Ranking system causes controversy among Broward principals

BROWARD, Fla. (WSVN) -- A controversial new evaluation system has the top administrator at a South Florida high school being shown the door.

A new ranking system that has about 50 school principals from Broward County on a list is causing major controversy. "By this criteria, which was not scientifically established, it's really not defensible because it's so subjective," said executive director of the Broward Principle Association Lisa Maxwell.

The county is now using their own grading system separated from the state. Maxwell, executive director of the Broward Principals' and Assistants' Association wrote a letter to all school leaders saying, "I'm saying it's a hit list. Absolutely, without a doubt," she said. "No doubt in my mind, and I've been doing this for 20 years."

One of the principals on the list is Stoneman Douglas High School principal Washington Collado. "These are some of our top principals, and looking at the names on this list, they do all have something in common. These are strong principals who stood up to the unions when the union attempted to interfere with the school," said Maxwell. "They stood up to the area office."

According to the Washington Post and Newsweek, they named Stoneman Douglas High School as one of the top schools in the nation. The school is an "A" school and is now at risk of loosing their principal. Students and parents are very upset. "He is a really nice man, and I don't think they should be picking on him," said student Amanda Hall.

Maxwell blames Broward Superintendent Robert Runcie's staff for creating the list. "If he is low-performing, then every single school in Broward County is low-performing," said Maxwell.

"Something needs to be done. Something must be done," said Maxwell.

7News has not received any response back from anyone at the district.

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