Silver Springs Parents Ask Northville School Board For Answers About Fate of Principal

Since the Northville school board's decision in April of principal Scott Snyder, several parents have rallied behind him.

At least 20 of those parents filled Northville's school board meeting Tuesday night to ask the board for answers about its decision and for more information about Snyder's future. In previous interviews, the board and principal Snyder have declined to discuss the specifics of what prompted the board's decision to reserve the right to end his contract.

A handful of parents spoke in support of Snyder on Tuesday night, all saying that parents were not consulted about the board's decision.

Parent Paul Kadesch said, "We have one of the top-performing elementary schools in the district. It is without question that Mr. Snyder has and continues to be part of that success ... We request that you let us know what definitive action steps you will put in place to prevent the loss of Mr. Snyder."

Another parent told the board that his family relocated to the district and that the reason they chose Northville was because of Snyder.

"We did a tour of the school with principal Snyder and from the first moment we met him, it was abundantly clear to our family that this was a great school led by a high-quality person," he said. "Clearly our family chose Silver Springs and we have not regretted it for a moment."

He added, "As parents we have not seen or heard any reason why principal Snyder should be anything but a highly regarded principal and kept in his position as long as he desires. The school board will have a very difficult time replacing principal Snyder."

Board member Ken Roth, speaking for the board, responded saying that the matter was given great consideration. He also thanked the parents for their feedback.

"As to any discussion regarding a specific administrator, or principal or teacher. We respect our teachers and administrators too much to go into specific details regard any personnel or student matter in a public forum," Roth said.

He added, without giving specifics, that principals are expected to "maintain a safe and positive learning environment within their buildings. We expect our principals to complete the important work of teacher evaluations in a timely fashion, to ensure that we are in compliance with the state and to ensure that students are receiving quality instruction. We expect school principals to maintain school files in an organized and professional manner. We expect school principals to be respectful and responsive in working with the superintendent and the central office leadership team."

Roth concluded saying, "When the teacher, student or principal does not engage in a fashion that does not meet these baseline expectations, we will hold them accountable."