Rio parents question Ethridge reassignment.

Assoc Supt Ruby Ethridge alleged that Supt Winston Brooks has created a hostile work environment. The next thing she knew, she was banished from the administrative digs at 6400 Uptown Blvd and found herself reassigned to the beleaguered Rio Grand High School.

Brooks et al, say it is not a punishment at all, and certainly not retaliation for voicing a legitimate concern about Brooks' leadership style. This despite the fact that Ethridge will take home $45K less next year. Assuming Ethridge continues to work for the District, and does not own it as the result of a "settlement agreement" with the District; it is difficult to cast a $45K pay cut as anything but a demotion. But expect APS' million dollar spin machine; the Communications Department will give it their best shot. Though Brooks' spinners claim this in not a "demotion" in retaliation for alleging Brooks' misconduct, it looks like a duck, it walks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck.

The parents at RGHS are justifiably concerned that Rio is becoming a dumping ground for senior administrators that Brooks want to get rid of. The Journal reports, link,

"I hope he isn't thinking in his own mind that this is a dumping ground for disgruntled employees," said former state Sen. James Taylor, who is on the school's instructional council.

APS Executive Director of Communications admitted to the Journal that, the Rio position was one no one else wanted;

"That position has been open for the entire school year and no one has applied".

She went on to point out though,

"Ruby is an excellent choice for Rio Grande High School at this point."

The Journal reports;

Esther Rivera, an active Rio Grande parent, said she has always been impressed with Ethridge, but she also resents the implications of the transfer.
"For Winston Brooks to sort of use this school like Siberia — 'Ruby, we're going to send you to Siberia' — that really is indicative that this is a man who doesn't do things based on student needs. He's not making decisions based on the best fit for the school," Rivera said. "That really is very demeaning to the community."

The biggest stink in the whole situation wafts up from under the carpet where Ethridge's allegations have been swept.

Though bullying violates school board policy; the anti-bullying policy will be enforced only on student bullies. Like APS student and adult standards of conduct in general, students are held accountable to a higher standard of conduct than the adults who establish and enforce the higher standards upon them.

No one, including the Journal, is talking about beginning any independent investigation of Ethridge's allegations.