Another Portland Public Schools Principal Out on Leave

Rigler Elementary is the latest affected by PPS's tumult

By BETH SLOVIC
Portland Public Schools
Sara Gandarilla,

The announcement—following weeks of complaints from teachers about Gandarilla—is just the latest from PPS concerning the abrupt departure of a principal. 

On March 19, several teachers at the Cully neighborhood school sent a letter to Assistant Superintendent Antonio Lopez about the "culture of fear" at Rigler under Gandarilla. On April 14, teachers submitted a formal labor grievance against Gandarilla, saying she had created a "hostile, threatening, and intimidating working environment."

The grievance noted that at least four teachers at Rigler have had to take medical leave this school year owing to the stress of working under Gandarilla.
 
Glencoe, Richmond, Kelly and Buckman elementary schools have all experienced principal turnover this years. So has Scott K-8 School and Hosford Middle School.

Gandarilla joined PPS last fall, coming from the North Clackamas School District where she was the equity and outreach director. A substitute principal is already in place at Rigler.

Reached by phone, Gandarilla said she just had surgery. She referred all questions, including those about teacher complaints, to the district.

A district spokesman, Jon Isaacs, has not yet responded to a request for comment. Update: Isaacs confirms Friday was Gandarilla's last day at Rigler. An email from the school district says Gandarilla's medical leave is to care for a family member, not herself.

Here's the email that went out to the school on Friday afternoon:

Dear Rigler Community:

I am writing to let you know that Rigler Principal Sara Gandarilla will be on leave caring for a family member for the remainder of the school year. In honoring Ms. Gandarilla's transfer request, Rigler will have a new principal next year.

Long-time PPS Principal Judy Scott will serve as interim principal at Rigler. Principal Scott is already assisting at the school. Principal Scott has over 38 years of experience as an educator, with 15 of them as a principal and regional administrator in PPS.

On Wednesday, May 6, at 6 pm, I invite you to attend a community meeting at Rigler to give input about the characteristics you would like to see in your next principal. Your input will assist us in choosing Rigler's next principal who will start this summer.

Thank you for joining me in support Principal Gandarilla and in thanking her for her service to Rigler. I know that Principal Scott is looking forward to working with Rigler staff and community to finish the school year strong.

Sincerely,

Lisa McCall
Senior Director

WWeek 2015

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