News Summary
The Marietta City Schools Board of Education has appointed Garrett Davis as the new principal of Marietta High School. Davis, an acting vice principal, brings valuable experience from teaching and administration. The school faces challenges, including staff resignations and community concerns about leadership and work environment. As the new school year approaches, the board also discusses ongoing coaching positions and plans to enhance sports facilities for students and the community. The meeting revealed a desire for stability in the district amidst ongoing changes.
Marietta’s High School Welcomes New Principal Amid Challenges
In a significant move just before the upcoming school year, the Marietta City Schools Board of Education has officially appointed Garrett Davis as the new principal of Marietta High School. This decision comes during a period of notable transitions within the school district, marked by recent staff resignations and questions regarding leadership.
Experience and Enthusiasm
Garrett Davis has been supporting the school as the acting vice principal since January. Previously, he played a crucial role as an English Language Arts and social studies interventionist, giving him a well-rounded perspective on student needs. His excitement about the school year is palpable as he shared his admiration for the dedicated staff, hinting at exciting improvements planned for students and families alike.
A Meeting Full of Discussions
During the board meeting where Davis’s appointment was discussed, board member John Lehman motioned for an executive session before the vote. Intriguingly, he did not return after the session, leaving many in attendance curious about the discussions that took place behind closed doors.
Update on Coaching Positions
Athletic Director Hannah Kroft also took the opportunity to update the board on the search for two key coaching positions: girls’ basketball and girls’ track. She mentioned that interviews would be commencing soon, revealing a surge of interest in the roles. Furthermore, Kroft shared plans to collaborate with Marietta College to improve and lease their tennis courts, which could play a pivotal role in enhancing the tennis programs for both high school athletes and the community.
The plans include creating six new tennis courts and four pickleball courts, aimed at benefiting community members and high school athletes alike. The idea is that student athletes would have free access to these facilities, while the public would be able to gain access through a membership fee.
A Transition in Leadership
Community Concerns
As the meeting unfolded, community members voiced their concerns about recent staff resignations, particularly those of the Superintendent and Athletic Director. There were calls for transparency from the board regarding the ongoing changes. Parents and students expressed their unease over what they described as a toxic work environment, allegedly created by board member John Lehman, asserting this atmosphere has contributed to the growing number of resignations in the district.
Protests and Calls for Support
In light of the distressing turnover rates and increasing calls for stability, community members have taken action by planning a walkout to protest against the current Board of Education leadership. They are advocating for improved support for teachers and the administration amidst concerns regarding the future of the students.
Given the recent departures, including that of former Marietta High Principal Chad Rinard, the board is now facing pressing questions about administrative sustainability in the district.
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars! The next regular meeting of the Marietta City Schools Board of Education is scheduled for August 25 at 6 p.m., taking place at 111 Academy Dr. For those who cannot attend in person, the board has made plans to stream the meeting online, ensuring everyone has a chance to stay informed and engaged.
As schools gear up for the new year, the community remains hopeful that the new leadership will pave the way for a stronger, more supportive educational environment for all.
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Additional Resources
- Marietta Times
- Wikipedia: Marietta City Schools
- PR Newswire
- Google Search: Garrett Davis Marietta High School
- WTAP News
- Google Scholar: school board walkout
- News and Sentinel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marietta City Schools
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Google News: Marietta High School