Seeking Accountability: A Farquhar MS Family’s Tale During Joel Beidelman’s Reign

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.

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.

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!

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