involved at SA

Don't be so quick to judge. The organizational structure previously spelled out told us that there is a heirarchy of educators on staff - teachers, division heads and a director of curriculum and instruction. The Head of School is the one who makes the business decisions. After several years of serving on the Board of Trustees and several serving as the Chair of that Board, Ms. Fisher is well qualified for the role. No, it's not traditional; but it is more effective this way. Traditional Heads of School in the past have tried to do it all and it wasn't successful. This new structure allows for a division of talent where it's needed. It's a good step forward for the school.

New in Town

We just moved here, and I don't get it. Why would this woman be in charge of a school with only a banking background? She doesn't even qualify to teach in public schools! Must be money and connections! Private schools from where we moved from would faint!

bess

Does anyone really think that the comment by Diane Fisher is really from Diane Fisher. I dont think so!

Parent

As a parent of a student at the school, I have to say Lynn is right. The challenge is not there academically, and that is our main reason for leaving at the end of the year, in our opinion. Secondarily, our concerns with Mrs. Fisher's lack of professional knowledge is also a concern. The response posted here is an example of what we consider to be lack of professionalism and objectivity.

current sa parent

My child has attended SA for many years and this by far has been the best so far concerning leadership from a headmaster. I think a lot of people have gotten on here to spread nasty little lies and that means they are nasty little people. I have taught public school in Rowan County before having children and I would not send my kids anywhere else. It is a financial sacrifice we are willing to make and we feel it is worth every penny. Mrs. Fisher has been a leader in our school in many different capacities over the years and I hope and pray she will continue in her current role for many many years to come. It is unfair and cowardly to leave negative bogus comments. Obviously they are posted by people who have nothing to do with our school.

Overreacting

Isn't that just a bit of an overreaction? People are entitled to their opinions and comments. You seem a bit overly sensitive.

LTL

Diane, Don't respond to the people on this anonymous forum. This is a small town and unfounded rumors run wild. It's truly not worth your time.

MICKEY

Looks like the white folks have drama to and I LOVE IT!!!

To Diane Fisher

Lady, you don't owe anyone an apology. The only apologies that need to be made are from the ones who obviously show their ignorance of the situation. If I were you, it would just make me that more determined to make Salisbury Academy the best school it can possibly be. With the test score results that the public schools report each year, trust me, it won't be a difficult goal to accomplish. I wish you all the best in your new endeavor.

Linda

I don't think you have anything to apologize for, if the committee did not think you were capable of doing the job, you would not have got the position, so keep doing what you are doing and gurl again I love that jacket, now where did you get it from.

Diane Fisher

These things I know for sure: 1. The negative comments directed at me have hurt so many more. I would like to apologize to the Search Committee who unanimously voted for me to head Salibury Academy for another year; and to the Board of Trustees who unanimously accepted the motion from the committee. To all of you who reviewed letters of application, resumes and recommendations of candidates from across the USA (and some from outside the USA)and chose me; I apologize. To the faculty and staff who have given me unanimous support; I apologize. To those parents, alumni and supporters in the community, and all those who love Salisbury Academy as much as I do; I apologize for bring on so many negative comments about the school in a public forum. 2. Dr. Jean Owen has strengthened our school through her vast knowledge of curriculum and instruction. She has re-structured our middle school to improve student/teacher relationships and increased the focus on learning. Over the past two years, she has led our faculty through the development of a comprehensive curriculum matrix for the first time since our much-admired founder was at the school - Georgi Goss. (Thank you, Georgi!) She has mentored our faculty in the classroom and helped them hone their craft to reach all kinds of learners that our school serves. She has supported me in my role so that I can focus on the business aspects of running a top-knotch educational program for those families in Salisbury and surrounding areas who want a choice in education. 3. More non-public school are going to an administrative model where there is one person who oversees the business of the school (like a college president)an another who oversees curriculum and instruction (like a college dean). It makes sense to have these two different skill sets available to strengthen the program. 4. Rumors are immediately hurtful and take time to prove themselves false. This summer when my position was announced, there was a rumor that "at least eight" of our faculty were going to leave the school because of the change in headship. Not one left. If there are families who are planning to leave the school because of my "lack of qualification", I have not heard of it. In fact I have heard just the opposite. People are telling me and the Board of Trustees that this is the best year the school has had in a long time. If there are parents who have a concern, though, I hope you will call the school and make an appointment to speak with Dr. Owen, if not me, before you decide to leave the school. You should know what you would be giving up. 5. Our long-time Division Heads are just as committed as ever and comment often that they appreciate and enjoy the support they receive from Dr. Owen and me. The four of us bring different strengths to the program and make a good administrative team. 6. The learning and exploring that go on in the classrooms at Salibury Academy are more than most programs; and the environment in the school is lively and fun, yet respectful. What goes on inside the school is outstanding. It is wonderful place to work and learn. 7. Salisbury Academy is not for everyone. Isn't that the great thing about the freedom to choose? It is wonderful that Salisbury has many options for education. I wonder if people were asked to submit their real names to their posts, if they would have the courage to do so. This anonymous forum carries with it the disclaimer that they "cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted" is well warranted. It is also unfortunate that someone would use the forum for those purposes. Comments cannot be taken back once written. My bottom line? For heaven's sake, if you don't like my being Head of School at Salibury Academy, send a letter to the school's address, to the Board of Trustees who hired me and tell them why. Know in advance though, that they don't read letters that aren't signed.

Current Parent

I am a current parent at SA, and I have to say there are many unhappy parents since the change. I agree, I know several families planning to leave as soon as their contracts are up. Mostly I hear complaints about her lack of qualifications for the job. I think the school is going down hill fast!

Around Town

Have heard throughout Salisbury that many families are looking elsewhere for next year because of the new leadership. Know of at least 11 families myself leaving. People do not have confidence in this person to run a school well, and are seeing many problems already in the school, including no sympathy towards parents whose children are in need of anything above the expected.

BHark

Diane will do an excellent job. I am so excited to have her take this role. It's obvious most of the posters below dont know what they are talking about.

County Citizen

Judging by the disipline problems in the public schools, I would say that those with all of the education credentials seem to be unable to handle discipline very well. Private schools feel a much needed gap in our education system. They do far more with far less money than the public education system does. Our Rowan County education system has a bloated adminstrative staff that should be reduced.

Friend of Salisbury Academy

On staff at Salisbury Academy is a Director of Curriculum and Instruction with forty years of experience in the field of education. Dr. Jean Owen's expertise complements Mrs. Fisher's business knowledge of the school. This is a combination that can't be beat! Ask anyone at Salisbury Academy this year; these women make an outstanding team. With these two very capable, long-time, well-respected Salisburians at the helm, this school is better than it's been in a long time. I am proud of the present and encouraged for the future of Salisbury Academy.

Former SA parent

I have no doubt she will do a great job smiling and recuiting parents to the school, she will be unable to retain them however. Her lack of experience, education and training for the position will be reflected in her inability to effectively manage the inner workings of the school. She has no idea what is approprite or effective disciplinary techniques, and I must wonder if she is even aware of what's legal and not? Nor would she know how to support challenging students. This school does not like any student that stands out from the rest in any way, and is raising a group of followers rather than leaders and independent thinkers. I would never send my child to a school where the person in charge of discipline has only a banking background, that's just scary!

SA parent

Visit SA, take a tour, observe a class, talk to students and staff. You'll see an exceptional learning environment - a result of the vision of SA's founders, terrific teachers, engaged families and Diane Fisher's leadership and management.

sa parent

I have a student at SA and have been very very happy with our experience. My child is excited to go to school each day and I feel welcome and encouraged to take part in school and community activities during the year. Mrs. Fisher stands outside the school each morning greeting children (even when it is freezing cold or raining). The kids know she cares about them and they love her for it. About the person asking about a high school....I would love for SA to have a high school! As I understand it, creating a high school is extrememly hard due to funding and accredidations but if SA were ever to open one, I would be the first to sign up.

libby

why doesnt Sacred Heart and SalisburyAcademy have high school??? Huh,Huh.... come on, somebody say something!!

anita

about the 13 yr old pregnant private school girl..... Mom teaches at private school and dad is a pastor. Mom and Dad sure didnt do anything wrong. Could it have been the schools fault??

former SA parent

Private school kids may be shocked when they go to public high schools, but they go on to excel. At Salisbury High this year the student body President and Vice President are both former Salisbury Academy students. You'll see Salisbury Academy and Sacred Heart kids leading athletic teams as well. That's not frightening to me at all!

To Anita

Yes, those things do happen in private schools but fortunately, it is very few and far between. It's not an epidemic like it is in the public school system. Think about what's been in the news the last few months with the high school in Massachusetts. Some high schools are starting to offer day care services for the unwed mothers wanting to continue their education. The public school system wouldn't offer those services for just one or two. They are offering it because it is becoming a huge problem in the public system.

To RAS

The public school system is doing an excellent job teaching our children academically? Really?Have you SEEN the end-of-grade test scores for public schoolers??? They are horrible! Now go do some research on end-of-grade scores for private schoolers and home schoolers. They are very high. Public schools CANNOT compete with private schools and home schooling. If they could, the NEA wouldn't fight so hard against the school voucher system.

parent of SA alumni

While Mrs. Fisher does not have a degree in Education she know the business of that school from the inside out. Mrs. Fisher made the wise choice to hire a Director of Curriculum and Instruction with 40 years of experience and a doctorate in Education. I think she's a pretty smart business woman and the school is lucky to have her. Lynn, you might want to take a new look at the school.

Anita

A family that I know had both kids at Rockwell Christian since pre-school. Wonderful, polite children. Then the unspeakable happened. The 13 year old girl became pregnant. Total Shocker to friends, family, church, community. 'Things' can happend to private school kids just as good as public school kids.

Definitely in favor of private schools

You can bet that public school teachers will be critical. My children, who attended private schools for several years still remember after 20 years our neighbor who was a public school teacher. When our kids were selling items for a fund raiser, the public school teacher would never buy anything "because she only supported the public schools". Well, some may say the private school shelters students. Do you know what, there is nothing wrong with that. Our family shelters our children. We determine what they will be exposed to (at least to a large extent). We don't take them to bars and topless joints. We don't take them to drinking parties and gampbling places where they may be taken advantage of. If you are not sheltering your children, then you are not much of a parent. In fact I shelter my wife. I don't take her to places where others will make snide sexaul remarks about her, or use raunchy language in front of her. In fact, I shelter myself as well. I stay away from places that will tear down character and moral standards. Do you allow your 16 year old daughter dating 25 year old men? That is sheltering her. Do you allow your 12 year old son to go to places where beer and hard liquor are being consumed by all? You are sheltering him. Besides all of this, I don't care what others think is right or wrong, I will have the guts to do what I think is right for my children. God will not hold others accountable for my children, but will hold me accountable. And to top it off, especially for you liberal Democrats, your leader is sending his kids to a private school, so it must certainly be alright!!

Lynn

thank you for correcting me on that. sometimes my fingers get to typing so fast, and I forget to check my work before i hit 'submit'. I do remember learning in second grade that Prinipal is spelled with 'pal' because our Principal is our 'pal'. Please check my other comments to make sure everything is correct. You have a blessed day.

To RAS and Public School Parent

Hmmm, sheltered from what? Let's see . . . Maybe they are sheltered from vulgar language. Maybe they are sheltered from homosexual endoctrination. Maybe they are sheltered from being bombarded with rude, disrespectful behavior all day long. Maybe they are sheltered from bullies. Maybe they are sheltered from getting beat up in the school bathroom. Maybe they are sheltered from premarital sex. Maybe they are sheltered from drugs and alcohol. I'll take my kids being sheltered any day of the week over putting them with the masses in the public school system. By the way, my kids are home schooled and sooooo far ahead of the public school system in math, reading, writing, etc. My children know how to look an adult in the eye and give a firm handshake. My kids know how to carry on an intelligent conversation with people of all ages, young and old. My children can talk with you about politics, current events, religion, you name it and hold their ground. They are not lemmings of the public school system. They are not fed their curriculum, told to memorize it, then regurgitate it on a test only to be forgotten a week later. They are independent thinkers. They treat people with respect. Yes, there are public school kids like this also. I actually know a few personally, but unfortunately, they are few and far between. In the public schools, you have very few parents (percentage wise) who are actually involved with their child's education. They have no idea what is going on their child's education. Home schooling parents are involved 100 percent with their child's education and private schoolers also have a very high rate of parental involvement. What better environment to be in to educate a child! By the way, I KNOW what I'm talking about. I am a former educator in the R-S School System which is why I believe home schooling and private schooling is the best option for children if you can afford them that luxury.

Private School Parent

To the posters who believe that children who attend private school do not get a "taste" of the real world; you might want to hold your opinions unless you actually have had children in private school. Just because you have heard things doesn't make them true. My son attends First Assembly in Concord because the public school he attended in Salisbury was a JOKE! He had the most horrible excuse for a teacher and teacher's assistant in first grade that I think could be possible. Because of his experience in that classroom (my experience as well) I chose to move him in the middle of the school year just to get him out of that environment. When I moved him to private school I was a little worried that he would be "sheltered" and wouldn't know about the real world, but that isn't the case. First Assembly is a large school that has daycare through high school and over 1200 students. He is in one of the 3 2nd grade classes and they are all "normal" class sizes. The only things he is sheltered from is not seeing children come to school with their pants down around their knees, hearing profanity all day long in the halls and having to be taught about things that our family morals don't line up with. Putting your children in private school is no more "sheltering" them from the real world that not allowing a 7 year old to sit and watch an R-rated movie with nudity, profanity, violence, drugs, etc. Furthermore, private schools offer a "better" education than the public schools can due to the curriculum that some of them use. You may not agree with that and that is perfectly fine; but, in my experience seeing my child have different spelling words each week (not only different but actually more challenging) vs. having the same words over and over again because 2 or 3 kids haven't caught on yet is a "better" education. If you choose to leave your children in public school that is great...I had a public education and I turned out fine, but don't put down those of us who feel that private school is better for our family.

linda

Diane Fisher I love that jacket, where did you get it from

Carmen Dilligard

Lynn, the correct usage is principal not principles. Principal is the head of a school. Principles are rules, standards, or expectations. The new leader will do a good job. Experience is the best teacher. I know teachers with a teaching certificate that I would not allow to teach my dog. So don't rely so heavily on the teaching certificate. Think about the ability to work with people and receiving on the job training.

Public school parent

You are so right. These children are sheltered in private schools. Unless they are involved in other activities outside of school - other than church - they are in for a real shocker when they hit the public school. Their only option for private school beyond Salisbury Academy since it only goes through the eighth grade is North Hills Christian on hwy 601, other then that it's off to the public school in the real world with the 'other' children.

RAS

I don't know Mrs. Fisher but it seems she would do a good job as far as private schools go. What is frightening is how these children who attend private schools are sheltered from the real world. A real world education best prepares them for real life. Our public schools do a great job academically with our children while providing diversity necessary for a well-rounded life.

Former Teacher

Some of the very best schools in the county are completey run by parents, who also do the teaching. HOME SCHOOLS!! One of the big problems with our schools is they are so inbred it is pitiful. Most of the time no teachers or admistrators have ever worked for a living or held a job outside of the education system. Soa ll the know is "book learning". Fisher will do just fine. Besides, did you know that the instructors at Rowan Tech are not required to have a teaching certificate? Horrors!! How can they teach without one? Some of the best teachers have great work experience and a good education, but no teaching certificate. They do just fine. We don't inbreed animals because it produces weakness in the offsping. The same is true of our education system.

Lynn

I am confused. This new head of school has a bachelor's degree in business, work experience in banking, tireless volunteer and that qualifies her to be head of one of the most expensive and "elite" private schools in NC? Salisbury Academy promotes themselves on academic excellence, yet their new leader doesnt have a teaching degree of any kind? Most public school principles have master's degrees! I would think most prespective SA parents would question this, I would if I planned to lay out that kind of money for an education! Why is Salisbury Academy lowering standards? Or are they just having trouble getting people to stay in that slot? That school seems to have gone downhill academically since its original head of school, Georgie Goss left.