Parents at Chamblee High call principal 'toxic, unprofessional'

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — “Dictatorial, intimidating, negative, anxiety, punitive, bullying, abuse of power" are some of the words parents used to describe to the board the current state for teachers at one of the best schools in the district and the state.

Parents of Chamblee Charter High School students told Channel 2 Action News the school's current principal is "toxic, unprofessional, and needs to go."

Supporters of the high school dressed in blue Monday night at the DeKalb County Board of Education meeting to voice their disappointment in Principal Rebecca Braaten.

"The teachers are very unhappy with the current administrative environment. Words like bullying and terrorism were used. One of our favorite teachers was pulled out of the classroom in the middle of a class because of a disagreement over the content of a skit," a parent said.

The parent said teachers have faced humiliation at the school. Others told school board leaders Braaten is trying to destroy the school's stellar reputation and students' futures.

"Some (teachers) are talking about how they hate to come to work because they don't know when they are going to be targeted," a parent told Channel 2 Action News. 

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Braaten has only been on the job for a year. A former student told the board that, since she was hired, the school has suffered.

“She created a hostile environment. I worry when teachers do not feel supported, instead feel threatened they will be less able to do the excellent work they have done in the past,” the student said.

Parents urged the board to let Braaten go.

“Her behavior has been appalling. It has been a toxic atmosphere at the school, and it will have a negative impact on the students’ success,” another parent said.

Parents told us they hope to have a meeting with the superintendent at some point soon.

We contacted the district and were told it does not comment on personnel issues.

Cox Media Group