The principal of David W. Carter High School announced his departure Sunday for another job, after parents, alumni and teachers spent weeks pushing for his removal.
Community members put forth several allegations against Principal Troy Tyson, spanning insufficient support for female athletes, lack of parent engagement and improper conduct. The Dallas Carter High Coalition Project — a group of Oak Cliff parents, alumni and teachers — led the efforts, and some touted Tyson’s leave as a victory.
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“There’s been a lot of sighs of relief and just thankfulness … This is definitely a step in the right direction,” said ReJohnna Lindzie, an organizer with the DCHC Project. She is also a former teacher at Carter High School.
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The DCHC Project sent two letters to Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde in October, demanding Tyson’s removal. Among their outlined grievances, parents alleged Tyson created a hostile work environment, did not provide equitable resources to female athletes and prevented PTA meetings from occurring on campus. Community members circulated a petition that garnered almost 500 signatures.
In a letter sent Sunday, Tyson said he accepted “a different opportunity with our district,” but did not specify what the job was. The document was also signed by Jonathan Smith, the regional director of Dallas ISD.
“It has truly been my privilege to serve this historic community and to stand alongside such dedicated educators, families, and most importantly, our exceptional Carter Cowboys,” Tyson said in the letter.
Lindzie said the DCHC Project will have a “watchdog mentality” to ensure Tyson does not get placed in a “powerful position.”
Tyson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Dallas ISD confirmed the letter and said it does not comment on personnel matters.
Tyson arrived at Carter High School in 2021. The school has an overall rating of C, as measured by Texas Education Agency’s A-F accountability system.
With Tyson’s departure, Vickie Mitchell, who once served as the area superintendent, will be the interim principal, according to the letter. She came out of retirement to be the interim principal of John Neely Bryan Elementary School.
“Ms. Mitchell will continue to focus on delivering excellent instruction and support for every student, every day,” Tyson wrote in the letter.
Lindzie said she is excited for new leadership to take the helm. “We want her,” Lindzie said of Mitchell.
The organizer said she hopes to see “strong women candidates,” like Mitchell, be considered for the position. As the DCHC Project looks ahead, they’re committed to finding the right leader, while advocating for transparency in the hiring process, Lindzie said.
The ideal candidate has a respected name, is community-focused, and brings a history with “moving schools data-wise, moral-wise,” she said.
“We’re not going to stop. We are going to be vigilant as it relates to ensuring that the next principal comes from a pool of qualified, skilled, dedicated, morally, ethically sound candidates,” Lindzie said.
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