Reggie Richardson

Embattled New Rochelle High School Principal Reggie Richardson Resigns

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In a long anticipated outcome, Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne announced today that New Rochelle High School Principal Reginald Richardson has resigned his position.

Richardson was hired as Principal in July 2013. He was named “Administrator of the Year” in 2017 by the Empire State Supervisor and Administrator’s Association. He was told to look for another job in February 2018 following a rash of student-on-student violence. His resignation is effective August 20th.

“The District will begin an immediate search for his replacement,” said Osborne.

Richardson will take a position with the New York City Department of Education.

“It has been my honor to serve as leader of one of the great American high schools,” said Richardson in an open letter to the New Rochelle High School Community. “I am so very proud of the work that we have done together and what we have been able to accomplish.”

Commenting on the events that led to his departure — a breakdown in school discipline, sharp criticism by the teachers union, student-on-student school violence including the fatal stabbing of Valaree Schwab, a grade-fixing scandal to artificially inflated graduation rates and more — Richardson described the past year as “one of incredible challenges”. 

OSBORNE EMAIL:

July 20, 2018

Dear New Rochelle community,

I am writing to inform you that New Rochelle High School Principal Reginald Richardson has announced that he will be leaving the City School District of New Rochelle to take a position with the New York City Department of Education.

He will hold the position of Director of School Quality, responsible for reviewing and rating schools and for training principals. His last day at New Rochelle High School will be August 20.

Below, you will find a letter that Mr. Richardson has written to the community.

The District will begin an immediate search for his replacement and will work closely with the strong staff at NRHS to ensure a smooth opening of the school year in September.

Mr. Richardson has served NRHS with devotion since becoming principal in July, 2013. Please join me in thanking him for his contributions to the City School District of New Rochelle and in wishing him well in his new endeavor.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian G. Osborne

Superintendent

 

RICHARSON EMAIL:

July 20, 2018

Dear New Rochelle High School Community,

Last week, I was offered the opportunity by the New York City Department of Education to serve as the Director of School Quality.  I am writing to inform you that I have accepted this position.

It has been my honor to serve as leader of one of the great American high schools. I am so very proud of the work that we have done together and what we have been able to accomplish.

Over these past five years we have been able to:

  • Increase the number of Dual Enrollment College opportunities for students and increase the number of students of color participating in these programs.  (This includes programs such as the Step-up Program with Westchester Community College that helps participating students avoid the need for remediation once they are enrolled in college and the partnership with Syracuse University that awards our students college credits for Calculus and Differential Equation courses).
  • Develop strong partnerships with community-based organizations such as Girls Inc., the Guidance Center of Westchester, the Links Inc., the Westchester Clubman and so many others.
  • Open a school-based mental health clinic.
  • Increase the number of students who are enrolled in our Advanced Placement course offerings.
  • Institute high leverage instructional practices such as Accountable Talk and Writing to Learn.
  • Develop a strong Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) program to expand the pathways to graduation for all of our students, particularly those with special needs.
  • Expand Science Research into a full scale program.
  • Create an innovative video and film program using iPads and mobile devices.
  • Dramatically expand access and integration of technology into classrooms.
  • Create an award-winning robotics program.
  • Create the first My Brother’s Keeper program in Westchester County. Through this program, we have been able to partner with almost every government, civic and community-based organization in the city to improve outcomes for hundreds of students, particularly young men of color.

There are certainly many more accomplishments that I could point to, but I believe that the most important outcome of our work together has been providing our students with a belief in the power of their own voices and instilling in them a confidence that allows them to advocate for themselves and others.

Although this past year has been one of incredible challenges, I have been inspired by the resilient spirit that this school community has demonstrated.  It is a reflection of your unwavering commitment to provide our students with the best of yourselves.

Of all the things that I will miss about New Rochelle High School, I am certain that I will miss my amazing students most of all. 

Thank you to all of the administrators, teachers, support staff, community members, government officials, clergy members and business owners for the incredible support and love that you give to our school and the children of this community every day.  I am humbled and deeply appreciative to have had the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Reginald Richardson

Principal, New Rochelle High School