Parents Call for Removal of High School Principal
Parents are calling for the removal of David W. Carter High School Principal Troy Tyson over a flurry of allegations including lack of support for female athletes, minimal parent engagement, and unprofessional conduct. A petition demanding the removal started four months ago and has garnered almost 500 signatures. The Dallas Carter High Coalition Project — a group of Oak Cliff parents, alumni, and teachers — sent letters to Dallas ISD Superintendent Stephanie Elizalde citing their concerns about Tyson’s leadership. One letter was sent Oct. 7; the other on Thursday.
Allegations Against Principal Tyson
“At the center of this storm is Principal Troy Tyson, whose tenure has been marked by intimidation, retaliation, and ethical decay,” the group’s Oct. 7 letter said. The group alleges the principal creates a hostile work environment and has a pattern of unprofessional behavior. The DCHC Project compiled letters from parents, teachers, and students, and submitted a Title IX complaint to Dallas ISD in October.
Lack of Support for Female Athletes
Among those documents, three people alleged a lack of administrative support for women’s sports, compared to men’s. For example, one parent wrote that the women’s basketball team was denied access to the school’s shooting machine, which was available to the boys’ team. The parent reported challenges with securing an athletic period, a class time reserved for pursuing sports, for female athletes.
Lack of Parent Engagement
Community members have used public comment during school board meetings to raise grievances, notably the lack of parent engagement. The school was blocking PTA meetings from happening on campus, said Roshunda McClellan, the PTA president, at the April 24 school board meeting. “Parents are frustrated with the lack of leadership at Carter High School. No return phone calls, emails, or engagement with parents,” McClellan said.
Principal Tyson’s Background
Tyson has been with Dallas ISD since 2002, according to his LinkedIn profile. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Southern University and A&M College, and a master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, according to his school biography page.
Parents Demand Action
The parents pushing for Tyson’s removal said they feel galvanized by Dallas ISD’s removal this week of Woodrow Wilson High School Principal Chandra Hooper-Barnett. Hooper-Barnett faced backlash over holding an unsanctioned meeting with Black students about their academic performance. Carter High School parents are asking the district to respond with a similar urgency.
“Our community has been asking and now we are demanding equal, equitable treatment. Carter families, community stakeholders and staff have raised major concerns for two years,” the Oct. 30 letter said.
Response from Dallas ISD
A Dallas ISD spokesperson said the district does not comment on personnel matters. Tyson did not respond to a request for comment. “It’s been three years, for me, dealing with him,” said Keithsha Berry, a parent with the DCHC Project. “Nothing is taking place. We’re still dealing with him.”
About the DMN Education Lab
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas. The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Principal Troy Tyson has sparked a heated debate about the need for effective leadership and equal treatment in schools. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the district will respond to the concerns of parents and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the allegations against Principal Troy Tyson?
A: The allegations against Principal Tyson include lack of support for female athletes, minimal parent engagement, and unprofessional conduct.
Q: How many signatures has the petition to remove Principal Tyson received?
A: The petition has garnered almost 500 signatures.
Q: What is the DMN Education Lab?
A: The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative that deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas.
