A principal at a prominent Dallas high school has been placed on leave and is now the subject of a district investigation following a controversial meeting held exclusively with Black students. Dallas ISD officials confirmed that an interim principal has been appointed at Woodrow Wilson High School as they review the incident that has sparked concern among parents and the wider school community.
Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett, who has led the school for three years, is at the center of the inquiry. The meeting, which took place during an advisory period last week, reportedly focused on the academic performance of Black students and its connection to the school's overall accountability rating.
Key Takeaways
- Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett has been placed on leave.
- An investigation was launched after she held a meeting exclusively with the school's Black students.
- Parents report students were told their academic performance was the reason for the school's 'B' rating.
- Danielle Petters, a veteran Dallas ISD administrator, has been named interim principal.
District Confirms Investigation, Appoints Interim Leader
In a letter sent to parents and teachers on Monday, Dallas ISD officials announced the leadership change and confirmed an investigation into what they described as a “recent incident” at the campus. Aaron Aguirre-Castillo, an executive director for the district, named Danielle Petters as the interim principal for the high school.
Petters is a long-time administrator within Dallas ISD, having previously served as the principal of J.L. Long Middle School, a feeder school for Woodrow Wilson. She has worked in the district for over three decades and has experience coaching other school leaders.
The district's letter did not provide specific details about the incident but stated that officials would “continue to review the details.”
Principal Acknowledges Meeting Was 'Not Appropriate'
In a separate letter to families, Principal Hooper-Barnett addressed the situation, acknowledging that the meeting she held “caused concern within our school community.”
“The decision to hold that meeting and subsequent discussion that transpired was not appropriate. I take full ownership and responsibility for what occurred, and I want to assure you that it was never my intent to single out or cause harm to any group of students,” Hooper-Barnett wrote.
She added that she is “committed to learning from this and rebuilding the trust that has been shaken.” In her letter, Hooper-Barnett also stated she would “do what is best for our campus, even if that means stepping aside to allow for healing and growth.”
Woodrow Wilson High School at a Glance
- Student Population: Nearly 2,000 students during the 2023-24 school year.
- Black Student Population: 6% of the total student body.
- Accountability Rating: The school currently holds a 'B' rating from the state.
Parents Express Outrage and Call for Action
The incident came to light for many parents through their children. Jennifer Bush, the mother of a sophomore at the school, said her son told her he was pulled from his class to attend an assembly with all of the school's Black students.
“He said that Principal Barnett stated that those students, the Black students, were the reason why the school had a B rating,” Bush said. She described her reaction as “livid,” noting that her son maintains a 3.5 GPA and is enrolled in advanced placement and college-level courses.
Bush feels the principal's actions have caused significant harm. “These kids need to know that they’re enough. I don’t even know how you resolve this and take it back, because the damage has been done,” she explained. She expressed her hope that Hooper-Barnett would not be reinstated, stating that a fundamental trust has been broken between the administration, parents, and students.
She is now calling for district leaders to hold a town hall meeting to address parental concerns directly. “We can have a conversation and try to see how to move forward,” Bush said. “If we’re all striving for a goal, let’s do that together, and let’s not single out children.”
Understanding School Accountability Ratings
In Texas, public schools receive an A-F rating based on a combination of factors, including student achievement on standardized tests (STAAR), academic growth, and how well the school closes learning gaps among different student groups. A 'B' rating indicates commendable performance, but many schools strive for an 'A' for exemplary performance. These ratings can influence public perception and administrative priorities.
A Focus on Healing and Moving Forward
The future leadership of Woodrow Wilson High School remains uncertain as the Dallas ISD investigation proceeds. Principal Hooper-Barnett has been an educator for 22 years and was previously recognized multiple times as a Teacher of the Year for her work with special education students before becoming an administrator.
For now, the school community is looking to Interim Principal Danielle Petters to guide them through this period. Parents like Jennifer Bush emphasize the need for a collaborative approach to improving the school, one that involves the entire community without isolating any particular group of students.
The district has not yet provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation or a final decision regarding Hooper-Barnett’s position at the school.
