A parent forwarded us this note from the John Stanford International School’s principal that was sent to the school community an hour ago:
May 30, 2013
Dear John Stanford International School Families,
I am very sad to let you know I will not be returning to John Stanford International School next year as your principal. My work here at John Stanford International School has been both a privilege and an honor. The progress we have made as a school, academically and as an international school community, is work that I am fortunate to have led.
As your principal, it has been my job, along with our staff, to create a safe, academically challenging and socially fulfilling learning environment for each of your children. The position of principal requires much dedication, commitment, drive and time in order to serve you in the best possible manner. And, while I still have the desire, dedication, commitment, drive, and time, it has been difficult for my spouse and I to be apart from our out-of-state relatives and continue to best fulfill our responsibility as parents to our four-year-old son. As a working parent it is my goal to raise my own child well—to support him, to love him and honor him as he grows into adulthood. I realize how vital these years are for him and we value the importance of having him be surrounded by family. By relocating to California we will be able to provide this for him. I know some of you can empathize.
My position as principal will continue in full force until the end of the school year. I will continue my dedication and focus as your school leader for the remainder of the year. I have accepted a principal position with the Guadalupe Union School District in California’s central coast for next year and look forward to working with this new community.
In the next couple of weeks our Executive Director of Schools for the NW region, Marni Campbell, and the Seattle School District will put together a team of staff and parents to conduct interviews for a new principal. Information will be coming out in the eNews and on our website as soon as the process is determined.
This is just to let you know of my plans in as much of a timely manner as possible. However, I am sure we will be talking about this as I see each of you at school. Fortunately, having such a strong, committed staff, your children will continue to be in good hands.
Thank you to each one of you for giving me the opportunity to be your school leader. Watching your children grow, learn and thrive each and every day has been a gift. I will miss the work tremendously.
Thank you, Gracias, Arigato gozaimasu,
Jesely Alvarez, Principal
John Stanford International School
Seattle Public Schools
Principal Alvarez was best known on Wallyhood’s pages for the Pledge of Allegiance dust-up early in her tenure, but I’m sure she’s gained a more nuanced relationship with the school community since then.
Parallel to this decision, there is debate going on regarding the future boundaries and admission process for the school. We’re working on an article covering that topic, watch for it this weekend.
(Photo from SeattleSchools.org)
Do we know why she is leaving after such a short tenure? I can’t help but think it just isn’t worth the grief. I read back about the pledge dibocle and feel if this was already an issue (I personally don’t see why it was such an issue.) then it can only become worse. I personally wish her well and hope she already has a new job with a bright future in which she is appreciated and happy.
Her letter states her family is relocating to California to be closer to family.
We wish her well, too It looks like she’s going to a nice rural district which should make for a good chance for her to see more of her young family.
Claudia, with an out of state move I don’t see any need to second guess her reasons. They make perfect sense, and I applaud her for looking for ways to balance career and family.
And the timing seems simple, like any rational person she found a job before she quit her job. The pledge debacle was a rookie mistake that had real consequences, but is water well under the bridge. I wish her all the best.