Wilson High’s Principal Cahall resigns, effective immediately

Wilson High School’s principal had said earlier this month that he’d see the school through to the end of the school year even though DCPS was not renewing his contract beyond that. But as of yesterday, Pete Cahall resigned, effective immediately.

We recommend that you check out the in-depth coverage of Cahall’s early exit by the excellent student journalists at the Wilson Beacon, the high school’s newspaper (during their winter break, no less):

Principal Cahall Resigns from Wilson Effective Immediately (published 12/23/2014)

More than test scores: Wilson community speculates about the real reason behind Cahall’s termination (published 12/23/2014)

Students and Alumni Respond to Cahall’s Termination (published 12/15/2014)

DCPS Terminates Principal Cahall’s Contract Because of Low Test Scores (published 12/12/2014)

 
DC Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced Wilson Principal Pete Cahall’s resignation in this letter:

An Important Message from the Chancellor–Principal Cahall Resigns

Principal Cahall submits resignation, Mr. Greg Bargeman is appointed Interim Principal

December 23, 2014

Dear Wilson Senior High School Community,

I am writing to inform you that Principal Cahall has resigned from DCPS, effective immediately. Assistant Principal Gregory Bargeman will lead Wilson for the remainder of the year as Interim Principal.

As we look toward the future, I am eager to work with all of you – students, parents, teachers, support staff, and community members – to identify an outstanding leader to help guide Wilson into the future.

Our first step in this process will be a community meeting, which we are working to schedule for mid­ January. This will be an opportunity for you to share your vision for Wilson, and identify the qualities you feel are most critical for the school’s next principal. In the interim, please do not hesitate to contact Dan Shea (daniel.shea@dc.gov), Wilson’s Instructional Superintendent, with any questions. He will be your primary point of contact throughout this process.

I am confident that, together, we will identify an outstanding principal to help Wilson reach new heights. Thank you in advance for your participation in this process – and thank you for all that you do, each and every day, to support Wilson.

Sincerely,
Kaya Henderson
Chancellor
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Related: A mathematician weighs in on using high-stakes test scores to evaluate teachers, principals and schools.