4605 Raspberry Patch
Richmond, VA 23231

Under the leadership of Mr. Durniak Montrose Elementary School is becoming such a positive place to be! The children really respond to his mutually, respectful caring ways! He's always available to teachers and parents and truly cares about this school and seeing it become more successful! Mrs. Blount and Mrs. Budny add to this wonderful administrative leadership! It's a nice place to work because of all of the dedicated caring staff members!

Would not recommend this dump. Looks like a prison when you walk in and the pupils are left unattended and act like animals. Teachers dont care about their classes, maybe theres a few that do. Drugs are running rampant through this school and the staff does absolutely nothing. The pupils are selling drugs on premises. Staff knows this amd does nothing. Kids are doing drugs in the bathroom between classes. We had to pull our son out of this burning trash pit. Thankfully we were moving so we didnt have to enroll him in another Henrico school.

When I first accepted the position, I was excited to join a new program and take on a fresh educational role. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly faded once the reality set in — there was little to no support, poor leadership, and zero mentorship throughout the entire year. There was little to no support, poor leadership, and zero mentorship throughout the entire year. The administration used the term “buddies” instead of mentors, but in truth, I was left to navigate a brand-new role completely on my own. I joined specifically to be part of the CFI program — which was the main reason I chose this school over others that offered me positions. However, what was presented to me during the interview process turned out to be misleading at best and chaotic at worst. The program was in its first year, yet it wasn’t ready when teachers returned for setup. Classrooms were still under construction, and the entire wing of the school was incomplete. Most teachers in the program were new and had to wait for their rooms to be finished before rushing to start the school year. To make matters worse, the school filled the program with students who hadn’t even applied — pulling them from a different program that had been closed. Parents and teachers alike were left in confusion. As the year went on, I was the only teacher in my role, overloaded with duties far beyond my training, and administration refused to provide help. When I stood up against the bullying and poor treatment, I was labeled “difficult.” During my mid-year review, after expressing how hard I worked, I was met with a cruel and dismissive remark from admin: “You know, I try to win the lottery every week but I don’t.” That moment summed up the lack of respect and professionalism I experienced. From then on, it was clear I had become a target. By year’s end, I was told I wouldn’t be returning — yet I still honored my contract and stayed until the final day, even though I had every reason to walk away. I received no apology, no accountability, and no acknowledgment for the mistreatment I endured. Beyond the toxic work culture, the school’s physical environment was unsafe and poorly maintained. Doors were often left unlocked, security was minimal, and cleanliness was a constant issue. Favoritism among staff was blatant — many employees coasted without consequences, while those who spoke up (like me) were punished for it.