Rich Barrett is one of Denver’s school reform pioneers, and a passionate guy who has always lived his work. So his sudden departure from KIPP Denver Collegiate High School last week is not only sad but mysterious. I consider Rich a friend, and will write more about him and what he has meant to Denver school reform in another post, later this week.
Meanwhile, here is what Nancy Mitchell learned at the school today:
This morning, some 30 KIPP Denver Collegiate High School students and their parents protested outside the school on the Rishel campus off Alameda and Tejon, demanding answers about Rich Barrett’s sudden departure. After all, Barrett, who founded KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy in 2003, is barely three months into his first year as principal of the state’s first KIPP high school.
KIPP Colorado officials apparently hoped the resignation of Barrett, the fiery founder of the state’s first KIPP school, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy, would pass without much attention. Attempts by Ed News to reach Rebecca Holmes, KIPP Colorado executive director, and Barrett himself on Friday were unsuccessful.
Holmes was out when Ed News stopped by the school today. The only answers from Holmes or Barrett so far are an e-mail that Holmes sent out late Thursday. Here’s the full text:
Subject: KIPP Denver Collegiate Transition
Dear Friends of KIPP Denver Collegiate,
9th Grade at KDCHS is off to a wonderful start; the commitment and tenacity of our teachers and students are visible every day. We share a common purpose to provide a challenging academic program, develop strong character in each individual, and support every KIPPster in reaching his or her highest potential.
I’m writing to inform you of a change that is taking place at KIPP Denver Collegiate High School. Our Principal, Rich Barrett, has decided to resign from KIPP Denver Collegiate to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Barrett remains devoted to the children and families of KIPP Denver Collegiate. Our entire organization is grateful to Mr. Barrett for his years of tireless effort to bring KIPP schools to Denver. It’s quite possible that KIPP Colorado simply wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Rich’s many years of commitment.
We believe that the best decision we can make regarding a replacement for Mr. Barrett is to bring in a person who is already connected to the students, staff, and school community and who has a lengthy professional history at the high school level. As such, we are pleased to announce that Ms. Kaye Taavialma, who has been with KDCHS since we opened, will become the interim School Leader beginning next week. Ms. Taavialma is currently the Dean of Academics at KDCHS.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me …
Thank you for your support of KIPP Denver Collegiate during this time of transition. We remain committed to making this an exceptional year.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Popularity: 58% [?]
I’ve know Rebecca Holmes for years, and she is a remarkable professional. Rebecca has been a teacher, a Charter board member, on the funding side with the El Pomar foundation, and returned to Denver as the ED for KIPP. In between she found time to pick up an MBA from Harvard and spend several years in the private sector.
Whatever the situation here — and I’m sure it is nuanced — it is worth pointing out that even with Rich’s departure, KIPP is not rudderless but is in good hands.
I have no doubt that what Alex says is correct. This post and the tribute to Rich Barrett elsewhere on the blog were intended simply A) to get some answers about a mysterious situation and B) to pay homage to a guy who has done great things for education in Denver. No judgment of Rebecca or her actions was intended.
While Rich’s departure has stirred up a great deal of emotion for many, his passion is still evident in KIPP Collegiate’s supportive and challenging community. Not only has Rebecca Holmes worked tirelessly in the last year to continue to grow both of KIPP Colorado’s schools but Kaye Taavialma is more than qualified to continue to lead KIPP Collegiate into the future. Her passion and dedication shine through equally to Rich’s; this only furthers KIPP’s ability to continue to thrive in its mission.
While this post and the tribute to Rich may provide some background on Rich, they do not do justice to the many voices of leadership that continue to guide and grow both of KIPP Colorado’s schools. Between Kurt Pusch and Kaye Taavialma (under Rebecca Holmes’ leadership) there is an incredible amount of ability to not only continue to foster students’ abilities but also continue to develop incredible teachers.