Parents note that their peers at other elementary schools, such as Beach, Buckman and Clark, were able to interview prospective principals earlier this year. That's because in each of those situations the new principal came from outside the district or was promoted from the vice-principal ranks. District spokesman Lew Frederick says such parental involvement isn't used when a principal is transferred from another school in the district. Why a lateral transfer should be treated any differently from a new hire situation is a mystery, even to people who've gone through the process. Getting a principal stuffed down the chimney is particularly galling at Chief Joseph, because the school is a model of community involvement.
Parents say the district has shown zero regard for the people it is meant to serve.
It's even more difficult to understand why the district rejected Yarnell's offer.