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Our Harlan Elementary School observer has sent us some very interesting information. We present it here without editing:
With all the evidence and information that is continued to be given. Look at the following information and see what Thomas Casteel has been doing and to the extent of Jimmy Shaw and the Florence Board of Education know about all of this for years and still letting it happen….
Alabama public schools and Florence City Schools principal/leadership job description & guidelines
In Alabama public schools, principals are expected to fulfill a range of responsibilities that encompass administrative management, instructional leadership, and community engagement. Key guidelines outlining these duties include:
Alabama Standards for Instructional Leaders:
These standards emphasize the principal's role in fostering a vision of high expectations for learning and continuous improvement. Principals are responsible for:
- Planning for Continuous Improvement:
- Engaging the school community in developing and maintaining a shared vision; planning effectively; using critical thinking and problem-solving techniques; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; allocating resources; and evaluating results for the purpose of continuous school improvement.
Alabama Code § 16-24B-4:
This statute outlines the legal duties of principals, including:
- Administrative Responsibility and Instructional Leadership:
- Assuming administrative responsibility and instructional leadership, as directed by the chief executive officer, consistent with the policies of the employing board, for the planning, management, operation, and evaluation of the education program of each school or campus under their responsibility.
- Supervision of Daily Operations:
- Supervising the daily operation and management of personnel, finances, facilities, and other matters of the school or campus for which they are responsible.
- Compliance with Policies and Laws:
- Observing all rules, policies, and procedures relative to the operation of public schools as established by applicable law, rule, and standard of both the State Board of Education and the employing board.
- Advisory Recommendations:
- Making written advisory recommendations to the chief executive officer regarding the appointment, assignment, promotion, transfer, and cancellation of contracts of all personnel assigned to their school or campus.
Local School Board Policies: Florence City Schools
https://www.florencek12.org/
Florence City Schools (FCS) outlines specific qualifications and responsibilities for principal positions to ensure effective leadership and the promotion of academic excellence within its schools.
Qualifications:
- Educational Requirements: A Master's degree from an accredited educational institution.
- Certification: Valid Alabama certification in Educational Leadership, School Principal, or Administration and Supervision.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of classroom teaching experience and/or administrative experience.
- Background Clearance: Successful completion of background checks as mandated by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Instructional Leadership: Oversee and administer the instructional program to ensure all students achieve academic success.
- Staff Supervision and Evaluation: Supervise and evaluate school staff to promote professional growth and ensure adherence to educational standards.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Develop, implement, and enforce school policies and procedures in alignment with district, state, and federal regulations.
- Safe Learning Environment: Maintain a safe, secure, and effective learning environment for students and staff.
- Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with parents, community members, and stakeholders to support student achievement and school initiatives.
These standards ensure that principals within Florence City Schools fulfill both administrative and instructional leadership roles to support student success and continuous school improvement.
And then take a look at this
Based on the job descriptions and requirements for principals outlined by the Alabama State Department of Education and Florence City Schools, the actions described indicate several violations by the principal, including:
1. Violating Educational Leadership Duties
- Failure to Ensure a Safe Learning Environment:
- The principal did not maintain a secure environment as required, with weapons (guns, knives) and threats (death threats, hit lists, suicide notes) reportedly being ignored or mishandled.
- A loaded gun was left on campus for four days, and no appropriate disciplinary action was taken.
- Failure to Address Student Discipline:
- Discipline referrals were reportedly ignored or undocumented, violating district policy and state law.
- The principal did not report severe incidents as required.
- Unsafe Conditions for Teachers:
- Teachers experienced verbal and physical assaults from students without intervention or support from the principal.
2. Violating Staff Supervision and Ethical Standards
- Retaliation Against Teachers:
- Teachers were allegedly harassed, reassigned, forced to quit, or fired in retaliation for raising concerns. This undermines ethical leadership standards and violates anti-retaliation laws and policies.
- Mental and Verbal Abuse of Teachers:
- The principal allegedly engaged in abusive behavior toward staff, breaching professional conduct and workplace safety expectations.
3. Failure to Comply with Mandated Reporting Laws
- Violation of Mandatory Reporting Obligations:
- The principal reportedly failed to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and tipped off parents instead. This violates Alabama's child protective services laws and the mandated oath signed by educators.
- Manipulation of DHR Reporting Numbers:
- The principal reportedly avoided filing reports to keep the school’s DHR call numbers low, which is unethical and against mandated reporting requirements.
4. Mismanagement of School Policies and Procedures
- Ignoring School Board Policies. Central Office Noncompliance:
- The principal's actions, combined with alleged inaction by higher administration, reflect a breakdown of oversight and compliance with local school board policies.
- Failure to Document Incidents:
- Discipline and safety issues were allegedly not documented as required by district policy, compromising transparency and accountability.
5. Breaching Legal and Ethical Obligations
- Disregard for First Amendment Rights:
- Teachers allegedly faced retaliation for expressing concerns, a potential violation of their First Amendment rights.
6. Violating Instructional Leadership
- Neglecting Staff Development:
- Alleged harassment and lack of support for teachers contradict the expectation to foster professional growth and teamwork among school staff.
Did the board of education never take this into account …. The principal, superintendent, and board of education has allegedly failed to meet the qualifications and responsibilities required for the role, including ensuring safety, adhering to policies, supporting staff, and complying with legal and ethical standards. These actions represent significant breaches of trust, district policy, and Alabama law.
Or are they just worried about the ‘data & numbers’ the school is producing.
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