Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, following her sudden resignation announcement and subsequent rescindment last week.
Hundreds of parents, students, and community members gathered Tuesday evening for a standing-room-only meeting to support Principal Griffith, who has become the center of an unprecedented situation in the Austin Independent School District (AISD).
“Bring her back. We want her back at Ann Richards. Bring her back,” said Kathleen Peschel, mother of a 10th grader at the school, echoing the sentiment of many attendees.
The controversy began when families received an email from AISD announcing Griffith’s resignation without explanation. The news shocked the school community, particularly given Griffith’s popularity and that she is the fifth principal to lead the school in just four years.
In a surprising development during Tuesday’s meeting, Griffith’s father announced he had delivered a letter to AISD on his daughter’s behalf rescinding her resignation.
“It gives us hope. It gives us hope because it does put the ball back in the school district’s court. They will have to respond,” Peschel told reporters.
AISD Superintendent Matias Segura acknowledged receiving the rescindment letter, stating, “Based on this new information, we are assessing next steps.” The district has since postponed previously scheduled meetings about leadership transition.
While AISD cited employee confidentiality policies as preventing them from disclosing specific details about the situation, speculation has circulated among community members about the circumstances leading to the initial resignation.
Several sources familiar with the school community suggested the resignation may have been connected to issues regarding accommodations for students with disabilities, though no official confirmation has been provided.
In response to the developing situation, supporters have launched a grassroots advocacy effort through a dedicated website at https://arsadvocacy.com/. On this website, community members can sign a petition supporting Griffith’s reinstatement and find resources for continued advocacy.
“Nicole Griffith has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at Ann Richards,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. “She reinstated cultural celebrations like Holi and Lunar New Year and supported student initiatives like the Asian Student Alliance. Her approach to leadership is exactly what our school needs.”
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, founded in 2007 and named after the former Texas Governor, is a college preparatory school designed to prepare young women to attend and graduate from college while developing leadership skills. More information about the school can be found at the Ann Richards School website.
AISD has promised to provide updates as the situation develops, acknowledging that “this process will take time.” Meanwhile, community members continue to organize in support of Principal Griffith’s return.
“We are advocating for Principal Griffith’s immediate reinstatement as the school’s leader,” states the petition on the advocacy website. “Our community does not want or need a new leader.”
