Clarenceville School District
"Soup Talk"
"If we succeed in giving the love of learning, the learning itself is sure to follow. -JLubbock
I am writing this Soup Talk from the heart, not in an attempt to make me feel better or to have you see things from my point of view but rather to let you know I understand our situation. I understand your perspective as a whole. Because of these things I feel like I am in a "box." Being a superintendent in normal times was plenty difficult; now...
Here is what I know:
* 67% of our elementary parents want some sort of in-person learning
* 55% of our middle school parents want some sort of in-person learning
* 65% of our high school parents want some sort of in-person learning
* The large majority of our students want to be back in school
Most students and parents want to be back in school in some way, shape, or form. Most teachers do not want to be back in a F2F instructional setting. What is good for one family is not good for another. What is palatable for one teacher is not for another. Opinions abound on all sides of this pandemic.
WHAT AM I TO DO??
I know what I need to do. I need to return to the core values of all educators; to educate students in the best way possible given whatever circumstance. I need to focus on what is best for all kids and then try to deliver that style of learning to them.
I need to use the data and the guidance from our health experts. I must work with what I believe to be true. I must consider all sides of this pandemic. I must create a scenario that meets the needs of all of our students. To do this, I need the understanding and support of my teachers, staff, administrators, parents, students, and the Board of Education.
The only "right" that is true is meeting the needs of our children in whatever way is possible. Being an educator is a "higher calling." I believe that. I respect that. I appreciate that. I count on that.
I have heard the comments that I don't trust you. I don't appreciate you. I don't listen to you. To a person who prides himself on being open and honest and a people person, while having to make difficult decisions comments like those are hurtful. If someone wants to talk-I listen. If someone wants to ask a question-I try to answer. When I ask a question sometimes I feel like I only get the response that you think I want to hear- and that is simply not true. If we can't speak openly and honestly with one another then that is a problem. Listening to someone does not always mean that both parties will agree. There are times that people have to agree to disagree. Disagreeing with someone does not mean I don't respect, admire, or appreciate them. What is a good answer for one is not for others. Leaders have to make difficult choices but they do not make them to be disrespectful or hurtful to others. I try to make decisions that are in the best interest of the collective body. I don't expect everyone to always agree however, I do expect that once a decision has been made that as professionals we will do our best to move forward together. I expect that we will work together to make our district as successful as it can be for our kids. I am here to work with you and to support you.
I am channeling the saying: when you try to please everyone, you please no one. Thus, I return to the core mission of all educators; to do what is best for kids. Whatever recommendation I must make to the Board of Education will be done with my core mission in mind and not because I do not respect, appreciate, or value teachers, staff, and administrators. I do.
Again, thank you for all you are doing and continue to do to make a positive difference in the education and really, the life, of our students each day.
Perspective
You may have seen this video before but it is worth the watch every time as a reminder that what you do is difficult. You can add much more to this video now that you have been teaching through a pandemic! What was hard when times were normal does not compare to what times are like now...for any of us. I understand what you are going through. What we all have to decide is what makes it worth it to each of us.