A democratic school building is one that is led by the people. Although there are official school leaders, the school is composed of a team of individuals who work together, value each other's opinions, and provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to have a voice in decisions. The following questions are answered with the consideration of a PK-5 elementary school in the Sunnyside Unified School District.
Click the title above to read the entire post.
Personnel: Who works in this school? What do they look like, sound like? What positions are valued in this school? How do these people relate to one another?
The staff members of this school are true professionals. Many entered into the field of education because they felt that they could make a difference. They are committed to their craft, helping their students achieve, working as a team, and continuing to grow professionally. The staff members come from many different walks of life but share a common identity as educators in their school community. The positions that are valued include those based on seniority but also official leadership positions and individuals who exhibit a strong work ethic. People respect one another even when there are differences and are overall united by the schools goals and mission statement.
Building and Facilities Usage: What does this building look like? Who maintains it? What is the layout of this school? Where do people come together in this building? What is on the walls? What makes people feel safe in this building?
The school buildings of Sunnyside Unified are well kept and a point of pride within the community. They are maintained by the maintenance staff, but all stakeholders care for the buildings. It is not uncommon to find teachers picking up litter in the hallways or outside the entrance. There is an unspoken norm that the school building is a place of value within the community. On the walls of the elementary PK-5 building are countless student works. Each teacher has prominently displayed student works for their classes. Although the walls are bright with color, items on display are arranged in an orderly fashion. The walls also contain inspirational statements, historical figures, and people with strong character. Many people of different races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and both genders are represented in the inspirational posters. The building has two wings connected by a central auditeria, library and main office. Meetings occur within the auditeria. People feel safe in the building because it is clean, well kept, and maintained. There are clear signs on the walls and entrances that direct visitors where they should report.
Governance: Who is in charge in this building? How do you know that? What are the power structures in this school? Who makes decisions and about what? How is this governance structure conveyed to everyone in the school?
It is clear that the building principal is the official leader. This is clear as students, and staff members respect the principal's official position, but also in the way the principal values and respects relationships. The school leadership is composed of the principal, a professional school counselor, the office administrative assistant and several committees. The governance of the school is conveyed by the ways in which the principal leads staff meetings and communicates with parents via weekly newsletters. This structure is also represented well by the teachers within the school.
Parents and Community Relations: What is the role of parents in this school? Where do you see them connected to the school both in and out of the building? With whom does the school have relationships with from the broader community? How do you see this in the school?
Parents are extremely active in this PK-5 school building. The PTO is active in many school related activities and fundraisers. The school seems to be more of a living organism rather than a physical building. It is not uncommon to see a group or school related function using the school building most evenings of the week. During the weekend, the school also opens its doors to community related events such as hosting retirement dinners and athletic competitions. The local colleges often share the facilities for cohort classes and lecture programs. There are always a few cars or buses sitting in the parking lot.
My Realities: What barriers exist within your current school context (not Sunnyside's) that impede the ideal characteristics articulated in Sections I - VIII from being realities? What have you learned from engaging in this blog activity?
Current barriers within my own school context that impede the ideal characteristics of Sunnyside include growing from a recent reorganization. Due to the financial struggles of my school district, the school in which I work lost several employees and experienced a major redesign in the master schedule. The new schedule and loss of positions was an unwelcome change for most staff. Together, we are working together and learning from the process. From this blog activity, I have been reminded of the importance and responsibility associated with being a school principal. The principal's beliefs and policies often shape the norms and procedures of the school culture. I have learned the value in using a blog to share ideas and information. I have also learned that Sunnyside Unified would be an excellent place to work.
3 comments:
Feel free to leave comments
I have also recently been through financial struggles and a complete reorganization of the district which included the combining of two rival high schools and the closing of a middle school building. Hopefully, both of our districts will be able to spin the message that we are trying to manage our financial resources wisely and save the community from further taxation, especially in today's economic climate. It really hurts now to lose so much, but it is possible that we can create goodwill in the community that will help us in the long run.
Yes, it is difficult when there are financial challenges in the district. I'm sure your situation has been challenging with regards to two rival high schools coming together. I hope that your district is able to come through united and better off.
Post a Comment