FIELDER PARENTS WORRY AFTER INTERIM PRINCIPAL RESIGNS:

By Betty L. Martin

The Houston Chronicle

May 9, 2006

Despite parent concerns that Fielder Elementary School interim principal's plans to quit will hurt preparations for transfer of a bilingual program to the campus, Katy school district officials expect a smooth transition process. 

On Tuesday, after news that interim principal Malynn [sic] Rodriguez had opted not to return to Fielder after the end of the school year in June, parents expressed concern about what the future holds for the pupils.

District spokeswoman Kris Taylor said Rodriquez will remain until the district hires a permanent principal before the new fiscal school year begins in July and well ahead of pupils' arrival in August. 

"She will be there until the end of June, and she'll be around through the hiring process," Taylor said.  "She just opted not to apply for this as a full-time principal. There will be no void of leadership."

In a letter to parents, Rodriguez said her decision was prompted by her desire to travel with her husband, whose job will require him to travel outside of Texas for about two years.

"I will continue to diligently serve students, teachers, and parents as we work together to prepare for the upcoming school year," Rodriguez stated in her letter.  "I will also be spending time at Fielder and over the summer as I can to assure that the transition with your new principal is as smooth and successful as possible."

On Tuesday, a group named Committee of Concerned Fielder Elementary School Parents posted a statement on its Web site at www.fielderparents.com, which outlines what members say are contributing factors to a growing feeling among parents that the district is failing in its oversight responsibilities at Fielder.

"People are extremely angry, and we've put calls in to the administration," said Ineke Haase, a group member and mother of Fielder pupils in the second and third grades.  "we are in a boat without a rudder, and that's something that is upsetting for most of the parents." 

Rodriquez was an assistant principal chosen to fill in an interim last November upon the retirement of longtime principal Phyllis Ferguson.  Taylor said the transition won't affect plans for Kilpatrick Elementary School's bilingual program to be split between Fielder, 2100 Greenway Village, and Memorial Parkway Elementary, 21603 Park Tree Lane.  The plan will send 145 of Kilpatrick's bilingual pupils to Fielder and another 125 to Memorial PArkway.