Bache-Martin principal leaving amid parent concerns

The principal of a popular Fairmount school is leaving following complaints from parents about changes at the school.

Bache-Martin School Principal Yvette Duperon sent a letter home Wednesday to parents, guardians and students announcing her departure. Duperon, who has been principal at the K-8 school since 2008, will finish out the school year. She did not give a reason for leaving.

"Now that our foundation has been laid with the support of great teachers, parent partnerships, and caring community partners it is now time for to seek another leadership opportunity," Duperson's letter states. "I want to thank you for your support of the instructional program at Bache Martin during my tenure as principal. You are a banner community."

The school will establish a principal recommendation committee, which will be led by Assistant Superintendent Donyall Dickey and include teachers, a parent representative and a representative from the business community. The committee will make recommendations to Superintendent William Hite regarding a new principal. Interviews will take place in June and a recommendation will be made no later than July 1.

Several parents had recently complained about changes at Bache-Martin, on Brown Street near 22nd, including a number of parents being made to sign "behavior contracts" after students allegedly played a prank on two teachers. A district spokesperson said the district was aware that parents had voiced concerns over "various issues."

"District officials have met with the parents in an effort to understand the issues and will work with all stakeholders at the school to reach resolutions," spokeswoman Raven Hill said.