Charles Wright Academy has long enjoyed a reputation as a posh private school with a tight-knit campus community. Now the institution’s leader has resigned amid allegations of a toxic work environment and high turnover rate among staff. Head of School Susan Rice announced Friday morning that she is stepping down after four years at the school.
Rice wrote in a message addressed to the Charles Wright Academy (CWA) community that she made the decision after “deep introspection, consideration and care” for students, employees, families and alumni. “I feel in my heart that CWA will be better served now by new leadership,” Rice continued, “and the bright future I envisioned when I began my journey here will most certainly become a reality with the guidance of our dedicated board and the thoughtful selection of a new Head.” Her resignation will take effect Aug.
1. The shake-up comes after an anonymous email sent May 31 to Charles Wright families detailed a litany of allegations against Rice. Rice has denied it all, both in a note to the school community and June 10 statement to The News Tribune, which had been looking into the claims.
Rice on Friday forwarded The News Tribune her resignation letter but declined an interview. What did the anonymous email say? The May 31 email argued that the reputation of the campus, 7723 Chambers Creek Road W., has been systematically dismantled since Rice took the helm.
The email alleged a mass exodus of faculty. Some staff were purpo.
