To: Dr. Cheryl Dyson, Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools

Cc: Board of Education Members: Rake Gallagher, Dean Rose, Nancy Allen, Colt Black, Jaime Brennan, Janie Inglis Monier, Karen Yoho, and Elijah Steele

From: Concerned Parents, Staff, and Community Members of Monocacy Elementary School

Date: May 27, 2025

Subject: Request to Retain Troy Barnes as Principal of Monocacy Elementary School in Support of FCPS Priorities and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

We, the undersigned parents, staff, and community members of Monocacy Elementary School, respectfully request that Troy Barnes remain in his current position as principal of our school.  This request is grounded in the vital need for leadership continuity, community trust, and continued progress toward meeting the goals of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and FCPS’s commitment to the Community School strategy.  We are deeply committed to the success of our students and community and believe that stable, experienced leadership with the unique needs of our community is essential to continuing the positive momentum we’ve seen under Principal Barnes’ guidance.  As key stakeholders, our school community would have preferred to have had a voice in this decision prior to the announcement at the Board of Education meeting on May 21, 2025.  Therefore, we are providing our voice as key stakeholders through this petition, as we know stakeholder engagement is one of the five systemic priority areas, along with organizational culture of achievement, operational excellence, safety and wellbeing, and student and staff experience.

While we welcome all who walk through the front doors of our school, and would most certainly do so with new leadership, our community also values each one of our school community members, including our current school principal, who has consistently dedicated his passion and compassion for nine years to our school community.  Monocacy ES is a culture that values teamwork and service to our community, which Principal Barnes is very much the heart of, along with having a significant understanding and knowledge of the needs of our diverse community.  Just as we are welcoming, we also value retaining what we know is working, such as one of our valuable team members.  This is what the essence of a community school should really be about.    

Our school is proudly implementing the Community School strategy, a core pillar of The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.  This strategy is essential for addressing the comprehensive needs of students and families, especially those in historically underserved areas, and aligns closely with FCPS priorities to address barriers to learning and improving outcomes through wraparound supports and equitable access to opportunities.  Removing a leader who has proven successful in implementing this vision would undermine both school progress and broader Blueprint goals.    

Since assuming leadership at Monocacy Elementary School, Principal Barnes has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families.  His leadership has fostered a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment while also supporting academic growth and social-emotional development.  Under his guidance, our school has experienced:

• Improved communication between the administration and families
• A strong focus on student well-being and equity
• Supportive programs that reflect the needs of our diverse population
• Consistent implementation of policies that prioritize stability and student success
• Increased student attendance and engagement
• Reduced disciplinary incidents through restorative practices
• Stronger academic interventions and progress monitoring
• More equitable access to enrichment, resources, and support

We believe:

• In an era where schools are facing unprecedented challenges and instability, consistent and effective leadership is more critical than ever.  
• A change in leadership at this time would disrupt the continuity and progress our school has worked so hard to achieve. Leadership transitions can create instability and setbacks. Re
• Loving effective leadership at this time would be counterproductive and slow the momentum needed for success.
• Replacing a leader with a demonstrated positive track record risks halting and reversing our progress.
• Principal Barnes is deeply respected and has earned trust by being visible, accessible, and compassionate engaging stakeholders through listening sessions, family nights, and transparent communication
  building morale and trust among staff and promoting teacher retention in a currently challenging landscape, as evidenced by the fact that not one teacher requested a transfer or resigned this year from our school 
• FCPS and the state of Maryland have a shared interest in maintaining successful, stable leadership at Blueprint-priority schools. Principal Barnes’ experience is critical to BOTH sustaining and expanding our Community School work.

We urge the district to prioritize the needs and voices of our school community by allowing Principal Barnes to remain at Monocacy Elementary School.  His leadership is not only valued – it is essential to our continued growth and success.  It is our hope that the district will reaffirm its commitment to equity, collaboration, and whole-child education by keeping Principal Barnes in place.  

Sincerely, 

Monocacy Gator Staff, Parents, Students, PTA, Family & Friends