Mr. Yarborough Resignation Carl Sandburg Middle School...

It would be a huge mistake to let Mr. Yarborough go. My children felt safe and cared for at Sandburg with Mr Yarborough as principal. He truly cares for our children, and our families. Please try to work it out!

I served as the co-chair for Carl Sandburg's Teacher Appreciation PTA Committee for 3 years. During that time, I worked with Mr. Yarborough on all of the staff events. He was without exception completely professional, passionate in his support of the teachers and staff, and fully committed to the school and larger community. I know that my older two sons were well prepared for their high school experiences at Thomas Jefferson and Gonzaga, because of Mr. Yarborough's tireless efforts on behalf of all students. I am heartsick that Mr. Yarborough will not be at the helm when my third son attends the school beginning in 2018. He is a man of character with an incredible work ethic. He was and is a role model for so many.

I have had two children go through Sandburg. I saw it evolve into a school of positive encouragement and reinforcement as well as accountability. Several years ago on a Friday before a break Mr. Yarborough heard that there was going to be either a fight or ruckus after school at the 7-11. He showed up and stood in the parking lot with his arms folded to hold HIS students accountable and to make sure there was no trouble. He cared about the kids.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) - I don't know the details of the situation that caused Mr. Yarborough to resign. However, I believe in second and even third chances. And I believe the number of chances should be in direct proportion to the difficulty of the job. Given the amount of time that passed from Mr. Yarbrough being put on leave, and his resignation, I question the thoroughness of the investigation and/or appeals process. As far as why I think Mr. Yarborough should be given another chance: My first encounters with Mr. Yarborough were before my older daughter, now a senior at West Potomac High School, entered Sandburg, not long after Mr. Y arrived. Friends told my wife and me that Mr. Yarborough was really improving the school, and soon, we could see for ourselves that was true. Having a second daughter finishing 8th grade at CSMS this year, my wife has gotten to know his strong leadership (in most cases, servant leadership) and dedication while she served on the PTSA. And I have gotten to know Mr. Yarborough in my capacity as race director for the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 Heroes Run, which has been held for two years in a row at CSMS, and is planned to be held again this September. 2015 was the first year there was a 9/11 Heroes Run in our local area, and Mr. Yarborough’s support was critical in making it a huge success. Mr. Yarborough worked directly with our race Committee, the FCPS and other stakeholders, as needed, to ensure a smooth planning process and execution of an event that attracted more than 1,500 runners, supporters and sponsors from nearby neighborhoods and farther afield, uniting to “honor the fallen by challenging the living,” while also coming together as a community to have fun. On race day, Mr. Yarborough was front and center demonstrating strong leadership by helping wherever needed. Travis Manion's mantra was, "If Not Me, Then Who..." and that's a statement I think Mr. Yarborough lives each day too. I mention my experience with him and

I do not know the details of the dismissal, but I do know that Mr. Yarborough is dedicated to the kids at Sandburg. Even if we did not always see eye-to-eye, I respect him. His job is difficult. People make mistakes. I believe he should have a second chance.

Mr. Yarborough's commitment to CSMS is evidenced by the immediate positive changes and strong leadership he brought. to a school that was once plagued by serious behavioral challenges. Both my children were fortunate to benefit from his vision in creating a positive and safe academic learning environment. His absence will truly be a huge loss for our community .

Don't let the defiance and disrespect of one student compromise the stability of over 1,500 students. Mr. Yarborough is highly respected in the community for bringing only positive change to Carl Sandburg. Most importantly, he is respected by the majority of students. Letting him go will allow disrespect and defiance to fester once again at Carl Sandburg MS. This is our 4th child and 7th year at CSMS. Positive behavioral and academic gains have been the hallmark of Mr. Yarborough's tenure.

Mr. Yarborough was a perfect fit for our community. He will be terribly missed.

This is truly an enormous loss to our community. Mr. Yarborough has spent several years building and engaging the Sandburg community and his unfortunate resignation will no question be a setback for our children and our community. We fully support Mr. Yarborough in all future endeavors. We thank him and want him to know that he will be sorely missed.

Mr. Yarborough is a strong leader whose love and genuine care for the CSMS students is evident. Both of my children (9th and 7th-graders) shared that he, in his morning announcements, would tell students that if no one has told them today, they are loved. That one simple message stuck with them and, I'm sure, many who needed to hear it.

I am so sad to see Mr Yarborough leave our school system. He has really brought so much improvement to a troubled school and the kids will be losing a great roll model and leader if he goes. He is amazing! It's a loss for Fairfax county to lose him.

The loss of Mr. Yarborough at Sandburg MS is a big concern for our family. We have 3 children in FCPS and our oldest is at CSMS. Every interaction we had with Mr. Yarborough was a positive one. He was a true asset to Fairfax County schools and his departure is a huge loss to the school.

Don't let this man go!!! He's an amazing principle. This would be a huge loss and mistake to the community!!!

We have nothing but praise for Mr. Yardborough. He is an incredibly effective principal and educator, but more important, he is an excellent example of professionalism for our students. What a loss for our community, especially for the students.

The loss of Mr. Yarborough is causing great concern about the stability and continuity of Sandburg going forward as the school was widely received in a positive manner in the community. He will be hard to replace.

I have had 4 kids go through Sanburg. Two before Mr Yarborough and two during his tenure. I saw VAST improvements when he arrived. I was impressed with him as an administrator as well as a role model for kids. I even subbed there for 2 years and respected him from that aspect as well. I am disappointed that West Po and Sandburg will have to start over.

We are so sad to see this asset to Carl Sandburg go. Mr. Yarborough will be sorely missed!

We need to support our staff, not vilify them!

I have 4 children--2 who attended CSMS before his tenure and 2 after. I can personally attest to the remarkable difference he made to our school. Mr. Yarborough has been engaged and invested in improving our students education and their learning environment. He truly deserved his "New Principal of the Year" commendation" for the changes he quickly brought about. This is such a loss for our school community and for education in FCPS.

Tracy Dunn