Let's cut through the racist rhetoric of Dot Scott and her buddies of the Charleston NAACP (all five of them): the problems facing the newly-appointed principal of North Charleston High School, Robert Grimm, concern his lack of authority.
Make no mistake: Grimm is Superintendent McGinley's choice; the Board of Trustees was merely convinced to go along with it by a 6 to 3 vote. Apparently, in order to get those votes, McGinley decided to undercut Grimm's authority on the night of his appointment by agreeing to place some of it in the hands of Associate Superintendent James Winbush, former principal of Lincoln High School in McClellanville. Of course, we don't know what went on behind closed doors, but reading tea leaves and comments suggests that Grimm's record of enforcing good discipline at C.E. Williams probably garnered Elizabeth Kandrac's vote.
Was the Superintendent unable to find a qualified (according to the search committee's own parameters) applicant? Or did she decide by putting in someone who has never been principal of a high school of any size she was guaranteeing his failure, and, therefore, undercutting his authority made her long-term plans all the more possible.
Make no mistake about it. McGinley plans to combine Stall and NCHS as soon as it becomes politically correct. Such a merger will allow her record of eliminating failing schools to look that much better.
Still the mystery persists as to why McGinley decided to move former NCHS principal Middleton to the Early Head Start program. Did Middleton simply want out and desire a larger salary? Or did she comply with McGinley's wishes to stay on the superintendent's good side? Clearly, removing Middleton and putting Grimm in her place does not appear to be a move forward.
Grimm should be having second thoughts about taking the position; however, knowing McGinley's tactics, he may have no choice.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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8 comments:
Winbush was principal at Baptist Hill, Middleton was principal at Lincoln High School.
The time for Grimm to do a 180 on this one has come and gone. He has no choice. Seems like a good man with honorable intentions...not enough. His political savvy may be seriously lacking. Shark-infested waters ahead.
Word is Middleton didn't want to stay at NCHS as long as Winbush would be her boss. They can't stand each other.
Middleton is too good at what she does to be someone else's puppet.
Check the data Winbush through out there in the woods his last year as principal at BH, who in the world is he to guide anyone? He is known as a slanderer and a cheat,well known at that.
He visited NCHS about 4 times this last year!
The old hastily arranged press conference wasn't exactly a glowing endorsement of...anybody! The Mayor admitting Grimm wasn't even his first choice, either. Nor did he particularly express his "gratitude" to McGinley for her confidence in this guy. NAACP not happy. Blue Ribbon Committee members basically feeling used by the Superintendent. And now Grimm basically is locked into this deal. He must be getting some serious buck$ for this duty.
5 things that could help NCHS
1. If the P and C would investigate the gains made at NCHS the last year or so, and report on the good things that are happening.
2. If the district would campaign openly for public patience, and not paint the school worse than it is.
3. If NC City government would truly support the school publically and often.
4. If the public really took a look at the school with their own eyes rather than relying on word of mouth, and the opinions of a few negative nellies.
5. If the business community immersed themselves in helping the school.
6. If parents would increase active support for their children at the school.
Anything else is simply political posturing and butt covering by those involved.
Bob Grimm is a nasty principal who treats his staff abrasively and with little respect. Grimm spouts off about how he cares so much for students, but one can hear him screaming at them regularly in the hallways. The atmosphere at the school is negative among students and staff because of this principal.
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