Ashland Ranch Elementary School

I was shocked to see Bill Roth nominated as Rookie Principal of the Year. A parent, a superintendent, and a staff member had to write letters vouching for him. Criteria #5 states As a leader, act to produce a positive climate, high morale among students, staff, and colleagues . The morale and climate at Ashland is beyond pitiful. Parent volunteering is down considerably. Mr. Roth is arrogant and aggressive in his responses when dealing with parents. He rolls his eyes and makes faces while listening to students. He does not treat our community with respect and he treats his staff even worse. Enrollment is down by 150 in the last 2 years. How did this man get those 3 letters? Everyone knows he is best buddies with our superintendent- so he obviously vouched for him as any good friend would. The parent who vouched for him screams lawsuit whenever she does not get her way, so he gives her what she wants, EVEN if it means the other kids in her child's class have to lose out on their learning time. The teacher letter for this award was made up, as I don t know of one teacher in the school that supports him in that manner. This man does not belong in our neighborhood school.
--Submitted by a parent

The school website does not accurately describe this school as Oceanography, Project Greenlight, et al are no longer available and the classes are NOT 20 students per class. It's an average of 30 now, some with 35. The award received by the principal at AR does not accurately reflect the opinions and experience of staff and parents. True accounting of this school should include the faculty turn over rate and the student withdrawals (long term families, multiple sibling), over the last 2 years, as well. Parents are not welcome and teachers are afraid to be seen talking to parents AT ALL. An investigation continues into the involvement of a parent , who is not in this school's boundary and the legality of her involvment with various board decisions and local election results. Until all information is gathered and decisions can be made as to the mystery surrounding decisions made at this school, this award is a questionable representation of reality. This school has gone from being an in demand, highly regarded school to a mediocre institution where no teacher is allowed to outperform another.
--Submitted by a parent

Bill Roth, our principal, was just recognized as Rookie Elementary Principal of a year by the ASA for 2010-11. This was the best kept secret at Ashland Ranch until last week! This award is not just a reflection of his dedication to the school but also that of our teachers and parents since they provide input on this award. Everyone knows that you could have the best principal in the world and still have a failing school if you did not have great teachers and parent support. Way to go Roadrunners!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children that have gone and are currently going to AR. I have heard many complaints about the former and current principal. I like them both. I haven't had to deal with them a great deal, but some, and found them both very responsive. Most of the teachers are what makes this school great. We have been very lucky to have a bunch of excellent, motivated, creative teachers. I agree that some wonderful teachers have unfortunately left. The PTSO is also great. Last years Science fair, sweetheart dance, and Spring auction were great fun. I appreciate how the Principal is visible around the school at the crosswalk etc. He appears to be big on safety. Great school, teachers and families. We are grateful to be here.
--Submitted by a parent

Ashland is an awesome school with well behaved students, caring teachers and great leadership. Wouldn't want my kids anywhere else. Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has gone to this school for 3 years. I had been impressed with the academics, teaching quality, and high standards for behavior at the school. Under the 'new' principal, I am not. Test scores have dropped dramatically. Students wander the halls freely. I have read memos from department chairs full of mis-spelled words and grammatical errors. The school installed a 'squishy' machine. For $.25 kids get a little squishy plastic toy. It's a huge money-maker and a huge distraction at the school. I wondered - where does the money from this machine go? Turns out it goes to the principal! And it is at his discretion as to where the money goes. Unreal! Great teachers have left, class sizes are going up, test scores going down. Time to move my daughter, and my tax dollars, to another school. Sadly, this was a great school. It's not now.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parents being concerned. I have seen great teachers either leave or get involuntarily transferred (Mr. Hamlin). I am sickened when I see poor teachers (Mr. Harris) being his favorites and keeping them over Mr. Hamlin. Really? The teachers are afraid of the "rath of Roth". Some went to district to complain but it fell on deaf ears and those teachers are paying the price. Mr. Roth is the biggest bully at the school. Once I went to him to voice a concern and he promised he will "talk to the teacher" and then I hear they laughed about my concern. (I have inside information). They need us, the parents, to go and complain. The more the better. Please, let's get our school back to where it once was. Get the principal out of there! The teacher moral is depressing and our kids are picking up on that vibe. Why are all but 3 of the PTSO members leaving next year?
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of this school, I have become concerned about the recent rumors that some very valuable teachers are being transferred. I am also concerned about the number of teachers who have left already under the newer principal's leadership. I have even bigger concerns about the rumors of misconduct on the principal's part. It is sad to see what's become of our beloved school under this new administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Ashland Ranch is a great school! The principal and the teachers are caring and responsive to the needs of the students. I have two children who attend Ashland Ranch. I have been very happy with the change in administration. Mr. Roth has brought a fresh and unbiased approach to running the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love this school. I am an involved parent & have loved the excellent communication between teachers, staff & parents. They are incredibly accommodating to our specific medical needs as well. They are amazing.
--Submitted by a parent