Dance: Phelps' 'People Skills' Qualify Her for New Post

Superintendent S. Dallas Dance is confident in his decision to recommend Deborah Phelps, mother of Olympian Michael Phelps, for a position with the Education Foundation.

Dance said it has always been part of his transition plan to hire a full-time director for the the foundation, which fundraises for the school system.

"There's a need to raise awareness with the business community," Dance said. "[Phelps] has good people skills."

In a announcing the recommendation, some Patch readers criticized Phelps' performance in her previous position as the principal of the academically struggling Windsor Mill Middle School, a role she has held since the school's opening in 2006.

"Unfortunately she was a horrible [principal]," wrote user JD1 in the comments section of the post. "The school has never performed. If it wasn't for her fame she would have been out of that school three years ago. This was an easy out for BCPS - there is no other [principal] standing in the system that has had a failing school for so long."

Dance refuted the argument that Phelps' was derelict in her duties.

"[Phelps] has done a good job," he said. "The school is at a good place. Hopefully the next principal will take it to the next level."

The Board of Education will have to approve Dance's recommendation before the appointment becomes official.