The headmaster of the Browning School, a $62,000-a-year elite in New York, brushed off criticism of his handling of a transgender scandal by calling it ‘slanderous tabloidism’ – and claimed he was doing ‘ more good than harm” in an authoritative letter obtained by DailyMail.com.
John Botti has dismissed criticism of his leadership at the all-boys institution over plans to admit transgender boys, who were born girls.
The $700,000-a-year director also brushed off missing fundraising goals, but told board members he intended to relax for the remaining days of summer ‘lest he be without light during school year”.
Botti came under fire earlier this year after changing school policy to allow transgender boys.
He was then scorned by a furious father who received a request for an additional $60,000 in donations earlier this year.
The father withdrew his children from school in a rage, writing in his own letter to the board how the school had retaliated against him by punishing his children when he questioned the poor accounting.
I’m doing very well ! John Botti, the principal of the Browning School, welcomed in a recent letter to the board, despite a recent scandal over the school’s gender policy.
Botti, happy with his performance over the past year, says he is ‘better than not’
The letter, according to some parents who do not wish to be named, demonstrates Botti’s contempt for school families and focuses solely on himself and the staff.
It begins: “I hope you are enjoying your summer even if one wonders how it is going so fast!” (Is it mid-July already?)
‘Anyway, I usually send a short check-in note to the Board every year around this time, and I appreciate you making me happy once again.
“In short, here are a few things you might be interested in: I don’t know if there’s anything I can add to the great work of (head of communications) Jan Abernathy in relaying information about the New York Post/Fox News slanderous campaign of innuendo, unsubstantiated claims and outright misinformation.
“It was tabloid pure and simple, and I’m proud of our team and grateful to all the administrators for the smart, patient and formidable support – although I’m also sorry for the emotional strain it has imposed on so many. people.”
Some parents were stunned by Botti’s self-glorification.
One told DailyMail.com: ‘That tells you everything about his leadership style. The school only cares about the teachers – not about us or our children.
The Browning School is one of the most exclusive in New York. Tuition is $62,000 per year
Not impressed: A father pulled his three sons out of school earlier this year after a donation incident where the school tried to ask for another $60,000 on top of the million dollars he had promised
Earlier this year, a furious father pulled his three sons out of school after a donation incident.
The family had pledged $1 million to the school and paid $348,000 for it. When the father tried to pay the remaining $651,400, he says he was told he actually owed $710,000.
He tried to contact Botti and the school about the mistake, but says he was given the ride.
This made him so angry that he withdrew the donation entirely. He claims the school retaliated by regularly punishing his three children, who had never had problems before.
In his own letter to the council, the father said: “After a total of 25 years of three boys attending the school, seven years of council service and over $1.5 million spent on tuition and donations , we send our sons elsewhere and interrupt all ties.’
There was also outrage earlier this year when the historic all-boys school announced it would start admitting transgender boys.
Botti did not respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.
