The Principal of Glen Oak School has been put on administrative leave. The reason why Shipp was put on leave has not been confirmed, however, Tuesday of this week a child was reportedly pushed down by a teacher at the school.
You may recall a previous post done here on Valda Shipp, entitled "Will the real Valda Ship please stand up", which followed an article done by DeWayne Bartles of the Times Observer entitled "Shipp leads school from 'zoo' to 'pocket of excellence'". The Bartles article piqued my interest, because it received a large number of comments from people who alleged to be present and/or former co-workers of Shipp and they considered her an absolute tyrant.
Since the Bartles article, staff at Glen Oak have made constant efforts to illustrate that Shipp's management style was counter productive to what the school should stand for.
It is said that today Shipp was put on leave because she was insubordinate. Interesting that the leave was not as a result of mistreating her staff and letting children run wild, since that is what has been alleged to date.
You may recall a previous post done here on Valda Shipp, entitled "Will the real Valda Ship please stand up", which followed an article done by DeWayne Bartles of the Times Observer entitled "Shipp leads school from 'zoo' to 'pocket of excellence'". The Bartles article piqued my interest, because it received a large number of comments from people who alleged to be present and/or former co-workers of Shipp and they considered her an absolute tyrant.
Since the Bartles article, staff at Glen Oak have made constant efforts to illustrate that Shipp's management style was counter productive to what the school should stand for.
It is said that today Shipp was put on leave because she was insubordinate. Interesting that the leave was not as a result of mistreating her staff and letting children run wild, since that is what has been alleged to date.
50 comments:
Emerge: I truly do not know where you get your information or how you comprehend said information. Shipp is a tyrant. Unless you have had to work for this person, you have NO IDEA what you are talking about. District administrators went to the school and had conversations with teachers and staff. Do you really think EVERYONE is making up stories to "ruin" Shipp? Come on, she has had more grievances filed against her than ANY principal in the entire district. Did you know that? She refuses to follow district policies. She has been told over and over that she cannot lock teachers out of the building while they are on the playground dismissing their students, yet she continues to. She has been told to come up with a plan in the mornings for covering students before school, again, she refuses and forces teachers to be in their classrooms serving breakfast while the cafeteria workers sit on benches reading the journal star in the cafeteria. This list is longer than your arm of insubordinate acts on her part, let alone her treatment of her staff. She keeps a small group (to spy) happy and the rest kicks like injured dogs. She has made racial comments to white teachers that are totally uncalled for. She believes that the teachers are as much to blame for the poor behaviors of the students, definitely not HER fault, even though she does virtually nothing to support the teachers. She shuffles students to other classrooms when a teacher finally becomes overwhelmed by a student. Some students have seen 3 teachers in one year at Glen Oak. I guarantee that the scores at Glen Oak on ISAT will be lower than they have EVER been. I expect she will blame the teachers for that also. She needs a big mirror to look in if she wants to know who the real culprit is.
Shipp has had a long history of ineffective leadership dating back to the 90s. This is long overdue and symptomatic of what has ailed the District, and part of what has gotten them in the sad shape they are in today. Ms. Shipp is only one of many lack luster leaders that the District has known about for years but failed to remedy. Improving the performance of low-income students is a long-term effort but, hopefully, under Dr. Lathan’s leadership, ridding the District of poor managers will be a quick fix.
When I knew Valda from our days in the 1970s or early 80s working at Urban League, I loved being around her. I am sorry that she seems to have crossed so many lines--and sorrier still that no one in authority in District 150 made an attempt to warn her of the path she was creating for herself--to stop her from believing that her leadership style was acceptable and certainly the first Bartles article indicated that she beieved that about herself.. I have heard too many stories from people whom I regard as knowledgeable and trustworthy(and now Frustrated adds herself to that list), so I can't believe that all these very specific stories are made up. Of course, the insubordination charge could well mean that she had been told to treat faculty and children in a more civil manner and that she didn't follow orders--insubordination.
It kills me how people always have so much to say but never will or can step up to the plate. Most do not know Mrs. Shipp and for the few poor souls(disgrantle teachers who are upset because she expect you to do your job) Her interests has always been and will be for the children!!!
Excuse me but how does anyone even know this is true??? Where do you get your information? Leave, huh? How do I even know this is true???
My name is Neidre Tate and I am a parent who have volunteered at Glen Oak throughout the school year. I have had the pleasure of volunteering in various classrooms which allowed for me to see a broader scope of what the teachers and Mrs. Shipp truly have to go through. When I first volunteered, I could not believe the challenge that Mrs. Shipp faced on a day-to-day basis. Sooo many children came to school ill-prepared and displayed such disrespect, that I could not believe it was not illegal for parents to be held accountable for their childrens actions. Glen Oak, as-well-as, other schools in the district has rules, and I have witnessed several parents come to the school upset for various reasons where their child have broken the rules. Mrs. Shipp does not go from class to class picking on children. They are sent to her. There are sooo many teachers who can not, and I mean can not control their classrooms, that I could not understand how they became teachers and remained teachers, but one thing was and is for sure, when Mrs. Shipp intervened, whatever the problem was, it was resolved. Not, because Mrs. Shipp was unkind to the students, but because, she knew how to handle every situation effectively. If she did not, then why was she offered the job in the first place. My daughter was at Valeska Hinton last year, and even though I knew the challenges that my child could and would face at Glen Oak, since I lived down the street from Glen Oak, and more importantly, since Mrs. SHipp was there, I knew my children would be alright because of the tremendous job Mrs. Shipp did at Franklin. Mrs. SHipp definetly runs a tight SHip, and I think her successes not people's personal opinions speaks for itself.
Anonymous:
How do you know that anything you read,hear or see on the Internet is true? Same rule applies here.
Take it for what it's worth (or not) with a grain of salt and keep it moving.
Works for me.
I know for a fact very little about Mrs. Shipp. However, small world that it is, I was with friends in a casino in Iowa last year and went down for brunch. I did a special order omelet.
The person who was preparing my omelet did the usual small talk with me and asked me where I was from. When I told her Peoria, she asked me if I knew her sister, Valda Shipp.
She went on to tell me how much her sister wanted the job at Glen Oak, how happy Valda was when she got it and how proud the family was of her. And she made a darn good omelet.
I heard that Valda felt like she could run her school however she wanted. From what I understand there are several District 150 principals north of War Memorial who feel exactly the same way and are proceeding accordingly.
Do you think some of these other principals who need to be checked will get their due? Is that what Lynn Smith is intimating over on the Peoria Chronicle?
I SUPPORT VALDA SHIPP!?!?!?!
I am a very big supporter of Valda Shipp. You can say whatever you want but she gets the job done. This why she is there. This is the same way Franklin was & now look at it. Dr Hannah & Mr Hinton supported her. If she had more support instead of going against her you could take more proud in Glen Oak!!! I believe the problem is people(teachers) not parents, don't like change. Don't get upset because she inforces the rules. You know the rules & you should abide by them. Now what type of example would she be if she let you not fill out the required paperwork that is need in a referral?? You have been given proper training like as well as I. I don't see the problem. BETTER YET IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT.....OPT OUT!!!! You don't have to be there!!! You do have a choice.
If you become a teacher, you should gain control of your class from day one. It is not the principals job to babysit students and catch the flack for unqualified teachers. From what I have read, Mrs. Shipp has only been there for one year and she's being treated as if all the problems that occured, were not issues before she got there. Mrs. Valda SHipp has a history of success. If you don't like her style, then you don't like order.
It doesn't matter if shipp is in or out.
District 150 sucks!!!!!!!! and that is something that doesn't have to be proven.
Funny, all you so-called supporters are not even teachers who have had to work for that bully. Yes, if you had worked for her, that would be the adjective you would use to describe her. She intimidates, demeans, and terrorizes her staff, many on a daily basis. She does NOT do her job which is to be the instructional leader for the teachers. She has her lacky.....Asst. Principal attempt to do that job. She has her own personal henchman, who has no credentials whatsoever, dragging children through the hallway(as the school disciplinarian), answering the phones, telling teachers what they can or cannot do, while Shipp sits in her office, painting her fingernails....heaven forbid she sweat in the heat like EVERYONE else in the building. Oh, she likes to be referred to as the "QUEEEN". Remember, until you have walked a mile in any of these teachers shoes, you have NO opinion that counts. I don't care how NICE she is to her friends, or family, she is hired to be a leader and when that leader fails to do her job, then that leader needs to quit leading and go home.
I am a teacher, and I know Valda quite well. I just find it funny how all these allegations are coming from white teachers at a school that had the worse reputation in peoria's history before Valda got there. Remember, she was asked to go to that school and instead of complaining because she expected you to do your job, you should have been trying to figure out why you could not control your students. EACH AND EVERY TEACHER who was there before this year should be fired. You all let those students down. You all didn't have order until Valda got there. Of all the teachers who are complaining, which ones classroom has all passing grades. Thank you. That is not Valda's fought. Remember, you hold the key to the control in your room so quit thinking you can solve the inner city problems and realize that Valda obviously knows something because you didn't hear about franklin and she was the principal for years. You need to step down because you must be an incompetent teacher.
I do remember that teachers (black and white) didn't fare too well when Brenda Powell was Glen Oak's principal--I believe she was dismissed related to a student issue. We did hear plenty about Franklin--it just was a bit before blogs became an avenue for sharing information. Don't fool yourself. Teachers cannot control classrooms without the support of a principal. When kids figure out that teachers have no real power (and they do rather quickly) and that administrators take their side (kids), then the teacher has one choice--just put up with bad behaviors. What do you mean by "you hold the key" but "quit thinking you can solve the problems"--it's one or the other, not both.
fyi, close to 100 grievances were filed against shipp at franklin. she completely replaced the entire staff over a 3 year period. yes she ran off excellent teachers who would not bow down to the queen. she brainwashed new teachers into believing that she and only she could run the school and they all blindly followed her or were run off. get a clue.
When DeWayne Bartles asked staff to come forward about troubled principals, we haven't heard about anybody except African-American principals.
The District has 32 principals; 9 of them are African-American; 3 of them along with their African-American administrators are under constant fire. Yet not one person has spoken out about any principal who is not African-American.
Are they all perfect? Is that why we have so many winning schools in this District?
I can imagine the response if and/or when Dr. Lathan and the BOE determine that there are several principals that are not making the grade.
The District's principals:
http://www.psd150.org/community/docs/Making_the_Grade_(AUGUST_09).pdf
When DeWayne Bartles asked staff to come forward about troubled principals, we haven't heard about anybody except African-American principals.
The District has 32 principals; 9 of them are African-American; 3 of them along with their African-American administrators are under constant fire.
Yet not one person has spoken out about any principal who is not African-American. Are they all perfect? Is that why we have so many winning schools in this District?
I can imagine the response if and/or when Dr. Lathan and the BOE determine that there are several principals that are not making the grade.
The District's principals:
http://www.psd150.org/community/docs/Making_the_Grade_(AUGUST_09).pdf
No they didn't bother wasting time speaking out about Julie McArdle. They just fired her.
if mcardle had treated students staff and parents the way shipp has been allowed to do for far too long, she wouldnt even have made it past the first week. explain why shipp has gotten away with it all these years.....please
Anon, if you're a teacher, why can't you spell "fault?"
I think the principal at Richwoods takes alot of grief, as well as Mary Davis who has charges pressed against her. I have heard nothing negative about the principal at Whittier, who is black. Mary O'Brian, is white, and I've heard nothing but negative about that woman. And the BOE is mostly white, is it not? I haven't counted, but when was the last time you heard anything good about them? I think it is Rachel Parker who always votes no to suspend students. I love her for that! Get an alternative school already!
I believe each person should be judged on merit, and that is the way I will always believe. Shame on any adult, black or white, who brings color into the issue of education. Educators are here to meet the children's needs, no matter what color they are.
Yes, there are more white teachers than any other color in District 150. Does this make them bad teachers because of their color? Would children be better educated if the teachers represented the population? I do not know, but if this is the case, please how me the studies where this has been proven. If there is a magic bullet that says all children should be educated a certain way and they will succeed, then why isn't everyone doing it?
Show! Sorry, folks, my s key is a big FAIL today!
I would be willing to bet that few complaints are made against Delores Turner at Rolling Acres. The whole point is that few black principals are placed in the "higher" end school--am I wrong? I believe the embattled principals come from schools where the student body has a high percentage of low income students. Those are the schools where discipline problems abound. Face it--the teachers that don't seem to be making the grade come from the same schools--why, because test scores are going to be lower and that's the way teachers are judged these days. It's just not that hard to figure out.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/x11203839/District-150-principal-put-on-paid-leave
The comments state that a child was hurt by staff at Glen Oak this week. I do not know the ins and outs of Dist. 150 rules, but why is Shipp being put on leave for this incident unless she is the guilty party? Where is the article stating the staff member has been dismissed?
There is a 'witch hunt' afoot in public education. For more than 100 years, public education has served as the 'great equalizer'. It is only within the last 2 decades that the systematic dismantling of public education has gained such ground. The vast majority of philanthropists, innovators and scholars are graduates of PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The vast majority of students attending public schools do just fine and end up being valuable and contributing members of society.
There is a very, very vocal minority that have embraced every opportunity to deride, divide and dismantle an institution that has served the public extremely well.
For those who have commented, think back to your own school experiences...who was in control of your school? Who had the power in your classroom?
Don't worry. The "injured" child was not "injured" by a teacher, this much I know. Shipp thinks that everyone should take the blame for discipline problems at Glen Oak. However, when a teacher has a child out of control, for whatever reason, asking for someone from the office to help, someone should help. 90% of the time, NO ONE comes or if they do come and take the child, the child is usually back in the classroom within 10 minutes having been given NO CONSEQUENCES. What lesson does that send the rest of the students. Now you know why the students are out of control. Shipp will not drop the hammer and send these kids home. I guarantee that if you send poor behaving kids home often enough, the parents will do something about it. Time to start making naughty kids their parents problems instead of the teachers and other student's problems.
Riblix--I taught for 43 years and I do know clearly what happened. The reason I had any control in the classroom was that students knew that in the office there were a principal and deans that would back me and issue appropriate consequences for all inappropriate student behaviors. That changed during the last years of my career--and my control was diminished considerably as was that of other teachers, especially the new, younger teachers who didn't have my "history" with Manual parents and students. I knew things had changed when students that I reprimanded for bad behavior (or to whom I gave a conference, etc.) would scream, "I want to see my dean." The dean was once the last person a student wanted to see. Yes, I don't know why I forgot about Whittier--Renee is not under fire. Also, my apologies, Emerge--I was wrong (I think). I have been told that it has always been the practice of the superintendent to rotate attendance at graduation. This year was Richwoods turn to have the superintendent.
Shipp deserves everything she gets. I have seen children go up to her and try and give her a hug, her response was "get away and get back in line". She has no compassion for children. I commend the administration for finally removing her and putting the teachers and students first! Way to go!!
This woman should never ever have contact with children again. Fire her District 150 and the broom she rode in on
A white principal gets put on admin. leave or let go and it means they did something wrong. A black principal is put on admin. leave or let go and its all about race. PLEASE.
Anyone that has worked for that woman will tell you that she treats white teachers very badly, yet their black counterparts seem to be above reproach? I have witnessed it and been victimized by this racist woman. Yes, she makes it clear that she does not like WHITE people. I say, add her to Pat Benassi's list for the reverse discrimination lawsuit.
I don't think valda is a rascist. I think the white teachers don't like to take orders from her because she seems to demand respect amongst her and the students.
White teachers don't like respectful students? What kind if idiotic comment is that?
Shipp is a bully and everyone knows that.....ask one of her exhusbands...
Yes, she is on leave for insubordination. She was asked to follow the employee's contracts and she refused. She was setting the district up for one lawsuit after another because she doesn't like unions. TOUGH...
Ok everyone. Here's a bit of what goes on over there at what I offically call HELL ON THE HILL. How about having a principal who bullies parents, children, staff members, etc when things don't go her way? I have heard her call children STUPID to their faces. Not, "you are acting stupid" but "you are stupid". Same kind of displays to teachers in front of students and parents. I witnessed her grab a child by the arm, drag her across the desk, and tell the child she would rip her arm off and shove her back across the desk, all in front of a long term sub (who never was allowed to return for witnessing the incident). She called a parent "retarded" as the parent was on the phone with the admin building. Refuses to call staff by their names, but "what's his name" or "hey you". Excuse me? What kind of professionalism is that? My job, personally, has been greatly hindered and literally was told I was not allowed to do my job, then I get a zero, yes, zero on my evaluation. NEVER have I gotten any kind of a low score in all my years from any principal or school. I had to laugh it off when I considered the source it came from. I had made MANY, MANY complaints to administration and the union to no avail. When the union tried to back me, Mrs. Shipp got very ugly with me and I was continually harassed from then on out. I had other principals go to bat when they found out the abuse I was receiving, and still, I was left out to dry with her.
I read how Glen Oak has been horrible up until SHE came. Not true. Jan Furr was a great principal. In time, I think Mr. Thomas might have come be a fair principal as well.
As for you folks who complain this is a race issue, get real. I wouldn't care what gender, age, color/race, etc the principal is, as long as that person has integrity, compassion, strength, fairness, I could go on and on, but you get the idea, but I have not seen any of these qualities in Valda Shipp. The list goes on people, and unless you were actually there to see and hear things that transpired, as far as I'm concerned you can keep quiet. I'm sure she has her good qualities, but I have never seen them.
Doug Atkins would be a wonderful permanent addition, I've seen him in action at Lincoln when he has been "sub principal". Look out kiddies, he means business, but takes the time to talk things through of why discipline is being doled out.
As for my job at GO, maybe now, I can get some work done!
I can not believe what I am reading. I have known Valda Ship for more than 17 years and I know personally, that she has the students best interest at heart. I have worked at several schools in district 150 and I have seen white teachers call students stupid and when the complaints rolled in,nothing was done. If Valda had it coming for years, then why was she selected for the job title of being principal of Glen Oak. With the accusations that are coming forth now, I do not recall these accusations in the earlier years. Of course, there are several write ups on several principals through the year, but every since Valda was set out to head the new school, teachers have all these complaints. What is the real problem? Or should I say issue?
The issue is that Valda Shipp is a racists!!!! She does not treat her staff fairly. Maybe she is good to some who have not been able to catch her dark side. But watch out if you do. Don't forget, she thinks she is the queen. The queen of destruction!!!
Where's the NAACP? Sounds like Don would be all over this one...
Anyway, I'm sorry I wasn't personally involved in this one. Obviously something went terribly wrong. The whole thing is very interesting.
Peoria has a NAACP?
Just MAYBE it is NOT about skin color.....ever consider that shipp really is NOT a people person and she never have been in a position of authority? REALLY. She was asked a question while walking into the very first Glen Oak faculty meeting last year (now teachers really didn't even know her yet) and a teacher asked her a simple question as shipp walked past her. Shipp's reply was, yeah, what are you, retarded. I heard that with my own two ears.....
Her choice discipline is to move a child from room to room until she finally dumps him on a teacher who will not fight back anymore. When she asks to speak with you (during your preparation period) she will make you stand outside her office for up to 30 minutes, while you watch her looking at something on her desk (now remember, she summoned me to her office, now makes me lose my prep), then go into her office to have her say, I can't remember what I wanted you for, then waves you off without so much as an apology. Come on folks, get real with your "it's because she's black" attitude.....it is worn out.
I agree Anonymous - maybe it's not about skin color.
What I am saying is where are the complaints from teachers about non-white principals. Are they all perfect?
Already somebody on the pjstar story about Valda is saying fire the Harrison principal next. Really?
We had a Principal at Lindberg that was a sexual deviant while at work. Did we hear any complaints from teachers and staff about him? Other than that little porno problem, he was an excellent principal, highly effective right? I doubt it.
4 teachers and a library AIDE complained about McArdle at Lindbergh.......with NO evidence to substantiate their claims, yet McArdle(who is white) was fired for "no cause". However, I can assure you that there is overwhelming evidence against Shipp (this has been going on since she first became a principal). There are many excellent teachers who left District 150 because of the way they were treated by Shipp. Needless to say, it was NEVER a bed of roses, unless you are counting the thorns, at Glen Oak and Franklin
Evidently, "retarded" is possibly one of Shipp's favorite words because almost every story I have ever heard about her refers to her calling some student or faculty member "retarded." That's hard for me to fathom; I believe that was a word that teachers long took out of their vocabulary. Apparently, District 150 and Dr. Lathan have decided there are problems with Shipp, so it will be up to them to make the charges and issue the consequences. I heard (just heard, not verified) that Dr. Lathan went to Glen Oak herself to escort Shipp out with a box of her belongings. I know of a white (former) principal against whom many grievancs were filed--and it was pre-blogging days, so it was more difficult to get the attention of the central admin and board. As to the Lindbergh principal let go because of viewing porn, one Lindbergh parent told me that he had been a very good principal. Certainly, most teachers and/or parents weren't even aware of these inappropriate behaviors--they are carried on in secret, and he wasn't there long enough for most to have formed an accurate opinion of his effectiveness or ineffectivenes. However, catching someone watching porn will definitely get him/her fired. I don't think you can use him as an example of behaviors ignored because he was white.
As I read these comments I become somewhat disheartened at what our system has culminated to! In all this slander and talks of racism I think we have forgotten what matters most, THE CHILDREN! I ask all you who post negative comments that speak of racism and tyranny: do you know how it feels to hear what people say, to hear rumors that speak of unimaginable meanness and know that if you try to remedy those rumors and defame that a child’s growth, safety, and success are put in jeopardy? Now, try doing it with a smile! Going back everyday knowing that people have so much dislike for you and not let it interfere with your judgments. Not everyone can bear that burden and yes, it is a burden to bear! The ONLY standard should be the growth and development of children in school and Mrs. Shipp has demonstrated countless times that in order to uphold that standard so people might get mad. When your standard is defined then there can be no room for compromise UNLESS that compromise is in the best interest of the children. Let me also touch on what led to her leave of absence, under no circumstance what so ever should a teacher be evoked by a child to respond with violence! If that were the case then you do not have the right temperate for the job. That being said I am sure someone will retort with a call for my credentials, some claiming that someone who has never taught a day in their life would say that. My retort would be a simple question of, “what school did you go to?” As the cliché goes “it’s going to get worse before it gets better”, yet no one can predict how long that ‘worse’ will last. In the time of uncertainty, it is normal for blame to be displaced, for hurtful comments to be thrown around haphazardly! I would instead ask those who have negative comments to voice those problems accompanied by a solution. I would hope that people understand they type of unit that Glen Oak because once you understand it you can comprehend its potential. Yet achieving that potential is never easy nor is everyone suited to work to help achieve that potential. Those who choose to answer the call need fuse into a team and understand the goal . . . which is, always and will always be THE CHILDREN! Mrs. Shipp, I am your #1 fan!!! Despite what people may say, please continue to support the children! Bn-e
I visited Glen Oak School today and found teachers/staff smiling as well as students upbeat and excited about summer vacation. What a difference the school is without Mrs. Shipp. Teachers no longer are walking on eggshells for fear of her wrath. Dr. Lathan did the right thing by removing that verbally/emotionally abusive principal. I hope that the people running the school right now will be able to stay, they are doing a fantastic job, from what I noted.
Wow, very nice! What student wouldn't be excited about summer vacation and what teacher would not be smiling at the thought of some free time? How fashionably late to show up at the end of the school year and make such a self-indulgent observation! Next time you decide to make a comment use some evidence to support your claim and not just what you visibly noted on a casual visit! For future reference those who walk on eggshells are those who have the apprehension of discipline.
Amazing how 1 week can make a difference. I hope that Dr. Lathan keeps Mrs. Swain and Mr. Atkins. They have done so much in such a short period of time. Imagine what the new Glen Oak School will look like with them at the helm......We all hope they stay.
speak for yourself...."We all hope they stay." Don't speak for others...you know not what you say. "We don't ALL hope they stay". They were there...what, a week? Boy, that was a real test!! "They have done so much in such a short period of time." What exactly did they do? Nothing that anybody else couldn't have done!! Of course when they see a brand new school a possibility in their futures...they're going to be "WONDERFUL". Blah, blah, blah...I bet I could name who you are too!!
If anyone could have made the changes in such a short period of time, then why didn't Shipp do it...she had two years...btw, feel free to transfer.
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