Discussion response (Half page response for each person)

Respond to two colleagues with a different perspective on how the administrators handled the situation. Provide an additional suggestion or expand on your colleague’s post.

(Note: I posted two of my colleague’s responses to the discussion post below, please respond to their posts. You may begin the response with Hi Carol or Hi ) (I need a half page response for each person).

Carol’s Post:

As the superintendent in this scenario both the compliance issue and school disrepair urgently need to be addressed.  Safety is always paramount and it sounds like the condition of the building could be posing some hazards for students and staff. The director of district operations and I would meet with the administration and school leadership team, made up of multiple stakeholders to walk the campus and identify needs. The needs would be prioritized and an action plan would be developed. I would have the principal set up meetings with the faculty and staff as well as parents to review the plan and let them know that work would begin immediately.  I would have a maintenance and operations on campus the next day. In addition, I would examine district funding sources and contact maintenance and operations to immediately begin repairs of the building.  If necessary, I would orchestrate the establishment of temporary bungalows on the campus in order to expedite the work and ensure student safety. Furthermore, I would reach out to the board member to see if they would offer additional financial support.  I would mentor and advise the principal on collaboratively working with students, teachers, parents and community members to develop ideas on how to build ownership and pride in their school campus. One suggestion might be to have a campus beautification day where students, teachers, parents and community members plant flowers and gardens. Another idea could be to have a contest where students design possible wall murals.  Students, teachers and parents could paint the mural during campus beautification day. A school is typically the center of a community. Local businesses and organizations would most likely like to get involved.

The issue of non-compliance on implementing an anti-bullying training would be scheduled after the maintenance work has begun but, before the 30 day time limit.  I might have maintenance and operations begin their repairs in the multi-purpose room, making it a pleasant place for student assemblies, staff trainings and parent meetings. This is where the mandatory anti-bullying training could take place as a whole group during professional development time. I would also suggest the principal develop a committee of student, teachers and parents to collaborate on developing an anti-bullying campaign on campus.

I believe that Fullan would be in full support of this plan of action.  The plan addresses the needs of students and teachers. It builds the collaboration skills of the principal and brings together the various stakeholder groups. The involvement of teachers, students, parents and community members in a campus beautification day builds camaraderie and increases involvement.  The anti-bullying training would be completed within the thirty day timeline avoiding any concessions or penalties by the state.  The training would have built.

References

Fullan, M. (2008). The six secrets of change: What the best leaders do to help their organizations survive and thrive. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Nathan’s Post:

The role on of the principal and superintendent provides the best option. Not only has the state mandated the program, it has also provided funding for this imitative.  Although it is not clearly indicated, the state mostly likely provides a majority of funding and it is up to the board to set policies and a standard of governance.  If this mandate is not followed then the school would be out of compliance and the aesthetics of the school would remain horrendous.

My plan would be to meet with the school staff along with the principal to address the mandate and timeframe of the mandate.  I would then ask that an ad hoc committee at the school come together to discuss needs and create a priority list.  After this priority list is created, I would discuss with the board.  Depending on the needs of the school I would seek out community stakeholders as they could help with some of the light projects—landscaping, painting, pressure washing etc.

Reference

Fullan, M. (2008). The six secrets of change: What the best leaders do to help their organizations survive and thrive. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

"Get 15% discount on your first 3 orders with us"
Use the following coupon
FIRST15

Order Now