Rhee on Brian Betts

Here's Michelle Rhee's statement on the passing of Brian Betts, the principal of Shaw Middle School at Garnett Patterson

April 16, 2010

Statement from Michelle Rhee, Chancellor on the Death of Brian Betts, Principal of Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson

The unexpected death of Brian Betts is unspeakably tragic for his family, for the Shaw Middle School community, and for all of DC Public Schools.

Brian Betts had the courage to take on the leadership of a struggling, underachieving DCPS school. He came in the 2008-2009 school year and he brought enthusiasm, love and high expectations for the 300 students at Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson.

He was an inspirational leader for the teachers and for the students, and that leadership was bringing results. He knew what the children under his care were capable of, and he was determined to show them how to get there.

Brian Betts' death is an incredible loss of a young and dedicated school leader. I considered him a colleague and friend, and my own sense of loss is deep.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Brian's family, and to the family he has built at Shaw.