Select the Phoenix Union Bioscience High School principal through a process that is not rushed, takes into account all applicants and considers stakeholder values, needs, and perspectives.

The Issue

Bioscience High School is an indescribably unique and pioneering community that demands a selection process that will allow the time and effort to seek out the most appropriate and suited principal in order to maintain the current progress being made to improve our existing models. An unfit decision will certainly mean extreme set-backs and will negatively affect the relations we have established with community members, accomplishments Bioscience has made, the lives of highly effective students and most importantly the success of a community.

 

This having been said, the Bioscience High School community feels that a great injustice has been committed in regards to the selection of our new administrator. After the principal forum night (held Thursday 19, 2014) stakeholders do not feel that the commitments promised are being upheld: We were assured the position would be opened to the public, however the candidates were all from within the district and were in fact individuals who had initially applied to other principal positions. It was evident that the selection process was extremely pressured due to time constraints. Due to this fact, highly qualified applicants outside of the district and within Bioscience were not considered for the position. We, Bioscience students, alumni, parents, and community members are extremely disappointed and frankly fearful of what is to become of our administration and how that will impact our school. We are asking only for a process that is not rushed, takes into account all applicants and considers stakeholder values, needs, and perspectives.

Victory
This petition made change with 53 supporters!

The Issue

Bioscience High School is an indescribably unique and pioneering community that demands a selection process that will allow the time and effort to seek out the most appropriate and suited principal in order to maintain the current progress being made to improve our existing models. An unfit decision will certainly mean extreme set-backs and will negatively affect the relations we have established with community members, accomplishments Bioscience has made, the lives of highly effective students and most importantly the success of a community.

 

This having been said, the Bioscience High School community feels that a great injustice has been committed in regards to the selection of our new administrator. After the principal forum night (held Thursday 19, 2014) stakeholders do not feel that the commitments promised are being upheld: We were assured the position would be opened to the public, however the candidates were all from within the district and were in fact individuals who had initially applied to other principal positions. It was evident that the selection process was extremely pressured due to time constraints. Due to this fact, highly qualified applicants outside of the district and within Bioscience were not considered for the position. We, Bioscience students, alumni, parents, and community members are extremely disappointed and frankly fearful of what is to become of our administration and how that will impact our school. We are asking only for a process that is not rushed, takes into account all applicants and considers stakeholder values, needs, and perspectives.

The Decision Makers

Kent P. Scribner
Kent P. Scribner
Phoenix Union High School District Superintendent
Responded
I would like to thank the Bioscience school-community for your concern and commitment toward ensuring that Bioscience High School has quality leadership necessary to continue on its positive trajectory. The principal forum process is intended to provide insights into a school-community’s values, culture, and needs. In that context, last week's principal forum was a huge success. We discovered a great deal about Bioscience’s passion to empower learners of all types, students and adults alike. A record turnout of nearly 100 invested stakeholders engaged in the community dialogue to help select the next leader for the Bioscience community. Since the forum, I have had the opportunity to review feedback from many stakeholders and have met with several district leadership team members. Based on this, I have determined that a continued, thorough and deliberate search for the next leader of Bioscience High School is warranted. Therefore, I am extremely pleased to report that Dr. DeeDee Falls has agreed to serve as Interim Principal during this transition. Please be assured that we will not make a hasty decision. Bioscience, a flagship small-specialized high school in our district, has unique characteristics and requires a process that takes those characteristics into consideration. I remain encouraged by the dedication and investment of the Bioscience community, and will continue to support all students and stakeholders moving forward. I am committed to finding the best match for Bioscience High School. Sincerely, Kent P. Scribner, Ph.D. Superintendent, Phoenix Union High School District “Preparing Every Student for Success in College, Career and Life.” 4502 N. Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012 (602) 764-1500 (o) (602) 241-9266 (f)

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