The D.C. Council today officially broke ranks with Fenty administration plans to transfer popular Hardy Middle School principal Patrick Pope from the insitution. Pope is a leader who many believe is responsible for Hardy’s strong academic performance. In an 11-2 vote, the Council declared the “need to maintain the diversity, curriculum and leadership that made Rose L. Hardy Middle School . . . one of the finest schools in the District of Columbia for programming and educational outcomes.”
The Council resolved that Hardy should “maintain its reliable programs, processes, and Principal, Patrick Pope, that have resulted in school achievements and student diversity that should be a benchmark for our District of Columbia Public schools.”
Fenty's Hardy restructuring plans, in addition to removing Pope, include imposing a lottery system for out-of-boundary students, and revising Hardy’s curriculum from one based on arts and music to more “traditional” academic offerings.
Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans supported the resolution.
See (PR 18-782) Rose L. Hardy Middle School Resolution of 2010
3 Comments For This Article
It's a good idea not to change a winning. But, perhaps, Principal Pope could join a (paid) core of other good leaders to assist in the difficult process school system development. It"s a huge job that Mayor Fenty has undertaken and has unswervingly committed himself to. We need more thoroughbreds pulling ox carts, so to speak, as Chancellor Rhee struggles toward this great goal.
good work, Mr. Pope.
Why ruin a good thing? If someone is doing a good job shouldn't that someone be rewarded? Does it serve the school to lose an experienced, effective principal? If Pope wants to do the job and he's doing a good job, let him do it. If he wants to go elsewhere, let him go.
Principal Pope never wanted to depart from Hardy but was being forced out by Rhee and Fenty. I am elated and proud that the parents, students and community were compelled to unite, be heard and that the majority of the Council was committed to sign this resolution. Job well done!
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