Damascus Principal Resigns Amid Football Rape Scandal
Casey Crouse, Damascus High School
In an unexpected turn of events, the principal of Damascus High School resigned earlier today. Casey Crouse has been the principal at Damascus since her appointment in June, 2017.
In a letter Crouse sent home today, she stated the decision to transition from her role as principal to another position in the school system was a personal decision made in the best interest of the school community and herself. She said, “The horrific incident of October 31 has demanded significant attention from school and system leadership.”
Crouse was referring to the locker room incident involving some of the junior varsity football team members which resulted in four students charged with rape.
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has assigned Mr. Kevin Yates to serve as acting principal beginning May 13. Yates is currently serving as principal intern at Julius West Middle School.
Letter to the Damascus High School community from Casey Crouse:
“Dear Damascus Students, Staff and Families,
“I am writing to share a personal decision with you that affects our community. Effective immediately, I am transitioning out of my role as principal to another position in MCPS.
“This decision has been extremely difficult for me and one that I did not take lightly. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together over the last two years. Together we have worked to improve student learning outcomes, celebrate our students and each other and to reinforce our commitment to success for all students. I have experienced so many moments of joy watching our amazing students learn from some of the most dedicated teachers in the county. We have seen significant student progress toward meeting both the math and literacy goals. Our special education students continue to make progress towards meeting their IEP goals. We have also brought ESOL programming to Damascus High Schools so that our students with language learning needs can remain at their home school.
“In the end, I made this decision because I believe it is what is best for the Damascus High School community and me. The horrific incident of October 31 has demanded significant attention from school and system leadership and has drawn ongoing negative media attention. Despite this attention, the focus inside the school during the school day has never wavered. However, it has become clear that in order for Damascus High School to move forward, it will require new school leadership. I have had several discussions with MCPS leadership in recent weeks and they support my decision.
“MCPS leadership has asked me to share that Mr. Kevin Yates, a current principal intern at Julius West Middle School, will serve as acting principal beginning May 13, 2019 and for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Yates has extensive experience as both a high school and middle school administrator. Our community will have opportunities to hear from and about Mr. Yates in the coming days.
“It has been my honor to serve as your principal. I have done my best to serve with strength, passion, professionalism and integrity. I have truly enjoyed getting to know the staff, students and families. Thank you for your support through all that we have experienced together. I wish each of you only the best moving forward.
“Sincerely,
Casey Crouse”
Thanks this is good