Toxic Climate and Staff Exodus: A Case Study of High Turnover in a Predominantly African-American College Preparatory School
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: This case study examines the rigid attrition of 10 staff members within a single academic year at a predominantly Black college preparatory school led by a Black principal and largely staffed by Black educators. Despite the demographic alignment between leadership, faculty, and student population, the school experienced a pervasive sense of toxicity that contributed to significant staff departures. Drawing on organizational climate and toxic leadership frameworks, the study explores how interpersonal dynamics, communication patterns, and leadership practices fostered an environment perceived as psychologically unsafe and professionally demoralizing. The analysis highlights the complex interplay between shared racial identity and organizational culture, challenging assumptions that demographic congruence alone ensures healthy workplace conditions. Findings underscore the consequences of unresolved toxicity for Teacher retention, institutional stability, and the school’s capacity to fulfill its college preparatory mission. The findings offer implications for educational leaders, particularly those serving in predominantly Black institutions (PBI), on cultivating inclusive, affirming, and sustainable professional climates. This case contributes to broader conversations on staff retention, leadership accountability, and hidden costs of toxic organizational environments in urban educational settings.
Source: Research Square
Author: Sheldon Sucre
Institution: New York City Department of Education
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7211896017