Parents, Teachers Protest Principals' Styles

"I'm learning to be a better listener, and I'm learning more about how the school works," she said.

The strife at Whittier mirrors the ongoing flap at Deal, on Fort Drive NW, another school favored by parents who live out of the school's neighborhood boundaries because of its good academic reputation. Since late last month, a group of parents has held daily protests at Deal, saying that Kim should be replaced.

Calling themselves "Save Alice Deal," the parents contend that Kim has singled out African American and Hispanic students for unwarranted disciplinary measures. "I hope that she's removed," said parent Valerie Williams, 40, of Northeast Washington. "She's not a good fit for the school."

Other parents have accused Kim of striking students, a charge she denies. "I have never physically abused anyone," she said in an interview.

One letter to the school's central office said that Kim opened a parent's car door, in an unwelcome fashion, to tell the parent that his child should be dropped off on time. The parent, Randall J. Shepperd, said in the letter that the action was an intrusion of his "personal space."

"Ms. Kim lacks the sensitivity and skill sets to deal with a diverse community on a daily basis," Shepperd wrote.

Yet, more than 80 parents came out in support of Kim at Deal's PTA meeting last week, said PTA co-president Alison Wylegala. At the meeting, Kim said she outlined several school initiatives underway to raise achievement for African American and Hispanic students, including extra after-school tutors. And for the first time, half of the parent positions on the Local School Restructuring Team will be held by African Americans next year.

Williams will be part of a group of parents that will meet with D.C. School Superintendent Clifford B. Janey this week to discuss Kim. "Hopefully, someone can hear us out with our concerns," Williams said.