Below is a letter I received from Mr. Armando Alaniz, Executive Principal, Lee Feeder Pattern.  Please scroll down following the letter for my comments:

From: Alaniz, Armando [mailto:aalaniz@houstonisd.org]
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 11:46 AM
To: 'susanmcconn@comcast.net'
Cc: Thornhill, Barbara M.
Subject: Briargrove Principal

Ms. McConn,

I wish to inform you that Mr. Martin Garza has been offered and has accepted the principal position at Benavidez Elementary.   This was a difficult decision for him, but he is looking forward to a new challenge. His experience and professionalism is what we need at Benavidez. We know he will be missed by the faculty and student body.  We appreciate his years of leadership (both as assistant principal and then principal) at Briargrove Elementary.  Please join me in wishing him the best as he begins work with his new school community.

We, at the West Region, will be following HISD protocol for selection of a new principal at Briargrove.  That protocol calls for the involvement of 2 -3 PTO members as well as community members and faculty and staff.  The purpose will be to identify and make a recommendation to the Superintendent regarding the principal position at Briargrove. 

We will keep you updated and look forward to working with you to find the best possible leader for Briargrove.

Sincerely,

Armando Alaniz

Executive Principal, Lee Feeder Pattern

West Region Office

Phone: 713-662-2142    Fax: 713-349-7416

I know you all share in my thoughts when I say how profoundly grateful we are for all that Mr. Garza has done for our school over the past several years.  His ability to maximize resources, both personnel and financial, is a true gift and one that will be missed.  His excellent record in hiring new teachers—teachers who continue to provide the highest quality of education to our children--will be a legacy that continues to enrich our school for years to come.  The continued improvement in Briargrove TAKS scores, culminating in exemplary scores in every category but one this year (and missing that one only by a few points) is a testament to his persistent efforts in making sure that Briargrove is a school where every child counts and every child has an opportunity to grow and improve.  

Warmly,

Susan McConn