Bartz Reapplies for P’ville High School Principal’s Job
Dawn Bartz might have reluctantly resigned as principal of Pleasantville High School, but that hasn’t stopped her from reapplying for that same position.
In an email to The Examiner, Bartz confirmed she’s applying for both the interim and permanent principal post. While she admits that reapplying is “absurd,” she said it’s the only way to “continue as the principal.”
Bartz said she wants to continue to assist in providing more opportunities for students. She pointed to advancing curriculum, support services, college preparation and advising, as well as creating a school climate that is inclusive and accepting as ways she has improved the high school.
Her last official day in her current capacity is July 31. The Board of Education accepted Bartz’s controversial resignation at a highly contentious June 18 meeting. Bartz, a probationary principal, claimed that she was forced to resign following vague faculty complaints.
District officials have been quiet on the issue, not allowed to speak about the specifics because of a confidentiality clause in the resignation agreement between the district, the school board, Bartz and the Pleasantville Administrators Association.
Following the June 18 meeting, Bartz said in an interview she would not be applying for the job, calling the attempt “futile.” But within the past two weeks, Bartz changed her mind.
“It is very validating to find out that the direction the high school was moving in and my leadership and vision were right for this community,” Bartz wrote. “It was also very meaningful to have so many people ask me to stay in my position. I was inspired by their stories and how the changes that have been made over the past two years have helped their children.”
Bartz said the outpouring of community support has “definitely factored” into the decision. She said the support hasn’t just come from parents of high school students, but elementary and middle school parents as well. Bartz also referenced students, teachers and other community members that have stood up for her and expressed their desire to see her tenure continue at the school.
“This is very powerful,” Bartz wrote. “It would be great to be able to bring this level of support with me back to the high school.”
And though nothing legally prevents Bartz from reapplying for a job she will soon leave as of Aug. 1, when asked if she’d get a fair opportunity from the district and board during the process, she said she could only hope for that.
“Unfortunately, so far they have followed a path with little information, no investigation and what seems to be an aversion to listening to the opinions and experiences of the students, parents and community at large,” Bartz stated.
During another heated meeting on June 25, the board revealed that it hoped to have a permanent principal in place on Aug. 1. If the board is unable to find a suitable candidate, an interim principal would be appointed. Board President Lois Winkler has emphasized that the board would not rush the process just to fill the spot by Aug. 1.
At the last meeting, several community members raised the idea of Bartz either being the interim principal or reapplying for the permanent position. The district sent out a June 28 email to community members stating the job has been posted on On-line Application System with 26 hopefuls having responded by last week.
