Ridgeview Middle Principal On Medical Leave Due To Difficult Pregnancy

Monifa McKnight began the school year as the new principal of in September. At the October Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) meeting, students, parents and staff learned McKnight was expecting a baby.

Due to a complications with her pregnancy, as of Thursday, Nov. 3, McKnight is taking a medical leave from her position at Ridgeview until the baby is born.

“I recently had surgery that resulted in my doctors recommending that I remain on bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy,” McKnight wrote in a letter to parents. “I was extremely surprised and did not expect that outcome.”

Retired principal of Redland Middle School, Ms. Carol Weiss, has become acting principal. Weiss has a background in school administration that actually began at Ridgview Middle, and includes four years at Clemente Middle, and seven years as the principal of Redland Middle School.

MCPS Community Superintendent, LaVerne Gray Kimball said, “Ms. McKnight and the assistant principals, Ms. Anika Brown and Mr. Dryer Thackston have met and put numerous processes and structures in place to facilitate a smooth transition.”

Kimball also informed parents that McKnight's medical leave will last at least until April 19, 2012.

McKnight pointed out that she has been working with parents and the administration at the school “to make sure we have a seamless transition and that our priorities at Ridgeview remain very focused.”

There are concerns among parents over the number of leadership transitions since last year when then principal, Dr. Carol LeVine, also had to take an extended leave. This created the need for interim principal Ms. Nancy Schultz for almost half of the 2010-2011 school year. In addition, these leadership transitions are occurring during the middle of a school-wide construction update.

“I'm sure there are mixed feelings about this happening right now because she just started as principal, but in my opinion she has to think of resting and care for her baby. We can't always plan when a baby is going to come.” said parent and PTSA member, Diana O'Keefe. “She called everyone in charge of major PTSA related things and gave them her home phone number. She wants to keep connected 24/7.”

The PTSA leadership is confident the staff and teachers are working together successfully as a school community and the administration can remain effective without any disruption to the students or construction.

“When Ms. McKnight's term began, she infused a new welcome energy into our Ridgeview Community,” said Tara Murayama, Ridgeview's PTSA Vice President. “I do feel a little sad that in a span of one year, our 7th & 8th graders will experience four principals. Obviously, that's not ideal.” 

Julie Tittle, the school's PTSA President, said, “I am sure Ms. Weiss will integrate seamlessly into our school and I know she is working closely with Mrs. McKnight and the whole admin team.”

Many parents in the community stated their support for McKnight, especially in light of her right to choose a balance of career and family.

“I hope her pregnancy goes well and trust that the acting principal will do her best to reach out to and assure families," Ridgeview parent Sarah Martinez said. "Women have babies and women hold important jobs on which many folks depend. I want to live in a community where those two realities are compatible.”