Dallas principal replaced after meeting with Black students – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A Dallas high school has named a new interim principal as the district reviews what it called a “recent incident.”

Parents and students at Woodrow Wilson High School say that the incident was a meeting held by Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett with only Black students, during which she allegedly blamed them for the school’s state accountability rating.

In a letter to families on Monday, the school announced an interim leader had been appointed.

“It happened very quickly, which is great,” said Jennifer Bush, whose son is a sophomore at the school.

Bush said her son was among more than 100 Black students called into the auditorium on Friday.

“Principal Barnett had told them they were the reason the school had a B rating, I guess with the TEA,” Bush said. “And she said it in a derogatory manner.”

Bush said the meeting later turned into a discussion about creating a Black social club, which she said did not make sense to her.

“I told him I’m going to call the school tomorrow,” Bush said.

Before she had the chance, Bush said, the school was already aware of parents’ concerns.

In a letter sent Sunday, Hooper-Barnett wrote, “The decision to hold the meeting and the discussion that transpired was not appropriate. I take full ownership and responsibility for what occurred, and I want to assure you that it was never my intent to single out or cause harm to any group of students.”

She continued, “I understand my actions and decisions have caused disappointment and frustration, and for that, I sincerely apologize.”

“I was shocked because I know that Principal Barnett is a Black woman, so I was really shocked she would say something like that,” Bush said.

While the school reviews details of the incident, Danielle Petters — a former executive director of the Woodrow Wilson Vertical Team and former principal at J.L. Long Middle School — will serve as interim principal.

In a letter to families, Aaron Aguirre-Castillo, executive director of the Woodrow Wilson Vertical Team, wrote, “As you may know, a recent incident occurred on our campus that does not reflect the values and expectations of our school community. Please know that we hear your concerns and are taking the necessary steps to address this matter thoughtfully and thoroughly.”

According to Hooper-Barnett’s biography on the school website, she is in her third year as principal and began her education career 22 years ago with Dallas ISD.

Neither Hooper-Barnett nor Dallas ISD responded to NBC 5’s request for comment.