PPS Shuffles Another Principal: Updated

This time it's Vernon Elementary's Tina Acker.

The school district headquarters before a repair job.

A year of unprecedented principal shuffling just got shuffled a little more.

Monday, parents at Vernon Elementary School near the Alberta Arts District will meet with Portland Public Schools officials to talk about last week's decision to move Principal Tina Acker.

Acker came to Vernon in 2008 from the North Clackamas School District. In recent years, her relationship with Vernon teachers grew increasingly toxic, according to staff surveys obtained by WW. 

Here's the email that went to parents Thursday:


Vernon Community,

I am writing to share an update with you regarding my role next year. After careful consideration, I have decided to accept another position in the district. I would like you to know that while I will no longer be at Vernon, I will continue to advocate for and support students and staff in this community. I remain dedicated to making a difference. I will miss being with your children tremendously next year. However, I know they will be well taken care of. I have been working with Vernon’s new Assistant Principal, Bradley Parker. I will continue supporting him this summer to ensure a seamless transition for families and staff.

I sincerely thank you for allowing me to be in your lives over the past seven years, and hope you know the Vernon Community will always be in my heart. It is has been an amazing journey! I know I am leaving a strong community that embraces our school mission. I am looking forward to hearing about the wonderful things that I know will continue at Vernon in the years to come.

A community meeting will be held at Vernon in the Multipurpose Room on Monday, July 20th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to listen to you and gather feedback regarding what you want in your next principal.

Go Owls!!!
Respectfully,

Tina Acker

PPS's spokesman and spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a question about Acker's next assignment. 

Update: Tuesday, a spokeswoman for PPS, Christine Miles, said Acker will be the district's new assistant director of enhanced academic programs. That job title does not exist in the 2014-15 PPS staff directory.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that the meeting with parents took place this morning. It was rescheduled to Monday evening.

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