Parent Questions & Concerns Regarding KPES Leadership

Our child attends KPES and I am very concerned about what I have read and feel a complete investigation is warranted. From my experience, I feel the principal could strongly work on her ability to listen to parents when they have concerns and make everyone feel welcomed at KPES.

I do think that there were lack of communication for the recent KP player program. I don't know if it's related with the raised issues here.

As a new parent to KP, I'm shocked at the lack of visibility of the school principal - I've been to every parent event and she hasn't introduced herself or even been present at these events. As someone interested in achievement, I'm also concerned by her lack of interest in and transparency about academics and student results (she told the PTA that the test scores are "meaningless"). I'm also shocked that the majority of the content of her written communications to families in our newsletter has to do with the number of office referrals - surely this can't be the most important thing to inform and invest families in on a monthly basis.

NOT A STATEMENT OF FACT: More false information being disseminated. I really hope folks take the time to questions the information that they are receiving here. Maintaining outside employment as a MCPS employee does NOT, in itself, constitute an employee conflict of interest. See attached MCPS Regulation, Sec. 2, A-1 (and so forth): http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/gcara.pdf

9 years ago Featured

Please investigate these concerns. If true, they would help explain the poor communication, minimization of real problems, and lack of engagement demonstrated by the KP administration that we have seen for past 4 years.

Think an investigation is warranted. I was always shocked to see her driving up to school about 15 minutes before it started...

NOT A STATEMENT OF FACT: More unfair information being disseminated. I really hope folks take the time to questions the information that are receiving here (plus the above referenced site is simply a vehicle for lodging ethics complaints with Weichert Realtors). Maintaining outside employment as a MCPS employee does NOT, in itself, constitute an employee conflict of interest. See attached MCPS Regulation, Sec. 2, A-1 (and so forth): http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/gcara.pdf

After reading the complaints so thoroughly expressed by Bonetti, I was concerned. I did my own research, and reflected upon my own experience with Barbara Liess and the KP staff in general. I was unable to find anything compelling to support Bonetti’s allegations. In fairness, I did some research on Bonetti as well. Although I applaud a reasonable process of vetting such concerns, I don't like this one. This smells of defamation originating form a personal gripe, disguised as “ethical and professional concerns”. The majority of Bonetti’s concerns stem from Ms. Liess’ alleged use of “professional time or paid leave”, and “use of school resources” while representing herself as a Realtor outside of her employment as a principal for MCPS. He also alleges that she is widely unavailable to fulfill her MCPS responsibilities. Strong words, especially when proclaiming them to a community of parents who share deep concerns for the wellbeing of their children; however, his “concerns” are not backed by a single word of reasonable proof. Unlike so many who have expressed concern in response to Bonetti’s epistle, I agree that the allegations warrant further investigation, but I do not like seeing it played out in public email lists, or here, in this manner. If Bonetti’s concerns are valid as deemed by those authorized within the MCPS system, then corrective action will be taken; however, there is a process by which citizens can file a complaint with the Office of School Support and Improvement. That process does not require public declarations or petitions to get the attention of the Director of School Support and Improvement in our cluster. Regardless of the validity of these allegations, the side effects of this process being played out publically will likely harm Ms. Liess, permanently. I would have much rather have seen Bonetti address the issues through the designed channels with the school system, staying on board as PTA President, directing his skills

A clear statement of fact: the prinicpal is a real estate agent https://www.weichert.com/search/agents/AgentProfile.aspx?site=wdc&agent=0918D Montgomery County Public Ethics Law Sec. 19A-12 generally prohibits a public employee from engaging in any compensated activity other than County employment without approval http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ethics/oe/OERegsandReqs.html Government workers are prohibited from outside work to avoid possible conflicts of interest

Parent of 2 KP students. Since we have been at the school we have experienced a distinct lack of communication and professionalism from the administration. I was shocked to find out that Ms. Leiss has outside employment as a realtor, a job is essentially impossible to do in the limited hours outside of the school day. I absolutely feel that Ms. Leiss' conduct should be reviewed as far as her outside employment but also with regard to her engagement within the KP community.

After speaking with other parents, the concerns about Ms Liess's other job, and lack of attendance or involvement relative to other schools, warrant further investigation.

Parent of two current KP students.

Appreciate this effort to bring to light potential conflicts of interest. I've recently learned about additional incidents where the principal acted inappropriately - marketing and distributing advertising materials during school events, etc. As a KP parent, I have been struck at the lack of communication from the principal, especially when more serious issues such as assaults have occurred.

First I want to be informed before my name and signature to this petition is distributed to anyone. I would like to be anonymous as much as possible so that there are no ramifications for my child. I think that there should be a complete investigation. I also think there should be a clear work policy about the principle that should not allow any moonlighting. We expect and need 100% attention from our principal. I hope she was transparent and sought approval for her second job.

Our daughter attended KP between 3rd and 5th grade, and our son has been there since kindergarten and is now in 3rd grade.

Two current KP students.

With any concerns involving children an investigation should be done. There should be no issue with the administration if they are doing their job by the books. If anything they should welcome the inquiry as we have always been told it's an open door policy at KP!

I am concerned about the allegations against Ms. Liess. I am also saddened that she feels the need to supplement her income with outside employment (and I can't imagine how she manages it!). Our experience at KP so far has been good, but I agree with many of the others who have commented that Ms. Liess's does not seem to attend most of the events and meetings I personally am able to attend. I would like more information on this. I also think that the lack of communication on a number of school issues is unacceptable.

We started at KP this year, and have another child expected to join this Fall. We had no idea that our principal (which you would imagine should be one of the most time-intensive positions) was splitting her time with a second career in real estate. How much Weichert business should be conducted during school hours while a principal should be running a school and caring for our children? None, that's how much.

" As a KP parent, I believe allegations of misconduct by any staff members should be thoroughly and promptly investigated." ^^This.