A reader wrote in to share their terrible experiences at Farquhard MS with Joel Beidelman as principal without revealing their identity… The full incident details are quite severe, but details have been removed to protect identities.
For those not familiar with the current events surrounding Joel Beidelman, he was recently promoted by MCPS and the BOE and then was put on administrative leave after The Washington Post reported he was sexually harassing teachers (among other allegations). MCPS responded by hiring a law firm they have previous ties with which has left parents, teachers, and others still wanting a truly independent investigation.
My middle schooler faced significant challenges last academic year at their school, with little response from the administration. We confronted a legal situation involving another student, and my child felt isolated as protective measures at the school seemed absent. Even with tangible evidence of the incidents that were circulated online, no actions were taken.
Advertisement
The former principal displayed a lack of empathy and understanding, leading me to withdraw my child from the school in the spring due to inaction and continuous peer harassment. I felt my child becoming more distant every day.
Advertisement
Advertisement
I engaged in prolonged discussions with the school board to medically excuse my child for mental well-being and secure any academic assistance. After an extended period, the regulations were amended allowing a healthcare professional to approve the necessary documentation. The ex-principal’s primary advice was to transfer my child out of the current system and reintroduce them to high school later instead of any viable support as an option. This has led to significant academic setbacks for my child.
I always had reservations about the ex-principal’s approach. This revelation is unsurprising. If he remains in his new position, I’ll be genuinely shocked. Accountability is crucial!
Recent Posts
- Wootton’s Arts Legacy at Risk: Beloved Teachers Face Involuntary Transfer
- Sign up for the Second Annual Inspire Life 5k/Fun Run
- The Show Must Go On: Supporting Theatre in MCPS
- The Maryland Forward Party: Reimagining Democracy, Starting in Montgomery County
- Upcoming Public Information Meetings on Public Schools Boundary Studies
- MCFRS March Madness 2025 – Predict the Busiest Station with MyDronePro
- Audit Raises Questions of Grift as Zombie Non-Profit Gets $25 Million as MD Governor Slashes Disability Services
- Opinion: Don’t Ban Cell Phones Until You, MCPS and BOE, Can Keep Kids Safe and Out of Lockdown
- The Mendoza Siblings: Speed, Smarts & A Full-Throttle Schedule
- ‘Bethesda Dog Walkers’ Discounts for Federal Employees amid Return to Office
- New Livestream Podcast and Local Ad Offerings
- Prepare For Performance: Why Athletic Development and Injury Reduction Trumps More Sport Specific Training
- Save the CASE Program: Ensuring a Bright Future for MCPS Students in Agriculture
- Grassroots Maryland Group Advocates for Common Community Homeowners Governed by HOAs and Condo Associations: CHARM
- More Snow on the Way – NWS issues Winter Storm Watch Sunday for parts of Montgomery County MD