Marlon Davis, who has been the principal of William Diamond Middle School in Lexington for 2.5 years, will no longer be the principal.
Diamond staff received an email from Julie Hackett, superintendent of Lexington Public Schools, on New Year’s Day, informing them that Davis “won’t be returning to Diamond,” without explanation.
“Unfortunately, there are times when a school isn’t a good match for a leader and vice versa,” Hackett told LexObserver.
Asked whether Davis was fired or left on his own accord, Hackett did not specify.
In her email to the middle school’s staff, Hackett wrote that Johnny Cole, LPS’s director of equity and student support, will be the interim principal at Diamond beginning on Jan. 2.
An anonymous source who works at Diamond told LexObserver staff met with Cole on Thursday morning to discuss the change in leadership. They said staff were “very frustrated” during the meeting “because there has not been much communication” about Davis leaving.
They said Cole told staff he could not expand on why Davis left Diamond “for legal reasons.”
In an email sent to Diamond staff after that meeting, Cole noted that Davis is safe.
A listing for the open position as principal of Diamond was posted on Thursday.
LexObserver was unable to reach Davis in time for publication.
This is a developing story.
Mr. Marlon Davis was a great principal at Diamond! Many parents are sad and frustrated for an abrupt departure. My kids are upset too.
I remember his first meeting with parents where he assured that the disciplinary issues will be resolved in no time. Some students’ behavior were very disruptive & disturbing prior his coming. Marlon said he’s negotiated a 3 year contract because he devotes his entire time and energy to being a great Principal, and would like to make sure the kids and the teachers feel supported and secure. Mr. Davis’s big presence in the school halls, always cheering students, high-fiving, asking about their life and progress. To any issues, he was very responsive and proactive. When my daughter was anxious about transitioning from Fiske to Diamond, he gave her a personal tour and made sure her worries were relieved. When we were concerned about the literacy program for 8th grade, he supported a team meeting to discuss the issues. Very caring, cheerful, protecting, like a Big Bear. He was one of the best Principals at LPS. My opinion, as a parent with kids over the last 26 years at LPS.
Lana, can you please share what some of the disturbing and disruptive behaviors were that you reference? Also, can you please let us know how they were handled prior to Mr. Davis‘s arrival at Diamond, if he was able to resolve the disciplinary issues, and, if so, how he was able to accomplish this? Thank you.
Those were dark times, 2021-2022 academic year. At least at Diamond since my child was there and I (and majority of the parents) were fully aware of the incidents. There were threats, fights, bulling, … to the point that some students had to stand up to protect their teachers. Clearly uncontrolled and very concerning. And that was my first request when Mr Davis joined September 2022 – make sure it’s his top priority. And he delivered! I’m not sure of all the actions, but I do know he walked the halls, got to know kids and adults, asked teachers to eat lunch with students in the cafeteria, visited classrooms. He’d say, parents are always welcome to visit the school – just come in and ask for me! The teachers would certainly know more details. But by the end of 2022, I and my kids felt safe, assured, welcomed, and supported. Magic.
So, why is he being ousted?
I believe LHS has a 2 millions dollar deficit in school budget. What is the plan to recover the deficit?
I was also wondering – if a contracted employee is let go, does the Town of Lexington have to pay their employee retirement?
Why is this such a secret? Why isn’t is clearly defined. By not having a clear reason it looks like something sketchy happened. Dancing around broad words. “Not a good fit” from the research I did he seems to have a quality record. Maybe Hackett is failing our community again. Who knows. There is not enough information. Maybe do some investigative journalism. Let’s go.