MSSD Administrator Dr. Katherine Jankowski Steps Down
Her final day as Dean of Laurent Clerc Center will be this coming Friday.
Her health problems and the recent crisis regarding the MSSD dorm incident were cited as reasons why Dr Jankowski feels she can no longer work at the level her job requires of her. However, I am told that Dr Jankowski will continue to work for Gallaudet. The last few days have been a very difficult time for MSSD, not just for the teenaged victim and perpetrators, but also for their families, other students and staff. MZ
From Aug, 1996: After Dr. Jane Fernandes vacated this occupancy for the provost position at Gallaudet University, she appointed Dr. Katherine Jankowski in 1996 as the Director of Pre-College Demonstration Schools Washington, DC. Dr. Jankowski is responsible for implementing the new structural and curricular initiatives at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf and the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School instituted at Pre-College Programs by Dr. Fernandes. http://news.gallaudet.edu/newsreleases/index.asp?ID=2924
PS. I am sorry to see that Dr Jankowski is stepping down due to some irresponsible and thoughtless teenagers performing an incredibly stupid stunt which has harmed people. I know her from my college days. She is a hard-working professional who always excelled at whatever she set her mind on. It’s my understanding that Dr. Fernandes left Clerc Center in shambles and Dr. Jankowski did a great job restoring MSSD and KDES.Â
Personally I think she did the responsible thing by calling the police immediately and addressing the issue directly instead of sweeping it under the carpet. This is what I would have done, too. MZ
 Â
P.P.S This memo was released two hours later
From: Katherine Jankowski < katherine.jankowski@gallaudet.edu>
Date: Oct 15, 2007 6:01 PM
Subject: Announcement
To: Kathy.Jankowski@gallaudet.edu
Clerc Center Community
 As you all know, these recent weeks have been a challenging time for the Clerc Center community. Words cannot express how much I appreciate all that you have done in an effort to support our students, each other, and the work that we do here. I have seen this community forge together through some very good and bad times, and now is no exception. Whatever the circumstances, one thing has always been clear?our students always come first. This could only happen with the community of dedicated and caring teachers and staff that we are privileged to have at the Clerc Center.Â
 It is for that reason, this announcement is very difficult for me. Many of you are aware that I have a hereditary visual condition. While my vision has steadily worsened over the past few years, my sight has significantly worsened in recent months. In addition, situations such as the recent crisis make it even more challenging. I cannot continue to work effectively at the level of responsibility that comes with being Dean as my sight continues to deteriorate.
 This has been a difficult decision for me, but under the circumstances, I have decided it is time for me to take leave from my position as Dean. This comes at a difficult time, but I trust that it is the right decision for me and for the Clerc Center. You are an extremely skilled and committed group of people and I have full confidence that you will continue to work together as you address the challenges that lie ahead.
 Friday, October 19th will be my last day at the Clerc Center. Gallaudet University Provost Stephen Weiner will assume leadership of the Clerc Center and, together, he and I will host a community wide meeting on Tuesday, October 16 th, at 3:15 p.m. in Theatre Malz. The Provost and I will work closely this week to ensure a successful transition.
As I leave the Clerc Center, I would like to encourage all of you to continue to support and empower students with vision conditions. Despite my visual condition, I have had a long career with many opportunities and they can do so as well. Your support and encouragement will make a difference.      Â
 It has been a pleasure working with every one of you and I know that you will bring the Clerc Center to new heights. It has truly been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with you for the past eleven years.Â
Sincerely,
Katherine A. Jankowski
Dean
Her final day as Dean of Laurent Clerc Center will be this coming Friday.
Her health problems and the recent crisis regarding the MSSD dorm incident were cited as reasons why Dr Jankowski feels she can no longer work at the level her job requires of her. However, I am told that Dr Jankowski will continue to work for Gallaudet. The last few days have been a very difficult time for MSSD, not just for the teenaged victim and perpetrators, but also for their families, other students and staff. MZ
From Aug, 1996: After Dr. Jane Fernandes vacated this occupancy for the provost position at Gallaudet University, she appointed Dr. Katherine Jankowski in 1996 as the Director of Pre-College Demonstration Schools Washington, DC. Dr. Jankowski is responsible for implementing the new structural and curricular initiatives at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf and the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School instituted at Pre-College Programs by Dr. Fernandes. http://news.gallaudet.edu/newsreleases/index.asp?ID=2924
PS. I am sorry to see that Dr Jankowski is stepping down due to some irresponsible and thoughtless teenagers performing an incredibly stupid stunt which has harmed people. I know her from my college days. She is a hard-working professional who always excelled at whatever she set her mind on. It’s my understanding that Dr. Fernandes left Clerc Center in shambles and Dr. Jankowski did a great job restoring MSSD and KDES.Â
Personally I think she did the responsible thing by calling the police immediately and addressing the issue directly instead of sweeping it under the carpet. This is what I would have done, too. MZ
 Â
P.P.S This memo was released two hours later
From: Katherine Jankowski < katherine.jankowski@gallaudet.edu>
Date: Oct 15, 2007 6:01 PM
Subject: Announcement
To: Kathy.Jankowski@gallaudet.edu
Clerc Center Community
 As you all know, these recent weeks have been a challenging time for the Clerc Center community. Words cannot express how much I appreciate all that you have done in an effort to support our students, each other, and the work that we do here. I have seen this community forge together through some very good and bad times, and now is no exception. Whatever the circumstances, one thing has always been clear?our students always come first. This could only happen with the community of dedicated and caring teachers and staff that we are privileged to have at the Clerc Center.Â
 It is for that reason, this announcement is very difficult for me. Many of you are aware that I have a hereditary visual condition. While my vision has steadily worsened over the past few years, my sight has significantly worsened in recent months. In addition, situations such as the recent crisis make it even more challenging. I cannot continue to work effectively at the level of responsibility that comes with being Dean as my sight continues to deteriorate.
 This has been a difficult decision for me, but under the circumstances, I have decided it is time for me to take leave from my position as Dean. This comes at a difficult time, but I trust that it is the right decision for me and for the Clerc Center. You are an extremely skilled and committed group of people and I have full confidence that you will continue to work together as you address the challenges that lie ahead.
 Friday, October 19th will be my last day at the Clerc Center. Gallaudet University Provost Stephen Weiner will assume leadership of the Clerc Center and, together, he and I will host a community wide meeting on Tuesday, October 16 th, at 3:15 p.m. in Theatre Malz. The Provost and I will work closely this week to ensure a successful transition.
As I leave the Clerc Center, I would like to encourage all of you to continue to support and empower students with vision conditions. Despite my visual condition, I have had a long career with many opportunities and they can do so as well. Your support and encouragement will make a difference.      Â
 It has been a pleasure working with every one of you and I know that you will bring the Clerc Center to new heights. It has truly been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with you for the past eleven years.Â
Sincerely,
Katherine A. Jankowski
Dean
October 15th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Big news! I wonder why only one week notice. It seems odd to me. It makes me wonder if she is asked to leave.
October 15th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
As an alumnus of MSSD, I think Kathy Jankowski did an honorable duty to bow out and allow change to happen. I sincerely hope that Gallaudet University will rekindle the origins of MSSD and KDES as demonstration schools, not the origin of Jane K. Fernandes’ Laurent Clerc Center.
When I enrolled in MSSD after its doors were open back in 1970, we were talking about the Summerhill curriculum, and it was meted out with harsh criticism by graduate professors who were either anti-American Sign Language or Hearing Supremacists.
October 15th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
I am quite devastated and profoundly saddened by the decision made by a great deaf leader, Dr. Katherine Jankowski, to leave the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Center. She is one of the most brilliant and extraordinary intelligent persons I have ever known. Her logic is remarkably precise. She is, by nature, a genuine intellectual. She also is one of the most respected leaders hailed by Deaf giants and V.I.Ps. She authored a book, “Deaf Empowerment: Emergence, Struggle, and Rhetoric,” TO HELP deaf people empower themselves.
I shall humbly remain as one of her most loyal and faithful servants and moral supporters and have great affection for her. She is always known as a person with class, style, grace, and dignity. Those who do not know her will have wished to have her as their dean by 5, 10, 15 years from now.
Jean Boutcher
October 16th, 2007 at 1:19 am
I am sad to see this happen. Jankowski always have my respect as a person of integrity and commitment. I have had the honor of knowing her on a professional level at several events and have always been impressed with her sincerity and care for Deaf childeren everywhere and especially at the place(s) she worked at. I wish her much comfort with her life and work ahead and know she will continue to contribute to the Deaf society in her way. I hope she will do more publications (books AND films).
October 16th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Ella and Jean: I know you’re saddened to learn the news, but honestly, it is the best thing to happen to the Clerc Center.
As a parent of a former student, I rarely got a chance to see her at KDES even though her office is on the second floor. She was always invisible until something drastic required her attention.
Honestly, I don’t think she resigned on her own terms.
October 16th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
HORRAY! BO should be next! I have known MSSD for three years and Im fed up with their system and we did not get any support from them while our child was a student at mssd instead of they put blame on students based on written statement made by students! BELEIVE it!
October 16th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
I have heard her name thru Gallaudet campus. I wish Katherine gets well and keeps her life going no matter what. We will think of her in our heart.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Kathy’s resignation could be one of the best things to happen to MSSD/KDES (next to JKF’s departure). She managed by manipulation and fear, much like JFK did. This is a good thing, people. Be happy.
October 16th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Jankowski is a wonderful woman! I’ve had the greatest pleasure of being a student in several of her classes! Her heart has always been in the right place!
Im pretty much tired of hearing people having to bad mouth others or say “good riddance” type of messages to the public. In reality, if someone strongly felt that Jankowski was not doing a good job, then report to her supervisor. Bad mouthing in public after someone resigns, quits, retires or whatever is not even going to make the situation better. *rolling my eyes*
October 18th, 2007 at 9:02 am
what a shamed to happened..mssd is private school…dont need report to CNN……they can deal with 7 student…..
peace
December 1st, 2007 at 7:34 am
This is off topic. Does someone know if Dr Jankowski has an American Indian heritage? I met a deaf friend in about 1964 of whom I was quite fond. Likely this is not the same person.
December 1st, 2007 at 9:55 am
As of 1964, she would have been a small child. I doubt she has any Native American blood.