listening tour

I have been attending as many school open house events as possible throughout the district to hear from parents, teachers and students concerning their feelings about the start of the new school year as well as their overall impression of the district as a whole. This is important to show support for LPS and because I believe the farther you get from the power (Central Administration) the closer you get to the TRUTH.It is in these conversations with stakeholders you find what is really happening on the ground. As a teacher I am well aware of the need to self assess my lesson plans and teaching continually. It is very important that the district do the same. It is a little unsettleing that teachers are so afraid to speak out about their concerns if they feel what they say might be perceived as critical of existing policies. The same holds true for parents. One on one they are willing to share their concerns but hesitate to come to the board meeting and speak during audience communication. This is your district and you must tell the people that work for you if something is not working. What does it say about the culture of this district that critics are so fearful of reprimand? Honest disagreement is healthy for growth and should be encouraged not stifled. The mother that spoke about the insufferable classroom temperatures in the elementary schools made a very powerfull staement and is to be commended for her effort. It takes public pressure to get this district to act. These public statements empower me as a board trustee to seek solutions to these problems. But quite honestly until someone comes forward publicly things that need to be fixed will be ignored.I need your help with letters and phone calls to keep me informed of what is not working.

Thoughts

I have decided to put my thoughts about LPS concerns on the web to stimulate conversation and alleviate some of my frustrations with the status quo.

I will be posting regularly but especially after meetings when my frustration level may be elevated.

Please feel free to contact me with any ideas you may have to help improve LPS operations.