Pamela Boyd Set to Return as Principal of PHSSA
Embattled Pamela Boyd will be back in the office on Monday (9/17) to resume her duties as principal of Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts. Boyd was placed on administrative leave in the spring as allegations of fraud involving the student activity fund were leveled. The fraud accusation was later found to have no merit as of August 2nd a State Police investigation is still ongoing. The issues with the funds are believed to be more a lack of proper procedure than intent to defraud the school. A letter sent to Patrick Henry parents yesterday informing them of Boyd’s return, spoke of improving communications through a principal’s newsletter and ensuring teacher communication to parents and reaching out to parents through diversity workshops. Additionally;
Ms. Boyd has also set goals to ensure that the curriculum at PHSSA this year is based on meaningful outdoor experiences at Forest Hill Park. She will be working to get more technology in the school and make sure our staff is properly trained.
The Board will be working very closely with Ms. Boyd and Ms. Taylor to ensure a smooth transition. Once Ms. Boyd is settled, the Board will call a Town Hall meeting to allow her a chance to address the parents with her vision for the upcoming year and answer your questions.
“The fraud accusation was later found to have no merit” needs qualification: That was according only to RPS via an interim review, in which it was NOT their objective to determine fraud.
“These internal control weaknesses increased the risk for a loss or fraudulent transactions,” said Debora R. Johns, chief of internal audit services, in a memorandum accompanying the 11-page report.
Johns added, “Based on the available documentation, we found no evidence of fraud in the (student activity fund) transactions.” RTD 6/12/11
Despite what RPS has determined, I would hold off on clearing her until the state police state as much. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is different.
Unbelievable!
This is very disappointing and demonstrates that RPS is unable to make decisions that benefit the teachers, students, parents and community at Patrick Henry. This principal is an ineffective leader and does not have what is needed to respond to the needs of this community. Another example of poor leadership by the school board. A complete overhaul is needed. I hope Patrick Henry will have a great school year and that the Patrick Henry charter board will monitor the principals performance closely.
Besides mismanaging funds (literally no accountability for collecting revenue and making appropriate deposits), Ms. Boyd had practically no policies or procedures in place. In my opinion at total lack of management, incompetency at the max.
While Ms. Boyd continued to collect her salary, Ms. Taylor, the interim, developed many policies and procedures. Now PHSSA will return to the same incompetence. Neither RPS nor PHSSA is perceived as competent at this point. Let the investigation be completed before judgements are made, but RPS has yet to deliver a COMPLETE and thorough audit. As City citizens, we deserve better.
Great.
She apparently locked half of the staff out on Monday morning before their “Group Meeting” where she was to dole out all kinds of wisdom about how she’s back in command. She’s already rerouted the grievances process so that all issues go to her directly – clearly a good idea.
If my office manager did either of these 2 things on the first day, I’d spend the rest of it looking for a better place to be.
Actually, NearbyNed, she was not the one who “locked half of the staff outside” but it’s ok if that is what you want to believe. Those on the inside, know better.