many other experiences qualifies me for the position. > R^pectfull Angelo Coppola, Ed.D. AC/lfh Enclosure: Current Vita Resume' Dr. Angelo G. Coppola, Sr. Personal Data Home Address: Business Address: 1940 Waterside Drive North Little Rock, AR 72116 #4 State Capitol Mall Little Rock, AR 72201 Home Phone: (501) 758-3738 Business Phone: (501) 682-4358 Educational Background Doctor of Education Public School Administration 1987 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas Master of Social Studies University of Mississippi 1973 Oxford, Mississippi Master of Education Secondary Education 1969 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas Bachelor of Science Secondary Education 1966 Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas Associate of Arts Arkansas State University - Beebe 1964 Beebe, Arkansas Professional Experiences 1992 - Present Arkansas State Department of Education Division of Instruction Responsible for 72 individual schools in the areas of teacher certification, annual school reports. North Central Accreditation, Restnictured Schools, Diamond Schools. Break-the-Mold Schools, Comprehensive Outcomes Evaluation (COE), finances - budget process, school improvement team, and staff development.1990 - 1992 Superintendent of Schools Marked Tree Public Schools Marked Tree, Arkansas Passed a 7.5 Millage which was used to build a new science, physics, chemistry, music and socialstudies complex. With the interest earned from the 1 million dollar bond (S75,000), all remaining structures at both the high school and elementary school were totally renovated. With good fiscal management of school funds including total renovations, the district operating fund balance grew from 580,000 to 5275,000 in just two years. There was also a 593,000 balance in the special funds account. I was able to do the above by utilizing Quality Circles and the Effective Schools Model. An extensive drug abuse program was implemented along with a very effective Parent .Xdvisor Council. 1986- 1990 Arkansas State Depanment of Education Division of Planning and Development Developed the process for evaluating Certified Personnel in Arkansas and Co-authored a book with Dr. Schoppmeyer on the model. The book is being used to train all public school administrators in the State. I also provided all the research and documentation on Magnet Schools for the State of Arkansas in defense of the law suit brought against the State by the Little Rock School District. 1985 - 1986 Graduate Assistant to Dr. Martin Schoppmeyer Doctoral Program University of Arkansas While a graduate assistant I taught classes in public school administration, supervision and finances. I also taught three cycles of the Program for Effective Teaching (PET), Classroom Management. Assertive Discipline and TESA (Teacher Expectation - Student Achievement) 1978 - 1985 Director of Federal Programs North Little Rock Public Schools I was responsible for all state and federal programs for th^ entire school district. I had a budget of 2.1 million dollars. I managed Chapter I, Chapter IL Title VI-B. 89:313. Pass Through Funds, and the State Special Education Funds. 1973 -1978 Principal/Supervisor of Instruction Oxford, Mississippi 1970 - 1973 Graduate Fellow - History Department University of .Mississippi University, Mississippi 1968 - 1970 Assistant Principal/Supervisor of Instruction Des Arc Public Schools De.s Arc, Arkansas1967 - 196S Social Studies Teacher Alternative School Fayetteville Public Schools Fayetteville, Arkansas 1966 - 1967 Social Studies Teacher Junior and Senior High School Des Arc Public Schools Des -Arc, Arkansas Other Educational Experiences 1988 Adjunct Assistant Professor. History -Arkansas State University - Beebe Beebe, Arkansas 1987 -Adjunct Assistant Professor Graduate School University of Arkansa-s Fayetteville, Arkansas 1989 - Present State Advisory Board - Program for Effective Teaching (PET) 1986 - Present Reader for Arkansas State Depanment of Education recognition programs for teachers and students 1992 - Coordinator for Hearst Foundation Youth Senate Program 1991 Selection committee for Milkens Family Foundation Award for four teachers each year to receive a cash award of S30,000. Professional Organizations American -Association of School Administrators -Arkanstis -Association of School Administrators -Arkansa-s -Association
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