Larry Leaven has announced his resignation as Principal of the Early Childhood Center and Elementary Schools at Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA).
In a letter to parents which has been circulated beyond the BIBA community, he wrote with pride about his achievements at the school, including the new literacy curriculum. However he also made comments apparently critical of the school’s Board, referring to “the ongoing and recent lack of coherent management of the organization” as the reason for his resignation. “Unfortunately,” Mr Leaven wrote, “the significant difference in the approach to leadership here at BIBA has made it necessary for me to step away and to allow the Board to lead in the way that it deems most appropriate for the organization.” He emphasized that he was returning to the US without another job in place.
BIBA has issued a statement in response:
Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) would like to take this opportunity to thank Principal Larry Leaven for his hard work and the commendable performances of the teaching teams, both in the Early Childhood Centre & in the Elementary Schools of BIBA. However, the school believes that both parties should hold responsibility for any misunderstanding which might have led to Mr. Leaven’s advanced resignation. In face of any future discontentment or dissatisfaction, the school will investigate into the reasons for the resignation as stated by Mr. Leaven and will try our best to promote a more positive and healthy working environment for all. With the success of the IBDP authorisation last year and being in the final stage of the WASC accreditation, BIBA will build on these strengths and push towards educational excellence.
beijingkids understands that daily life at the school and the education of students remains unaffected by these organizational issues.
