If principals lack a sense of urgency, schools are sunk
New TAG principal Ben Mackey tutors a student(G.J. McCarthy/DMN)
Two good DMN articles this week on the crucial role of principals.
The first came from Rudy Bush, who told the story of parents who left DISD’s Sanger Elementary because of their frustration with the school’s leadership. The second came from Tawnell Hobbes, who reported on Ben Mackey, the 26-year old new principal at DISD’s much acclaimed Talented and Gifted magnet high school.
Each of these pieces hits on how important it is to have the right leadership at a school. It is too early to tell whether Mackey will succeed, but I liked reading about his focus and passion. On the other hand, some Sanger parents felt they had enough with lackluster leadership, so they voted with their feet.
I don’t blame the Sanger parents for leaving, if they felt the situation wasn’t going to improve. Kids only get one shot at a good education. If their school’s leaders don’t have a sense of urgency, the campus