Principal likely to remain at school

Belleair Elementary School's principal says she has made changes since complaints about her were voiced last year.

By MONIQUE FIELDS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 29, 2002

CLEARWATER -- Despite complaints from parents and teachers, the Pinellas County School Board is expected to reappoint Marcia Gibbs as principal at Belleair Elementary School today.

In May, Gibbs was given a six-month contract from July 1 through Jan. 21. Principals usually receive a 12-month contract.

The contract renewal came after teachers complained to area superintendent Lew Williams in March that Gibbs chastised them in front of others and manipulated school decisions. Parents also complained that Gibbs was abrupt, difficult to talk to and focused on academic skills to the detriment of extracurricular activities for their children.

The abbreviated contract also came after the school leapt from a D grade in the state's grading system in 1999 to an A in 2000. But the grade fell to a C in 2001.

Since her contract was renewed, Gibbs said she has made some changes.

She meets with eight teachers and staff members every couple of weeks to brainstorm and address concerns before they become problems.

"I've worked hard, and the staff has worked hard to pull together and address concerns; and we're moving forward in a positive direction, and that's what we're going to continue to do," she said.

She pointed out that Belleair students have participated in a winter concert, made chains in memory of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack victims and raised money for them. But she made it clear she will continue to focus on academics.

"That's why they're here. We need to be sure that they are meeting expectations and they are ready for their FCAT tests," Gibbs said.

Williams had said any decision to keep Gibbs in her current position depended, in part, on what parents and teachers reported on surveys of the school's climate. Williams could not be reached for comment Monday.

Some parents say they are disappointed that Gibbs' contract likely will be extended.

"I don't see anything being done any differently," said Tina Ashley, whose daughter is a fourth-grader at Belleair. "The only thing we're doing now is spring fling, a small carnival."

Others agreed:

"I think she needs to be in an environment with older children," said Lisa Skliar, whose daughter is a fifth-grader at Belleair. "I know the school made a drastic jump in FCAT scores, but how much did those kids have to give up?"

In 1999-2000, the most recent evaluation available, Gibbs received "effective" and "highly effective" scores on her annual review. The scores mirror marks she received during the previous school year.

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