school info

[smithmt]

Hey everyone,
My wife and I are possibly going to be moving to Jacksonville FL. There is a position in Drama open at Forrest HS. Yes THE Nathan B Forrest HS of recent news coverage of a HS that is named after a Klansman in fact the Klan's first grand wizard. They replaced 90 some-odd staff members last year, and 80 some-odd teachers in the school. All of this is like waving red flags, but I've worked in hard places since I got my certification. I had questions (which are below) what do you all think?

Is this a new position, or to replace a void left by a previous teacher?
Are you, by chance, a theatre teacher? or would you be my supervisor/colleague?
If you are leaving, why are you leaving, or why did the previous teacher leave?
If you are also a theatre teacher, would this position be an acting-focused teacher (director) or a technical-focused (design) position
How is the principal on disciplinary measures?
Does she consistently support the teacher?
How supportive is the district in the performing arts?
What kind of annual budget does the school give to the performing arts?
It there a performing arts center, or auditorium attached to the school?
How are the students?
Are they just apathetic, or they dangerous?
Is there a Drama Club?


Is anybody from FL (or even Duval County) and know about Forrest that can help me?

[upnorthteacher]

Wow, you are brave to consider going to that school! I know absolutely nothing about it. NEA might be able to put you in touch with union leadership there.

Did you get hit with the crazy blizzard last week?

[hweber]

Wow, what a change that would be. I think you need to go to the local newspapers and see what is going on there. Why did they get rid of all those teachers???? That would wave a huge flag for me too.

[smithmt]

OK, my wife in talking with a lady associated with both the church and the district found out that the current principal is a great lady and is fighting tooth and nail to turn the school around. and that this year is better than last year. So I feel a little better applying for that position. I thought I would avoid it, but trying to get people down there to talk to me is like pulling teeth. Maybe I'll actually get a response to my email.

And no, the Blizzard missed my little corner of the world... but 20 miles south, that's another story... My wife had to drive through it to get to the airport to visit the church in FL. :-)