I think you're already leaving
Feels like your hand is on the door
I thought this place was an empire
But now I'm relaxed - I can't be sure
- Matchbox 20

There's been a slow unravel happening at my school since July. I've seen it coming, tried to warn my principal, talked about it with my fellow admin teammates....but mostly sat back and just watched it happen, not knowing how to stop it.
This week the last piece officially unraveled and we were left in an incredibly big, emotional mess.
Teachers are leaving. My principal is leaving. Teachers who are staying fight for more input into decisions around next year while our current and future principals fight against it, fearing the proposed structure promotes a we vs. them mentality. For the first time since I've worked at this school I can say I largely distrust most of the people I work with.
This is not the way I wanted to leave - personally or professionally. I worry about our kids...and the teachers I work with directly. Our school culture had changed drastically this year and now more closely reflects that of the public middle school we share our building with rather than the no excuses charter school we say we are.
I have been part of a growing school.
I have been part of closing the achievement gap.
I have been a part of significant life change for hundreds of kids.
Not only is it falling apart in front of me, I have no idea how to stop it.