Comments on: What’s up at KIPP Collegiate?

By: Jess Simmons

Jess Simmons — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:52:46 +0000

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.

By: Alan Gottlieb

Alan Gottlieb — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:01:45 +0000

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.

By: Alexander Ooms

Alexander Ooms — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:28:09 +0000

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.