SCCPSS Seeks Community Feedback for New Principals

Community members gather to discuss leadership needs for local schools.

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is reaching out to the community for feedback as it prepares to select new principals for Alfred E. Beach High School and John W. Hubert Middle School. The initiative will include Principal Profile Meetings to gather input from stakeholders. Both schools have been identified as low-performing according to the Georgia Department of Education’s standards, prompting the need for improved leadership and strategic community involvement.

Savannah, GA – The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is reaching out for feedback from the community as it prepares to hire new principals for two underperforming schools, Alfred E. Beach High School and John W. Hubert Middle School. The initiative is part of a new approach to principal hiring aimed at addressing significant issues affecting these institutions.

Chief of Schools Raymond Barnes has announced the launch of a revised principal hiring process, which will include Principal Profile Meetings scheduled for May 27 and May 28, 2024. These meetings will gather input from staff, community members, students, and alumni to help shape the hiring criteria for the new leadership positions at both schools.

School Performance Highlights

Both Beach High School and Hubert Middle School have been identified as among the lowest-performing schools in the district, according to the Georgia Department of Education’s College & Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) for the 2024 school year. Hubert Middle School has reported the lowest Content Mastery scores of all district middle schools, falling short of state averages in both Content Mastery and Readiness indicators.

Statistically, Hubert has notable challenges, with 51% of eighth graders, 65% of seventh graders, and 78% of sixth graders scoring below grade level in reading as measured by the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS). In math, only about 30 out of 440 Hubert students achieved a proficient score. Similarly, Beach High School has seen dismal performance, with 52% of students scoring below grade level in the end-of-course assessment for American Literature and Composition, and only 32.8% scoring proficient or above in Algebra.

Current Staffing Issues

Adding to the challenges faced by Hubert Middle School, the institution began the 2024-2025 academic year without an assistant principal following the resignation of India Nicole Young, who resigned due to federal charges not related to her role at the school. Young entered a plea deal that will see her serving five years on probation and paying restitution exceeding $230,000.

Concerns among staff at Hubert regarding leadership and school culture have surfaced, with teachers highlighting issues such as a lack of control over student behavior and problems related to special education services. Reports indicate an uptick in physical altercations among students throughout both schools, with incidents often surfacing on social media platforms.

Administrative Accountability and Concerns

Teachers at Hubert have voiced reactions to the current leadership structure, suggesting that administrative accountability is crucial in addressing the school’s environment. Some faculty members indicated that there might be pressures from higher administration to suppress student suspensions, potentially compromising discipline measures.

Call for Community Participation

In an effort to improve both schools, SCCPSS encourages community involvement. The Principal Profile Meetings present an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on characteristics and values they wish to see in future school principals. Details for participation can be accessed via the school district’s official website.

A press conference led by Superintendent Denise Watts is also on the agenda to discuss the district’s commitment and strategies for operational effectiveness and school improvement. The outcomes of these discussions and community engagements are vital for shaping the future direction of Beach High School and Hubert Middle School.