I know that there are a lot of people who are still very upset about the removal of Mr. Percy. This removal was unfair, and unfounded since Mr. Percy did a great job at City and really was looking forward to working with the Class of 09. I know that Dr. Alonso has already received a lot of emails, but I do not think it would hurt for those who have already written him to write again saying that their concerns have not been addressed (aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us). I heard that all student emails are being forwarded directly back to Mr. Dawson, so it might also be a good idea ask Alonso to read the email himself before forwarding it on.
Please use this as a chance to share any positive stories that you have about Mr. Percy. In fact, I would like to post these stories on the blog and facebook so if you do not mind then please send me a separate email (do not CC me please) and I will post them with your name removed, unless you tell me otherwise. I think it is important that everyone see what a great job Mr. Percy did.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Monday, September 08, 2008
No End In Sight
So it’s been strangely quiet on the Mr. Percy front. I haven’t been able to get much out of anyone. All I know is that Mr. Dawson held a meeting last Tuesday for parents and some students. I heard that he read off of a printout for over an hour straight and went over some of the same tired lies, er, lines about Mr. Percy, even adding a few new ones about how Mr. Percy tried to hire his girlfriend or his girlfriend’s friend or something like that to work in the college advising office. My understanding is that Mr. Dawson just flat out made this one up because no one seems to know anything about it.
The one positive thing is that apparently Mr. Dawson did admit that he was the only one that wanted Mr. Percy gone and that everyone else on the hiring committee that he created for the college advising office actually did not even want to start the interview process. But Mr. Dawson insisted on it, and then ignored all the committee members' votes and fired Mr. Percy the day before school. This issue should NOT just go away. This not only hurt Mr. Percy, who I think is still looking for work, it also really hurt the Class of 09! Our school should not be run like this! At this point it really is up to us to do something, so please keep e-mailing Alonso (aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us) and/or Shaw (rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us). Tell them that Mr. Dawson hasn’t resolved this issue and is simply trying to ignore it.
The one positive thing is that apparently Mr. Dawson did admit that he was the only one that wanted Mr. Percy gone and that everyone else on the hiring committee that he created for the college advising office actually did not even want to start the interview process. But Mr. Dawson insisted on it, and then ignored all the committee members' votes and fired Mr. Percy the day before school. This issue should NOT just go away. This not only hurt Mr. Percy, who I think is still looking for work, it also really hurt the Class of 09! Our school should not be run like this! At this point it really is up to us to do something, so please keep e-mailing Alonso (aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us) and/or Shaw (rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us). Tell them that Mr. Dawson hasn’t resolved this issue and is simply trying to ignore it.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Updates
Please continue the emails and phone calls. PLEASE email and call Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)[W (410) 396-8803, Fax (410) 396-8898, email aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us] and Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools) at (443) 984-2958 or rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us. Tell your friends. The students of City College, we deserve better than this.
And did you know you could facebook Dr. Alonso? Look him up!
A few updates:
We hear that Mr. Dawson is sending out form letters to concerned emails from students. We hope that means he's getting a bunch of them.
We heard that Mr. Dawson and Ms. Legg both voted against forming a group to look into the College Advising Office and Percy's firing at the last PTSA meeting. The final vote was 3-2 against, because another parent voted against it. If we were Dawson, I guess we wouldn't want anyone looking closer at that issue either, but it still sucks...
Anyhow, that's why we want to do this - Dawson continues to attempt to hide behind "I can do whatever I want and don't have to discuss it" language, and refuses to meet in a civilized manner with concerned parties. Boo.
Mr. Percy still would really like his job back. He is still helping out students who email him with questions.
At the same time, we need to remember not to treat the new women in the office badly! It's not their fault!
If you are willing to publish your email (with your name) to Mr. Dawson or Dr. Alonso on this site, forward it to concern4city@gmail.com and we'll start posting them. We are current students and don't want to get in trouble, so this is mostly for graduates who can talk about how Percy has helped them get into college.
And did you know you could facebook Dr. Alonso? Look him up!
A few updates:
We hear that Mr. Dawson is sending out form letters to concerned emails from students. We hope that means he's getting a bunch of them.
We heard that Mr. Dawson and Ms. Legg both voted against forming a group to look into the College Advising Office and Percy's firing at the last PTSA meeting. The final vote was 3-2 against, because another parent voted against it. If we were Dawson, I guess we wouldn't want anyone looking closer at that issue either, but it still sucks...
Anyhow, that's why we want to do this - Dawson continues to attempt to hide behind "I can do whatever I want and don't have to discuss it" language, and refuses to meet in a civilized manner with concerned parties. Boo.
Mr. Percy still would really like his job back. He is still helping out students who email him with questions.
At the same time, we need to remember not to treat the new women in the office badly! It's not their fault!
If you are willing to publish your email (with your name) to Mr. Dawson or Dr. Alonso on this site, forward it to concern4city@gmail.com and we'll start posting them. We are current students and don't want to get in trouble, so this is mostly for graduates who can talk about how Percy has helped them get into college.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
PLEASE READ - Timeline of the events of the firing of Mr. Percy (from Mr. Percy)
Mr. Percy emailed this, thinking it would be helpful. Mr. Dawson has been able to state his position publically, but not Mr. Percy. Since Mr. Dawson has been known to do underhanded things with his staffs for the last several years (links to the left!), and since he did this before with Mr. Smith, Mr. Daniels, and Mr. Morrow last summer, we tend to believe Mr. Percy's very detailed version of events. It is very long but worth a read. PLEASE email and call Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)[W (410) 396-8803, Fax (410) 396-8898, email aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us] and Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools) at (443) 984-2958 or rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us.
Hopefully honesty and integrity wins out! The class of 09 needs our college advisor back!
Timeline of Events:
Late April: After being offered a similar job in Boston, MA, I approached Ms. Harcum about my desire to stay at City College. She asked me what was important to me and I stated that job security and perhaps the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree were important to me. Ms. Harcum stated that with the new found opportunity for principal’s to control their budget that there was a possibility of making the Director of College Advising position a full-time position.
At first we moved forward with the process of creating a new position within the budget termed “Director of College Advising.” We were to move forward with the creation of the position and began following the proper steps set forth by the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS). Shortly thereafter, we were informed that the position did not need to be created and that the position would be termed an “Educational Associate.”
Mid-May: I was told that the Director of College Advising position would become a full-time benefited position under the terminology “Educational Associate.” Ms. Harcum informed me that it would be a 12 month position that would pay out (removed) per year.
Early June: The Educational Associate position was created within the Baltimore City Public School System with a Job description that I helped write. The position was created and posted on the BCPSS website. On June 5th, I went down to the BCPSS Human Resource (HR) Offices on North Avenue and submitted my Resume and Cover Letter for the position. I was told that the process would be a quick one as the window to apply was very short.
June 15th: My temporary contract expired. At this point I had been told that over the summer I would sign a full-time benefited contract as an "Educational Associate." The benefits of this position would be that it would be a full 12 months and that I would have the opportunity to work during the summer.
July 7th: I had not yet heard anything from Baltimore City College and so I had a meeting with Mr. Dawson in which he told me that he didn't want to purchase the "Educational Associate" position because of the fact that the BCPSS was reassigning employees that work at the Administrative Building into schools and if he purchased the position it would get filled by a random employee of the BCPSS and that I may not get hired. At this point I asked him when he thought the position would be purchased and he said that it might take 2-3 months. I stressed the importance of getting into the office as soon as possible so that I could begin to prepare for the upcoming school year. He said he thought I had been working all summer and I mentioned that I had been in the office periodically during the summer but had not been employed. We decided that the best course of action was to sign the temporary contact that I had signed the previous year for 10 months.
Mid-July: After signing a 10 month contract that would have had me starting on August 25th, I asked Mr. Grey if I could have my 10 month contract changed to a 12 month contract so that I could begin working earlier that August 25th. He said that he would try to do that. In terms of compensation for those two months, I suggested that we try to keep me at my current pay rate and extend it two more months; Mr. Grey agreed that I should be compensated over those two months. Mr. Grey said that he would speak to Mr. Dawson about it.
On July, 24th, I went to City to sign a new 12 month contract and found out that they had just used white out to change the dates and had added no extra compensation for the additional two months. I was concerned that just whiting out dates and times could cause problems. I asked to speak to Mr. Dawson and he told me that he wasn't going to give more money to me and that if I expected to be compensated in that way that it wasn't going to happen. He stated that he had already invested $100,000 into that office and he didn’t want to invest more. I stated that the office was worth that compensation. I said that if that was the case I would rather keep the 10 month contract because that personally and professionally I didn't feel that working for free for two months was a smart move. Mr. Dawson's response to that was that it was my decision as to what contract I wanted to sign. I thanked him and told him I would get the contract taken care of right away
Immediately after that I went to Ms. Legg to have a new contract typed up that would have me as a 10 month employee but that would have me starting on August 4th. My hope was to be in the office as soon as possible. The contract was filled out and signed by myself and Mr. Dawson and Ms. Legg informed me that she would take the contract down to the Administration Building on North Avenue that afternoon.
On Wednesday, July 30th, I called the Human Resources office at the BCPSS Administrative Building on North Avenue and stated that I was a temporary employee that had a contract submitted and was wondering if I could come down to fill out the appropriate paperwork to begin employment. I had done the exact same thing a year ago and felt that if they had my information I could perhaps begin working on August 4th as stated in my contract. The woman on the other line asked for my name, I stated it was Ethan Percy and she told me that yes I could come down to the Administrative Building and fill out my paperwork. She asked my availability, I stated I could come at that moment and she said how about tomorrow. I was going to be out of town so she told me to come down at 8:30 am on Monday, August 4th.
On Monday, August 4th at 8:30 am, I arrived at the HR department at the BCPSS Administrative Building and told them that I had been told to arrive at this time to fill out my paperwork. They asked for my name and stated that they had no record of me. They asked me if I had been called and I told them that I had called the previous week and that the woman had asked my name and told me that I could come down to fill out my paperwork. The man then told me to sit tight and that he would check to see where my paperwork was at. He came back and stated that the paperwork was most likely at the Area Office as it had to get approval there first before it came to the HR department. He took my cell phone number and told me he would call me when it arrived.
On August 4th, Ms. Harcum and I had begun interviewing candidates for the Assistant Director position that was open. We advertised in multiple venues including NACACnet.org and PCACAC.org (two websites dedicated to College Advising and Admissions professionals.) I had chosen not to advertise on Careerbuilder.com due to the high amount ($400) to post a job. At this point the HR Director of my girlfriend’s company offered to use their account on careerbuilder.com to search for resumes. I received approximately 15 resumes of which one I chose to pursue. We interviewed two candidates, one on Monday, August 4th and the other on Tuesday, August 5th.
On August 4th, I wrote an email to Mr. Dawson stating my frustration with the fact that it was August and neither the Director or Assistant Director were employed by the school as of yet. I stated that I had signed my contract but was wondering if he knew of a way to fast track it so I could begin my employment in the school. I also asked if there had been any head way on the current situation of the BCPSS and its hiring situation and if he could see the full time position happening around the 2-3 month timeline that he had given me earlier.
Both Ms. Harcum and I were very impressed with the second candidate and on Tuesday, August 5th, Ms. Harcum told me to check the candidates references and if they supported the candidate to offer her the position. In the past, Mr. Dawson had never been involved in the interview process to the best of my knowledge. When I interviewed in August 2006 and when we interviewed a candidate last year for the Assistant Director position, he was not involved.
On Wednesday, August 6th, I checked the candidate's references and planned on offering the position to the candidate on Thursday, August 7th. On Thursday I went to City College to continue working on the office, as I had done all summer, and called the candidate at approximately 2:30 pm to offer her the position. The candidate said that she was confused as Dale Halterman had just called her to schedule a meeting with Mr. Dawson. I told her I had no knowledge of that and apologized for that. Neither Mr. Dawson nor Ms. Halterman had contacted me prior to making that phone call to let me know they would be contacting the candidate.
On Monday, August 11th, both the candidate and I had meetings with Mr. Dawson that were scheduled at different times. The candidate's meeting was at 1:30. After the meeting, Ms. Halterman brought the candidate to the Office of College Advising so that I could show her the office and talk with her more about the position and what type of role I saw her playing in the office. In that meeting the candidate said that she had been offered the job by Mr. Dawson but would need a few days to think about it. I told her that was completely understandable and gave her my cell phone number in case she had any questions regarding the position.
At my meeting with Mr. Dawson and Ms. Halterman at 3:00pm on Monday, August 11th, Mr. Dawson first asked me about how I felt about the candidate. I stated that I thought she interviewed extremely well and that her references had great support for her. I felt that she was extremely bright and that she would bring a lot to the table. I felt that her experience working in both the Admission Office and the Dean of Student’s Office at her college would help her in the transition to working with the students of City College. Mr. Dawson stated that he did not like her because when he offered her the job she said she would have to think it over. Mr. Dawson then notified me that it was now protocol through the BCPSS that any position (full-time, temporary or contracted) needed to be put through an interview process and that the job needed to be posted. Even though he had just told me he offered the prospective candidate the Assistant Director’s job, he told me that position would also need to be interviewed for. I asked him what his plans were for the interviews and he said that prospective candidates were already dropping off their resumes. He explained that there would be a panel that would give 15 minute interviews where each candidate would be asked the same questions and a decision would be made based on a point scoring system. I then asked him what I was to do because at that point I had a signed contract from him stating I would be the Director of College Advising for the 08/09 school year at City College. He said that he had pulled that contract from being processed. At this point, for the first and only time, I told Mr. Dawson that I had been offered a job in Boston in the same capacity and that I had turned it down because I wanted to stay at City College and because I had began a multi-year plan that I wanted to carry out and because of the passion I had for the students and how much I enjoyed the faculty and administration. I also stated that I thought there was no better place to work in the country when dealing with type of students that I had the opportunity to work with over the past two years at City College. I stated that I had thought the position was moving toward a full-time position that would allow me to work for the school during the summer and that is why I hadn’t gotten a summer job and why I was confused as to how the process was moving forward. Mr. Dawson stated that he had given me an extra $5,000 in my salary for benefits and I then told Mr. Dawson that it wasn’t about the money or the benefits. I stated that I wasn’t doing this job only for monetary benefits. I did this job because of what it meant to me as a person and for the students of City College. I told him that the main reason for me wanting to become a full time employee was so that I could have job security. I wanted to not have to worry about the temporary contract and I wanted to be able to work year round to give the office that extra push that it needed throughout the summer. I also wanted to begin working on my master’s degree and to enter the Aspiring Leaders Program for Urban Education through Hopkins so that I could improve my ability to help the students of City College. He told me that it was not beneficial to him to hire to full time employees in that office as it would cost him upwards of $50,000 more dollars to have them full-time. I stated that I thought the office was worth that to the school. Mr. Dawson stated that teachers were far more important to the school than the office and that was another reason as to why we weren’t full-time. I stated that though I didn’t disagree with him, it was important that the office be full-time so that we could attract employees that would be interested in staying around longer than one year. I stated that I thought that the Office of College Advising did many things that were similar to that of a teacher and that we were helping the students in many of the same ways. Mr. Dawson stated that he had invested $150,000 into Hall Monitors for the 08/09 school year. I stated that the Office of College Advising wasn’t receiving that much monetary support from City College.
I stated that I thought that the Office of College Advising was more important to the students of City College than the hall monitors and Mr. Dawson stated that we were no more important than the hall monitors, I told him that I disagreed with him. I stated that continuity in terms of employees was important for the Office of College Advising and for the students. He stated that this was not important and that kids would get over not having the last person in the office and would learn to like the new employees. I stated that I disagreed with that. Mr. Dawson then stated that it would be easy for him to hire new employees for our office and that he could easily train them himself. I then stated that the office had made significant progress over the past 2 years and that it was headed in the right direction in terms of benefiting the students. At this point Mr. Dawson stated that Ms. Harcum (Assistant Principal) and I had failed at our job of hiring an assistant. I stated that both Ms. Harcum and I were very satisfied with our choice in the hiring of the Assistant Director and it was Mr. Dawson who didn’t like her. He continued to state that Ms. Harcum had failed because I should never be having this type of meeting with him. Because we were having this meeting that meant that someone below him had failed at their job. Mr. Dawson stated that he would speak with Ms. Harcum about this and that if he were to get rid of an Assistant Principal it would just mean that he had another $105,000 to play with in the budget. At this point I stated that he was saying that I had failed this summer by not hiring an Assistant Director though I had in fact not had a contract throughout the summer but had been working at City College almost every other day to ensure that the office would be able to move into the fall semester smoothly. Mr. Dawson reiterated that Ms. Harcum and I had failed at our jobs. At this point the meeting ended and I was told that interviews would be held Friday, August 15th, just 2 days before the school year started.
On, Friday, August 15th, I interview for the job of Director of College Advising at Baltimore City College High School. On the panel were Mr. Dawson, Ms. Halterman, Ms. Harcum, and Ms. Legg. In the interview I was asked a series of questions that ranged from how I came to City College to Letter of Recommendation writing to Professionalism and the Direction of the Office of College Advising. Mr. Dawson asked just one question at the end of my 10 minute interview and that was to explain why I felt I should be the candidate chosen to run the Office of College Advising for the 08/09 school year.
In this interview I stated that the professionalism in the office was very high. I stated that I felt students respected the office more than they did some of their classrooms. They did not use their music devices, phones (unless authorized by the office to call a college) and did not curse. They picked up after themselves and respected not only the office but their fellow classmates. As to the direction of the office; I said it was good but that it could and would improve. I stated that steps were made this year but there was more to be done. I stated that a 12 month position for the Director was vital as it allowed for planning to take place over the summer instead of in the fall when the students returned.
On, Monday, August 18th, I received a phone call at 9am asking that I meet Mr. Dawson in his office at 11am. I arrived at 11am and was seen at 12pm. In this meeting were both Mr. Dawson and Ms. Halterman. Mr. Dawson first stated that I was not the chosen candidate. He mad no mention of that fact that I wasn’t qualified for the position. He said that a woman had come in and blown him away with her experience and that if not for her I would have been the director. He said that he had yet to talk to any of the panel about his decision and he stated that he wanted to try to keep me as part of City College in some capacity because he liked me and my passion. I was never offered a position. He stated that he was just thinking off the top of his head but didn’t know what he was going to do or how it was going to get done. He then asked me what I was thinking. I said that I was crushed. That I couldn’t believe that I wasn’t the chosen candidate as I had been in the office for the past two years and formed hundreds of relationships with students and college representatives. That I had moved the office forward and that a person who is knowledgeable of the position and the school and who had had great success in the office should have been the chosen candidate. Mr. Dawson stated that he didn’t like my answers to the questions about the direction of the school because I had said I was satisfied. I stated that I had not said that and that I had said we had made progress but there was work to be done. Mr. Dawson stated he didn’t like that I was satisfied with the professionalism in the office and I stated that I still believed that the professionalism exhibited in the office was outstanding. He told me not to be crushed because I still may have the opportunity to work with these kids.
I stated that I was crushed because I had spent the last two years with these students and this entire summer (while not being compensated) working for the office, preparing the office for the 08/09 school year. I stated that I had been at meetings, exchanged emails, sent out transcripts, advised students, read essays, set up fall high school visits, planned programs for the school year and reorganized the room this summer. Mr. Dawson said that he didn’t think that was the case because I had mentioned in the last meeting that I wasn’t being paid this summer. I stated that regardless of that, I needed to ensure that the office was going to be ready by the fall and if that took working in the summer than that was what needed to happen. I stated that the most important people in this were the kids and that is why regardless of my status this summer I needed to be an active part of the office. I stated that I was upset because what I had started I was not going to be able to see through. I stated that up until the previous Monday, August 11th, that there was no indication that I wasn’t going to be the Director of that office and that this was entirely out of the blue and that was why I was crushed. Mr. Dawson told me to think about what I he had told me and in a couple of days he would call me.
At 3:42 pm on Monday, August 18th, I received a call from Mr. Dawson in which he stated that he was hoping to try to work with me to find someway for me to work at City College but that he had gotten some upsetting phone calls and emails and that my services would no longer be needed at City College and then asked for me to return my laptop.
Hopefully honesty and integrity wins out! The class of 09 needs our college advisor back!
Timeline of Events:
Late April: After being offered a similar job in Boston, MA, I approached Ms. Harcum about my desire to stay at City College. She asked me what was important to me and I stated that job security and perhaps the opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree were important to me. Ms. Harcum stated that with the new found opportunity for principal’s to control their budget that there was a possibility of making the Director of College Advising position a full-time position.
At first we moved forward with the process of creating a new position within the budget termed “Director of College Advising.” We were to move forward with the creation of the position and began following the proper steps set forth by the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS). Shortly thereafter, we were informed that the position did not need to be created and that the position would be termed an “Educational Associate.”
Mid-May: I was told that the Director of College Advising position would become a full-time benefited position under the terminology “Educational Associate.” Ms. Harcum informed me that it would be a 12 month position that would pay out (removed) per year.
Early June: The Educational Associate position was created within the Baltimore City Public School System with a Job description that I helped write. The position was created and posted on the BCPSS website. On June 5th, I went down to the BCPSS Human Resource (HR) Offices on North Avenue and submitted my Resume and Cover Letter for the position. I was told that the process would be a quick one as the window to apply was very short.
June 15th: My temporary contract expired. At this point I had been told that over the summer I would sign a full-time benefited contract as an "Educational Associate." The benefits of this position would be that it would be a full 12 months and that I would have the opportunity to work during the summer.
July 7th: I had not yet heard anything from Baltimore City College and so I had a meeting with Mr. Dawson in which he told me that he didn't want to purchase the "Educational Associate" position because of the fact that the BCPSS was reassigning employees that work at the Administrative Building into schools and if he purchased the position it would get filled by a random employee of the BCPSS and that I may not get hired. At this point I asked him when he thought the position would be purchased and he said that it might take 2-3 months. I stressed the importance of getting into the office as soon as possible so that I could begin to prepare for the upcoming school year. He said he thought I had been working all summer and I mentioned that I had been in the office periodically during the summer but had not been employed. We decided that the best course of action was to sign the temporary contact that I had signed the previous year for 10 months.
Mid-July: After signing a 10 month contract that would have had me starting on August 25th, I asked Mr. Grey if I could have my 10 month contract changed to a 12 month contract so that I could begin working earlier that August 25th. He said that he would try to do that. In terms of compensation for those two months, I suggested that we try to keep me at my current pay rate and extend it two more months; Mr. Grey agreed that I should be compensated over those two months. Mr. Grey said that he would speak to Mr. Dawson about it.
On July, 24th, I went to City to sign a new 12 month contract and found out that they had just used white out to change the dates and had added no extra compensation for the additional two months. I was concerned that just whiting out dates and times could cause problems. I asked to speak to Mr. Dawson and he told me that he wasn't going to give more money to me and that if I expected to be compensated in that way that it wasn't going to happen. He stated that he had already invested $100,000 into that office and he didn’t want to invest more. I stated that the office was worth that compensation. I said that if that was the case I would rather keep the 10 month contract because that personally and professionally I didn't feel that working for free for two months was a smart move. Mr. Dawson's response to that was that it was my decision as to what contract I wanted to sign. I thanked him and told him I would get the contract taken care of right away
Immediately after that I went to Ms. Legg to have a new contract typed up that would have me as a 10 month employee but that would have me starting on August 4th. My hope was to be in the office as soon as possible. The contract was filled out and signed by myself and Mr. Dawson and Ms. Legg informed me that she would take the contract down to the Administration Building on North Avenue that afternoon.
On Wednesday, July 30th, I called the Human Resources office at the BCPSS Administrative Building on North Avenue and stated that I was a temporary employee that had a contract submitted and was wondering if I could come down to fill out the appropriate paperwork to begin employment. I had done the exact same thing a year ago and felt that if they had my information I could perhaps begin working on August 4th as stated in my contract. The woman on the other line asked for my name, I stated it was Ethan Percy and she told me that yes I could come down to the Administrative Building and fill out my paperwork. She asked my availability, I stated I could come at that moment and she said how about tomorrow. I was going to be out of town so she told me to come down at 8:30 am on Monday, August 4th.
On Monday, August 4th at 8:30 am, I arrived at the HR department at the BCPSS Administrative Building and told them that I had been told to arrive at this time to fill out my paperwork. They asked for my name and stated that they had no record of me. They asked me if I had been called and I told them that I had called the previous week and that the woman had asked my name and told me that I could come down to fill out my paperwork. The man then told me to sit tight and that he would check to see where my paperwork was at. He came back and stated that the paperwork was most likely at the Area Office as it had to get approval there first before it came to the HR department. He took my cell phone number and told me he would call me when it arrived.
On August 4th, Ms. Harcum and I had begun interviewing candidates for the Assistant Director position that was open. We advertised in multiple venues including NACACnet.org and PCACAC.org (two websites dedicated to College Advising and Admissions professionals.) I had chosen not to advertise on Careerbuilder.com due to the high amount ($400) to post a job. At this point the HR Director of my girlfriend’s company offered to use their account on careerbuilder.com to search for resumes. I received approximately 15 resumes of which one I chose to pursue. We interviewed two candidates, one on Monday, August 4th and the other on Tuesday, August 5th.
On August 4th, I wrote an email to Mr. Dawson stating my frustration with the fact that it was August and neither the Director or Assistant Director were employed by the school as of yet. I stated that I had signed my contract but was wondering if he knew of a way to fast track it so I could begin my employment in the school. I also asked if there had been any head way on the current situation of the BCPSS and its hiring situation and if he could see the full time position happening around the 2-3 month timeline that he had given me earlier.
Both Ms. Harcum and I were very impressed with the second candidate and on Tuesday, August 5th, Ms. Harcum told me to check the candidates references and if they supported the candidate to offer her the position. In the past, Mr. Dawson had never been involved in the interview process to the best of my knowledge. When I interviewed in August 2006 and when we interviewed a candidate last year for the Assistant Director position, he was not involved.
On Wednesday, August 6th, I checked the candidate's references and planned on offering the position to the candidate on Thursday, August 7th. On Thursday I went to City College to continue working on the office, as I had done all summer, and called the candidate at approximately 2:30 pm to offer her the position. The candidate said that she was confused as Dale Halterman had just called her to schedule a meeting with Mr. Dawson. I told her I had no knowledge of that and apologized for that. Neither Mr. Dawson nor Ms. Halterman had contacted me prior to making that phone call to let me know they would be contacting the candidate.
On Monday, August 11th, both the candidate and I had meetings with Mr. Dawson that were scheduled at different times. The candidate's meeting was at 1:30. After the meeting, Ms. Halterman brought the candidate to the Office of College Advising so that I could show her the office and talk with her more about the position and what type of role I saw her playing in the office. In that meeting the candidate said that she had been offered the job by Mr. Dawson but would need a few days to think about it. I told her that was completely understandable and gave her my cell phone number in case she had any questions regarding the position.
At my meeting with Mr. Dawson and Ms. Halterman at 3:00pm on Monday, August 11th, Mr. Dawson first asked me about how I felt about the candidate. I stated that I thought she interviewed extremely well and that her references had great support for her. I felt that she was extremely bright and that she would bring a lot to the table. I felt that her experience working in both the Admission Office and the Dean of Student’s Office at her college would help her in the transition to working with the students of City College. Mr. Dawson stated that he did not like her because when he offered her the job she said she would have to think it over. Mr. Dawson then notified me that it was now protocol through the BCPSS that any position (full-time, temporary or contracted) needed to be put through an interview process and that the job needed to be posted. Even though he had just told me he offered the prospective candidate the Assistant Director’s job, he told me that position would also need to be interviewed for. I asked him what his plans were for the interviews and he said that prospective candidates were already dropping off their resumes. He explained that there would be a panel that would give 15 minute interviews where each candidate would be asked the same questions and a decision would be made based on a point scoring system. I then asked him what I was to do because at that point I had a signed contract from him stating I would be the Director of College Advising for the 08/09 school year at City College. He said that he had pulled that contract from being processed. At this point, for the first and only time, I told Mr. Dawson that I had been offered a job in Boston in the same capacity and that I had turned it down because I wanted to stay at City College and because I had began a multi-year plan that I wanted to carry out and because of the passion I had for the students and how much I enjoyed the faculty and administration. I also stated that I thought there was no better place to work in the country when dealing with type of students that I had the opportunity to work with over the past two years at City College. I stated that I had thought the position was moving toward a full-time position that would allow me to work for the school during the summer and that is why I hadn’t gotten a summer job and why I was confused as to how the process was moving forward. Mr. Dawson stated that he had given me an extra $5,000 in my salary for benefits and I then told Mr. Dawson that it wasn’t about the money or the benefits. I stated that I wasn’t doing this job only for monetary benefits. I did this job because of what it meant to me as a person and for the students of City College. I told him that the main reason for me wanting to become a full time employee was so that I could have job security. I wanted to not have to worry about the temporary contract and I wanted to be able to work year round to give the office that extra push that it needed throughout the summer. I also wanted to begin working on my master’s degree and to enter the Aspiring Leaders Program for Urban Education through Hopkins so that I could improve my ability to help the students of City College. He told me that it was not beneficial to him to hire to full time employees in that office as it would cost him upwards of $50,000 more dollars to have them full-time. I stated that I thought the office was worth that to the school. Mr. Dawson stated that teachers were far more important to the school than the office and that was another reason as to why we weren’t full-time. I stated that though I didn’t disagree with him, it was important that the office be full-time so that we could attract employees that would be interested in staying around longer than one year. I stated that I thought that the Office of College Advising did many things that were similar to that of a teacher and that we were helping the students in many of the same ways. Mr. Dawson stated that he had invested $150,000 into Hall Monitors for the 08/09 school year. I stated that the Office of College Advising wasn’t receiving that much monetary support from City College.
I stated that I thought that the Office of College Advising was more important to the students of City College than the hall monitors and Mr. Dawson stated that we were no more important than the hall monitors, I told him that I disagreed with him. I stated that continuity in terms of employees was important for the Office of College Advising and for the students. He stated that this was not important and that kids would get over not having the last person in the office and would learn to like the new employees. I stated that I disagreed with that. Mr. Dawson then stated that it would be easy for him to hire new employees for our office and that he could easily train them himself. I then stated that the office had made significant progress over the past 2 years and that it was headed in the right direction in terms of benefiting the students. At this point Mr. Dawson stated that Ms. Harcum (Assistant Principal) and I had failed at our job of hiring an assistant. I stated that both Ms. Harcum and I were very satisfied with our choice in the hiring of the Assistant Director and it was Mr. Dawson who didn’t like her. He continued to state that Ms. Harcum had failed because I should never be having this type of meeting with him. Because we were having this meeting that meant that someone below him had failed at their job. Mr. Dawson stated that he would speak with Ms. Harcum about this and that if he were to get rid of an Assistant Principal it would just mean that he had another $105,000 to play with in the budget. At this point I stated that he was saying that I had failed this summer by not hiring an Assistant Director though I had in fact not had a contract throughout the summer but had been working at City College almost every other day to ensure that the office would be able to move into the fall semester smoothly. Mr. Dawson reiterated that Ms. Harcum and I had failed at our jobs. At this point the meeting ended and I was told that interviews would be held Friday, August 15th, just 2 days before the school year started.
On, Friday, August 15th, I interview for the job of Director of College Advising at Baltimore City College High School. On the panel were Mr. Dawson, Ms. Halterman, Ms. Harcum, and Ms. Legg. In the interview I was asked a series of questions that ranged from how I came to City College to Letter of Recommendation writing to Professionalism and the Direction of the Office of College Advising. Mr. Dawson asked just one question at the end of my 10 minute interview and that was to explain why I felt I should be the candidate chosen to run the Office of College Advising for the 08/09 school year.
In this interview I stated that the professionalism in the office was very high. I stated that I felt students respected the office more than they did some of their classrooms. They did not use their music devices, phones (unless authorized by the office to call a college) and did not curse. They picked up after themselves and respected not only the office but their fellow classmates. As to the direction of the office; I said it was good but that it could and would improve. I stated that steps were made this year but there was more to be done. I stated that a 12 month position for the Director was vital as it allowed for planning to take place over the summer instead of in the fall when the students returned.
On, Monday, August 18th, I received a phone call at 9am asking that I meet Mr. Dawson in his office at 11am. I arrived at 11am and was seen at 12pm. In this meeting were both Mr. Dawson and Ms. Halterman. Mr. Dawson first stated that I was not the chosen candidate. He mad no mention of that fact that I wasn’t qualified for the position. He said that a woman had come in and blown him away with her experience and that if not for her I would have been the director. He said that he had yet to talk to any of the panel about his decision and he stated that he wanted to try to keep me as part of City College in some capacity because he liked me and my passion. I was never offered a position. He stated that he was just thinking off the top of his head but didn’t know what he was going to do or how it was going to get done. He then asked me what I was thinking. I said that I was crushed. That I couldn’t believe that I wasn’t the chosen candidate as I had been in the office for the past two years and formed hundreds of relationships with students and college representatives. That I had moved the office forward and that a person who is knowledgeable of the position and the school and who had had great success in the office should have been the chosen candidate. Mr. Dawson stated that he didn’t like my answers to the questions about the direction of the school because I had said I was satisfied. I stated that I had not said that and that I had said we had made progress but there was work to be done. Mr. Dawson stated he didn’t like that I was satisfied with the professionalism in the office and I stated that I still believed that the professionalism exhibited in the office was outstanding. He told me not to be crushed because I still may have the opportunity to work with these kids.
I stated that I was crushed because I had spent the last two years with these students and this entire summer (while not being compensated) working for the office, preparing the office for the 08/09 school year. I stated that I had been at meetings, exchanged emails, sent out transcripts, advised students, read essays, set up fall high school visits, planned programs for the school year and reorganized the room this summer. Mr. Dawson said that he didn’t think that was the case because I had mentioned in the last meeting that I wasn’t being paid this summer. I stated that regardless of that, I needed to ensure that the office was going to be ready by the fall and if that took working in the summer than that was what needed to happen. I stated that the most important people in this were the kids and that is why regardless of my status this summer I needed to be an active part of the office. I stated that I was upset because what I had started I was not going to be able to see through. I stated that up until the previous Monday, August 11th, that there was no indication that I wasn’t going to be the Director of that office and that this was entirely out of the blue and that was why I was crushed. Mr. Dawson told me to think about what I he had told me and in a couple of days he would call me.
At 3:42 pm on Monday, August 18th, I received a call from Mr. Dawson in which he stated that he was hoping to try to work with me to find someway for me to work at City College but that he had gotten some upsetting phone calls and emails and that my services would no longer be needed at City College and then asked for me to return my laptop.
The college advisor job isn't one to replace for no reason just before our senior year starts!!
Other important details about Mr. Percy's firing:
There have been four college advisors at City since Mr. Dawson has come, just four years ago. The previous were Lucy Duke (2005-2006), Meredith Herrera (2006-2007), and Mr. Percy (2007-2008). Ms. Duke left because of Mr. Dawson: http://concern4city.blogspot.com/2006/06/college-advisors-quitting-because-of.html. Ms. Herrera reportedly left because of the lack of benefits and poor pay. Mr. Percy was willing to stick it out but wasn't allowed to.
Mr. Dawson feels so poorly about the college advisor position that he said Mr. Percy's job was less important than a hall monitor's. He said he could train any hall monitor in 2 weeks to do what he did.
Mr. Dawson told the PTSA that Mr. Percy demanded $75,000 and benefits for his salary. This is just false. Percy was willing to come back for what he worked for last year, he just wanted more and benefits as anyone would. It's just he-said, he-said at this point, but an INVESTIGATION needs to happen!!! Our college search is too IMPORTANT to leave to people with no college advising experience!!! Mr. Percy had interviewed almost everyone in our class already and knew us to write letters of recommendation! The college advisor job isn't one to replace for no reason jsut before our senior year starts!!
Most of what Mr. Dawson said to the PTSA meeting the other day was not true, according to other people involved. Mr. Dawson wouldn't have said those things in front of Mr. Percy because he knows he was lying! And why is Ms. Legg (who is not a teacher!) and Mr. Dawson (who is not a teacher!) allowed to vote in the Parents-Teachers Association meeting? There should be an investigation into this practice of Mr. Dawson! This is just like what happened last summer with Mr. Daniels, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Morrow! And what happened at Mr. Dawson's previous schools! Why is this allowed to keep happening? Please do something!
Mr. Percy was a great college advisor as we all know. He will be truly missed. Let's get him his job back!
Oh and we heard that the main office is telling people who call that Mr. Percy left because he wanted to, that he resigned. Not true! Mr. Percy would love to come back!
Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)
W (410) 396-8803
Fax (410) 396-8898
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools)
(443) 984 2958
rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
There have been four college advisors at City since Mr. Dawson has come, just four years ago. The previous were Lucy Duke (2005-2006), Meredith Herrera (2006-2007), and Mr. Percy (2007-2008). Ms. Duke left because of Mr. Dawson: http://concern4city.blogspot.com/2006/06/college-advisors-quitting-because-of.html. Ms. Herrera reportedly left because of the lack of benefits and poor pay. Mr. Percy was willing to stick it out but wasn't allowed to.
Mr. Dawson feels so poorly about the college advisor position that he said Mr. Percy's job was less important than a hall monitor's. He said he could train any hall monitor in 2 weeks to do what he did.
Mr. Dawson told the PTSA that Mr. Percy demanded $75,000 and benefits for his salary. This is just false. Percy was willing to come back for what he worked for last year, he just wanted more and benefits as anyone would. It's just he-said, he-said at this point, but an INVESTIGATION needs to happen!!! Our college search is too IMPORTANT to leave to people with no college advising experience!!! Mr. Percy had interviewed almost everyone in our class already and knew us to write letters of recommendation! The college advisor job isn't one to replace for no reason jsut before our senior year starts!!
Most of what Mr. Dawson said to the PTSA meeting the other day was not true, according to other people involved. Mr. Dawson wouldn't have said those things in front of Mr. Percy because he knows he was lying! And why is Ms. Legg (who is not a teacher!) and Mr. Dawson (who is not a teacher!) allowed to vote in the Parents-Teachers Association meeting? There should be an investigation into this practice of Mr. Dawson! This is just like what happened last summer with Mr. Daniels, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Morrow! And what happened at Mr. Dawson's previous schools! Why is this allowed to keep happening? Please do something!
Mr. Percy was a great college advisor as we all know. He will be truly missed. Let's get him his job back!
Oh and we heard that the main office is telling people who call that Mr. Percy left because he wanted to, that he resigned. Not true! Mr. Percy would love to come back!
Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)
W (410) 396-8803
Fax (410) 396-8898
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools)
(443) 984 2958
rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
Mr. Percy fired by Mr. Dawson - please help
Hello fellow Class of 2009 members,
Some of you were nice enough to help me get as many names as possible on this list, and I appreciate all you have already done to help out Mr. Percy. For those of you who do not know the whole shady situation, here it is:
Last spring Mr. Percy was offered a position as a College Adviser at a school in the Boston area at a higher salary and with more job security (and health coverage) than in his current position at City. He did not want to leave (he genuinely cares City and about the people there) but was having trouble justifying staying until he was offered similar terms for his contract with City. Mr. Percy agreed to stay and all was well until this summer, when he came in to school to sign his new contract and begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Instead of the contract he had been promised, he was instead given a contract identical to the one he had been on last year. Mr. Percy was told several excuses including that this was for his own protection since a "North Avenue" person might be placed into a new permanent position, and that this was because there was not enough room in the budget to support his new position but that perhaps by November it would be possible to upgrade him to the position he had been promised. Mr. Percy agreed to work under this less than ideal arrangement, but did make a point to express his concern to Mr. Dawson. Mr. Dawson responded by telling Mr. Percy that he was opening his position to new applicants, that he could interview to keep his job on Friday, August 15th, and ultimately informing him on Monday, August 18th (the day before teachers were to report back to work) that someone else had been hired as director of the College Advising Office.
At this point, it seems that the best course of action will be for as many members of the City College community to contact Dr. Alonso to express support for Mr. Percy and concern that City will be diminished by his loss. The class of 2009 is going to be the most affected group. When combined the new hires in the College Advising Office do not have Mr. Percy's College Advising experience and they also do not have much time to set everything up for our interviews and applications. You can also help Mr. Percy and our class by expressing your support of Mr. Percy and your concern about the irrational decision Mr. Dawson made. The more positive information Dr. Alonso has regarding Mr. Percy, the greater the impact of this effort will be. Already Mr. Dawson is attempting to spin this dismissal by stating that Mr. Percy did not do a very good job as director, and by saying that Mr. Percy was holding the school hostage for more money and did not really want the job. These statements are not true! Please contact the following people. Then forward this to all other City students and alumni so that they can also get involved. Get your parents and teachers in on this if you can since this needs to be a community effort! Do not let Mr. Dawson chase away any more good people from City! This is a trend that we cannot allow to continue!
Contact: (Please contact both of these individuals as well as anyone else you think needs to know about this). Please e-mail and call because it is hard to know which method is more effective.
Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)
W (410) 396-8803
Fax (410) 396-8898
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools)
(443) 984 2958
rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us
Thank you in advance for your help.
City Forever.
Some of you were nice enough to help me get as many names as possible on this list, and I appreciate all you have already done to help out Mr. Percy. For those of you who do not know the whole shady situation, here it is:
Last spring Mr. Percy was offered a position as a College Adviser at a school in the Boston area at a higher salary and with more job security (and health coverage) than in his current position at City. He did not want to leave (he genuinely cares City and about the people there) but was having trouble justifying staying until he was offered similar terms for his contract with City. Mr. Percy agreed to stay and all was well until this summer, when he came in to school to sign his new contract and begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Instead of the contract he had been promised, he was instead given a contract identical to the one he had been on last year. Mr. Percy was told several excuses including that this was for his own protection since a "North Avenue" person might be placed into a new permanent position, and that this was because there was not enough room in the budget to support his new position but that perhaps by November it would be possible to upgrade him to the position he had been promised. Mr. Percy agreed to work under this less than ideal arrangement, but did make a point to express his concern to Mr. Dawson. Mr. Dawson responded by telling Mr. Percy that he was opening his position to new applicants, that he could interview to keep his job on Friday, August 15th, and ultimately informing him on Monday, August 18th (the day before teachers were to report back to work) that someone else had been hired as director of the College Advising Office.
At this point, it seems that the best course of action will be for as many members of the City College community to contact Dr. Alonso to express support for Mr. Percy and concern that City will be diminished by his loss. The class of 2009 is going to be the most affected group. When combined the new hires in the College Advising Office do not have Mr. Percy's College Advising experience and they also do not have much time to set everything up for our interviews and applications. You can also help Mr. Percy and our class by expressing your support of Mr. Percy and your concern about the irrational decision Mr. Dawson made. The more positive information Dr. Alonso has regarding Mr. Percy, the greater the impact of this effort will be. Already Mr. Dawson is attempting to spin this dismissal by stating that Mr. Percy did not do a very good job as director, and by saying that Mr. Percy was holding the school hostage for more money and did not really want the job. These statements are not true! Please contact the following people. Then forward this to all other City students and alumni so that they can also get involved. Get your parents and teachers in on this if you can since this needs to be a community effort! Do not let Mr. Dawson chase away any more good people from City! This is a trend that we cannot allow to continue!
Contact: (Please contact both of these individuals as well as anyone else you think needs to know about this). Please e-mail and call because it is hard to know which method is more effective.
Dr. Alonso (Superintendent)
W (410) 396-8803
Fax (410) 396-8898
aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us
Roger Shaw (Director of Secondary Schools)
(443) 984 2958
rshaw@bcps.k12.md.us
Thank you in advance for your help.
City Forever.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Situation makes the front page of The Examiner
Public Outcry Saves City College Teachers
After the trail of bad press that Dawson left behind in Florida, this shouldn't be surprising. Hopefully, it's the last of it.
We'll be here if needed.
After the trail of bad press that Dawson left behind in Florida, this shouldn't be surprising. Hopefully, it's the last of it.
We'll be here if needed.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Aftermath and the Dawsonwatch
The issue with the three teachers appears to be settled, and everyone should be proud that civil disobedience - emails and phone calls - was successful.
A few notes:
1. Marc Steiner read an e-mail regarding the issue on his show. It was on a show about crime in Baltimore, about how education is often overlooked in this city, and an example was the three teachers being reassigned or fired at City College. Steiner read the e-mail; nice job to whomever sent it in.
2. Dawson told people - including Gilbert Sandler - that the decision to move Daniels and Morrow, as well as to fire Smith was fully supported by department heads and senior staff. This is a lie. A poll of department heads and senior staff will reveal this.
4. The decision not to rally at North Avenue at the school board meeting was probably a good one, as the three teachers did in fact get their jobs back. However, this sort of move should still be examined to the fullest extent. Why would a principal move all three members of a union chapter committee? Why would he think this would be good for the school, especially with excellent teachers? Were the best interests of the school being considered?
5. Mr. Dawson's usual reaction to decisions to go to North Avenue is to dissuade it - "Oh, we're working on channels here, no need to go there" - and it's worrisome that this is what occurred with this particular incident. However, we were so happy that te jobs were given back that we didn't pursue it any more. However, it's worth remembering that Mr. Dawson doesn't want anything to blow up, so any incidents of bullying of teachers, of students, or of staff like this should be immediately reported to union members.
6. The Dawsonwatch: We had hoped that this was unneeded from now on, but Mr. Dawson has made it apparent that he is not to be trusted. He is someone who is willing to sacrifice student success when he has a political bone to pick with a teacher. We know what his M.O. is - intimidate and bully. If you feel bullied by Mr. Dawson, please e-mail concern4city@gmail.com and someone will report your incident.
This is a place to incidents of Dawson bullying at City College. Success here, and success later. The site is being run by City alum who care deeply about the school. We want to emphasize that this is a community blog, so please contribute. There is no one "city forever," but a group of people who care deeply about the school.
A few notes:
1. Marc Steiner read an e-mail regarding the issue on his show. It was on a show about crime in Baltimore, about how education is often overlooked in this city, and an example was the three teachers being reassigned or fired at City College. Steiner read the e-mail; nice job to whomever sent it in.
2. Dawson told people - including Gilbert Sandler - that the decision to move Daniels and Morrow, as well as to fire Smith was fully supported by department heads and senior staff. This is a lie. A poll of department heads and senior staff will reveal this.
4. The decision not to rally at North Avenue at the school board meeting was probably a good one, as the three teachers did in fact get their jobs back. However, this sort of move should still be examined to the fullest extent. Why would a principal move all three members of a union chapter committee? Why would he think this would be good for the school, especially with excellent teachers? Were the best interests of the school being considered?
5. Mr. Dawson's usual reaction to decisions to go to North Avenue is to dissuade it - "Oh, we're working on channels here, no need to go there" - and it's worrisome that this is what occurred with this particular incident. However, we were so happy that te jobs were given back that we didn't pursue it any more. However, it's worth remembering that Mr. Dawson doesn't want anything to blow up, so any incidents of bullying of teachers, of students, or of staff like this should be immediately reported to union members.
6. The Dawsonwatch: We had hoped that this was unneeded from now on, but Mr. Dawson has made it apparent that he is not to be trusted. He is someone who is willing to sacrifice student success when he has a political bone to pick with a teacher. We know what his M.O. is - intimidate and bully. If you feel bullied by Mr. Dawson, please e-mail concern4city@gmail.com and someone will report your incident.
This is a place to incidents of Dawson bullying at City College. Success here, and success later. The site is being run by City alum who care deeply about the school. We want to emphasize that this is a community blog, so please contribute. There is no one "city forever," but a group of people who care deeply about the school.
Victory
Below is a copy of an e-mail from Mr. Patrick Daniels that was forwarded to me:
I just met with Mr. Dawson and he has assured me that he is sending an
email to Dr. Wortham rescinding his recommendation to transfer John
and me and reinstating Sedrick. Your hard work has paid off. Thank
you all for your support, those phone calls and emails worked. He is
requesting that we do not give City College a black eye by airing our
dispute in public at this point. He indicated that this could impact
the steps that need to be taken to fully correct this situation down
at North ave.
Nerissa, Jonah, Braeden and I look forward to another school year back
at the Castle on the Hill.
City Forever
Patrick
I just met with Mr. Dawson and he has assured me that he is sending an
email to Dr. Wortham rescinding his recommendation to transfer John
and me and reinstating Sedrick. Your hard work has paid off. Thank
you all for your support, those phone calls and emails worked. He is
requesting that we do not give City College a black eye by airing our
dispute in public at this point. He indicated that this could impact
the steps that need to be taken to fully correct this situation down
at North ave.
Nerissa, Jonah, Braeden and I look forward to another school year back
at the Castle on the Hill.
City Forever
Patrick
More updates from meeting last night
So the meeting last night was apparently a success, though I heard a very disturbing story was told there. (edited)
In other news, here's a list of people at North Ave who you can e-mail to express your concern about the illegal firings:
Dr. Wortham dwortham@bcps.k12.md.us 410-396-8622
Gary Thrift gthrift@bcps.k12.md.us
Dr. Andres Alonso aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us 410-396-8804
Louise Jira ljira@bcps.k12.md.us
Also, be sure to be at the North Avenue Offices (North/Calvert) at 5:00pm today wearing your city colors in support of your teachers.
In other news, here's a list of people at North Ave who you can e-mail to express your concern about the illegal firings:
Dr. Wortham dwortham@bcps.k12.md.us 410-396-8622
Gary Thrift gthrift@bcps.k12.md.us
Dr. Andres Alonso aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us 410-396-8804
Louise Jira ljira@bcps.k12.md.us
Also, be sure to be at the North Avenue Offices (North/Calvert) at 5:00pm today wearing your city colors in support of your teachers.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Another call to arms from a student...
Our "astute and fearless" principal/dictator has illegally fired 3 teachers for their involvement in the Teachers Union
Mr. Daniels and Mr. Morrow have been Fired from City and reassigned to Mervo
Mr. Smith has been FIRED from the school system
Hey City we need to act
Below is a letter from Mr. Daniels:
On Friday I received a letter from the school board at North ave. that
I have been reassigned to Mervo. This is retaliation for being a
member of the Union Chapter Committee at City and fighting to improve
conditions at the school for students and faculty alike. Two other
members of the chapter committee were also retaliated against by Mr.
Dawson; John Morrow has been reassigned while Sedrick Smith (City
alum) has been fired (he did not have tenure). They are accusing us
of racially dividing the staff and increasing racial tension in the
school.
We are looking to go to the school board meeting at North Ave tomorrow
at 6:00pm and start to apply political pressure on Mr. Dawson. I will
update you as soon as I know something more.
Mr. Daniels and Mr. Morrow have been Fired from City and reassigned to Mervo
Mr. Smith has been FIRED from the school system
Hey City we need to act
Below is a letter from Mr. Daniels:
On Friday I received a letter from the school board at North ave. that
I have been reassigned to Mervo. This is retaliation for being a
member of the Union Chapter Committee at City and fighting to improve
conditions at the school for students and faculty alike. Two other
members of the chapter committee were also retaliated against by Mr.
Dawson; John Morrow has been reassigned while Sedrick Smith (City
alum) has been fired (he did not have tenure). They are accusing us
of racially dividing the staff and increasing racial tension in the
school.
We are looking to go to the school board meeting at North Ave tomorrow
at 6:00pm and start to apply political pressure on Mr. Dawson. I will
update you as soon as I know something more.
Who to contact about the vindictive dismissal of union chapter members Patrick Daniels, John Morrow, and Sedrick Smith
Please read through the next several postings as to the reason this website has been resurrected. Our principal, Timothy Dawson, has re-assigned or fired three bright young teachers, and, importantly, all three members of the union chapter team.
There is a school board meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at North AVenue and there will be a group of parents, students, and teachers there. More details forthcoming.
All BTU members please contact: Peggy Gladden
(pgladden@baltu.org), Marietta English (menglish@baltu.org), Loretta
Johnson (ljohnson@baltu.org) and ask them to take an interest in this
case.
Dr. Deborah Wortham is in charge of area high schools and signed off on the re-assignments and dismissal. Her e-mail of DWortham@bcps.k12.md.us. Gary Thrift (Head of Human Resource)'s is GThrift@bcps.k12.md.us.
The new CEO may not be aware of this situation as of yet his email
is aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us or at (410-396-8804). Please write him as well and maybe he will take an interest in this clear case of union busting.
Here is a list of school board members and their phone numbers can
anyone help to track down email for them as well.
School Board Members:
Brian D. Morris (chair) 410-752-1272
Kalman (Buzz) Hettleman 410-367-5439 khettleman@comcast.net
Anirban Basu 410-522-7243
Neil E. Duke 410-685-1120
Robert Heck 410-356-5600
Jerrelle Francois 410-843-8000
George M.VanHook, Sr. 410-767-8192
James W. Campbell 410-243-8688
Maxine Johnson Wood 410-516-6423
There is a school board meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at North AVenue and there will be a group of parents, students, and teachers there. More details forthcoming.
All BTU members please contact: Peggy Gladden
(pgladden@baltu.org), Marietta English (menglish@baltu.org), Loretta
Johnson (ljohnson@baltu.org) and ask them to take an interest in this
case.
Dr. Deborah Wortham is in charge of area high schools and signed off on the re-assignments and dismissal. Her e-mail of DWortham@bcps.k12.md.us. Gary Thrift (Head of Human Resource)'s is GThrift@bcps.k12.md.us.
The new CEO may not be aware of this situation as of yet his email
is aalonso@bcps.k12.md.us or at (410-396-8804). Please write him as well and maybe he will take an interest in this clear case of union busting.
Here is a list of school board members and their phone numbers can
anyone help to track down email for them as well.
School Board Members:
Brian D. Morris (chair) 410-752-1272
Kalman (Buzz) Hettleman 410-367-5439 khettleman@comcast.net
Anirban Basu 410-522-7243
Neil E. Duke 410-685-1120
Robert Heck 410-356-5600
Jerrelle Francois 410-843-8000
George M.VanHook, Sr. 410-767-8192
James W. Campbell 410-243-8688
Maxine Johnson Wood 410-516-6423
More reactions, this time from teacher
Hello everyone,
I am sure you all are aware of the outrageous punitive actions taken by our principal against three of our colleagues, Sedrick Smith, John Morrow, and Patrick Daniels. I have been out of the loop a bit but when I heard about their dismissal from City I was shocked and dismayed by the knee-jerk retaliation against three of our fine teachers and significantly, three of our Union Chapter representatives.
I for one cannot accept this lying down. I am willing to meet, write, organize, or whatever, to help reverse this most egregious act taken by a person who is supposed to represent what is best about City College.
I append a letter from Dr. ________ who is responding to one of our staff members who wishes to remain anonymous. At the time ___ wrote this letter only Sedrick Smith had been informed of his non-renewal. For further clarification, the number to Dr. Alonso's office gets you right to his secretary, but she will direct you to call Dr. Wortham's office at 410-396-8622. I suggest you immediately call both numbers to include your voice in what should be a firestorm of protest. I also suggest you contact other teachers from City so they can assist in reversing this appalling action intended only to undercut any voice of dissent from the faculty.
I do not understand why these sorts of things always happen at our school and I wish they wouldn't. Our kids deserve a more stable and educationally sound environment.
Despite this latest turmoil, I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer.
(A City Teacher)
From: _________________________
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: city
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2007 03:06:35 +0000
Hi XXXXX! As soon as Sedrick told me he'd been non-renewed, I talked with the union attorney, ... I have kept him informed, and also have talked with the ACLU, who are interested in at least following the case, and maybe taking it on if the union is unsuccessful.
There's no question that Mr. Dawson violated federal and state labor law which prohibits retaliation against employees for union activity.
The only questions, as always, are the sickening procedures: Do the employees have to go through a long grievance process before litigation begins? What options for delay do the school and system administration have? If administrators delay long enough and the teachers accept reassignment or just take other jobs to pay the bills, do they complicate or even lose their right to sue, etc.?
Because of these problems, I think a broad political approach is best. Parents and faculty must try to phone both City and the new CEO, Dr. Andres Alonso (410-396-8804) immediately in large numbers, simply saying that these teachers must be re-hired at City. The alumni association should do the same. I have already spoken with about a dozen students who should also phone the school and central office. And the lawyers should send formal letters threatening legal action.
I think about 100 calls will turn this around, if they are all made with in about a one week time frame. Please keep in touch. There will obviously be repercussions afterwards, but as you know, I think struggle is for the best!!
Thanks again for writing!
I am sure you all are aware of the outrageous punitive actions taken by our principal against three of our colleagues, Sedrick Smith, John Morrow, and Patrick Daniels. I have been out of the loop a bit but when I heard about their dismissal from City I was shocked and dismayed by the knee-jerk retaliation against three of our fine teachers and significantly, three of our Union Chapter representatives.
I for one cannot accept this lying down. I am willing to meet, write, organize, or whatever, to help reverse this most egregious act taken by a person who is supposed to represent what is best about City College.
I append a letter from Dr. ________ who is responding to one of our staff members who wishes to remain anonymous. At the time ___ wrote this letter only Sedrick Smith had been informed of his non-renewal. For further clarification, the number to Dr. Alonso's office gets you right to his secretary, but she will direct you to call Dr. Wortham's office at 410-396-8622. I suggest you immediately call both numbers to include your voice in what should be a firestorm of protest. I also suggest you contact other teachers from City so they can assist in reversing this appalling action intended only to undercut any voice of dissent from the faculty.
I do not understand why these sorts of things always happen at our school and I wish they wouldn't. Our kids deserve a more stable and educationally sound environment.
Despite this latest turmoil, I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer.
(A City Teacher)
From: _________________________
To: xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: city
Date: Mon, 9 Jul 2007 03:06:35 +0000
Hi XXXXX! As soon as Sedrick told me he'd been non-renewed, I talked with the union attorney, ... I have kept him informed, and also have talked with the ACLU, who are interested in at least following the case, and maybe taking it on if the union is unsuccessful.
There's no question that Mr. Dawson violated federal and state labor law which prohibits retaliation against employees for union activity.
The only questions, as always, are the sickening procedures: Do the employees have to go through a long grievance process before litigation begins? What options for delay do the school and system administration have? If administrators delay long enough and the teachers accept reassignment or just take other jobs to pay the bills, do they complicate or even lose their right to sue, etc.?
Because of these problems, I think a broad political approach is best. Parents and faculty must try to phone both City and the new CEO, Dr. Andres Alonso (410-396-8804) immediately in large numbers, simply saying that these teachers must be re-hired at City. The alumni association should do the same. I have already spoken with about a dozen students who should also phone the school and central office. And the lawyers should send formal letters threatening legal action.
I think about 100 calls will turn this around, if they are all made with in about a one week time frame. Please keep in touch. There will obviously be repercussions afterwards, but as you know, I think struggle is for the best!!
Thanks again for writing!
From a student, class of 2007
Dawson has fired/reassigned City College's Baltimore Teachers Union (BTU) Representative and Committee.
Mr. Patrick Daniels who served 4 years in the English Department and Mr. John Morrow who served 5 years in the Social Studies and teaches the highest IB course availible in Social Studies have both been reassigned by Dawson to the Mervo.
Mr. Sedrick Smith, an alum of City College who served 2 years in the Social Studies Department, has been FIRED from the system.
The major problem with these teachers reassignment/firing is that they are among the best and brightest that the City College faculty has to offer, not to mention that they were fired for their roles in the BTU at City. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done about it...
We're working on it...
In case you missed it - here's Dawson's previous history of union busting: Dawson's history
Mr. Patrick Daniels who served 4 years in the English Department and Mr. John Morrow who served 5 years in the Social Studies and teaches the highest IB course availible in Social Studies have both been reassigned by Dawson to the Mervo.
Mr. Sedrick Smith, an alum of City College who served 2 years in the Social Studies Department, has been FIRED from the system.
The major problem with these teachers reassignment/firing is that they are among the best and brightest that the City College faculty has to offer, not to mention that they were fired for their roles in the BTU at City. This is ridiculous and something needs to be done about it...
We're working on it...
In case you missed it - here's Dawson's previous history of union busting: Dawson's history
Dawson's history of union busting
A dire situation has forced the re-creation of City Forever?
While we are unsure of how to proceed on this end, we want to point out previous examples of Mr. Dawson's union-busting.
Check out this scary article:
Toxic Avenger:
Killian High teacher Charles Boldwyn says he's being railroaded for blowing the whistle on a paint scandal
Dawson has a history of busting unions and has gotten away with it.
He must not get away with it this time.
More coming...
While we are unsure of how to proceed on this end, we want to point out previous examples of Mr. Dawson's union-busting.
Check out this scary article:
Toxic Avenger:
Killian High teacher Charles Boldwyn says he's being railroaded for blowing the whistle on a paint scandal
Dawson has a history of busting unions and has gotten away with it.
He must not get away with it this time.
More coming...
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