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.
Advertisement
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.
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
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
- Opening this Saturday, June 27. Sister Act by Rockville Musical Theatre at The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater. Use code: MOCOFRIEND for 15% off regular price tickets!
- Who Will Win the Final At-Large County Council Seat? The Math Behind Montgomery County’s Closest Race
- Why the Montgomery County Executive Race Has Not Been Called Yet: The Math Behind the Jawando-Friedson Race
- What to Expect on Election Night in Montgomery County
- Hamza Khan – Candidate for County Council At-Large (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)
- Conflicting Accounts Emerge After Altercation at Bohrer Park Early Voting Site; Assault Summons Issued
- Sheriff Maxwell Uy Seeks Reelection, Highlights Experience, Leadership, and Community Service
- Montgomery County Student Reflects on Leadership, Service, and Friendship at Maryland HOBY Seminar
- Imagination Stage Announces 2026–2027 Season: A Year of Heroes, Hope, and Family-Friendly Musicals
- Kate Stein – Candidate for Maryland State Delegate, District 18 (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)
- MCPS Student Journalists Push Back Against Memo They Say Threatens Press Freedom
- George Lluberes – Candidate for House of Delegates (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)
- From Dugout to Discovery: Montgomery County Apprentice Finds a Second Act in Biotech
- Alec Stone – Candidate for Maryland State Delegate District 19 (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)
- Barbara Ebel – Candidate for Register of Wills (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)