Okay, probably not but that's one explanation for the 50% increase in the line item for student handbook printing. That's the problem when you don't communicate well. People make up their own reason so the truth becomes personal, individual even.
Last year $20K was budgeted for the printing of the handbooks, this year $30K is on the line on the DEPUTY SUPER'S page. Does antbody else wonder why this particular line is there? Do you want me make up a reason or do you want to make up one of your own?
In my opinion, most, if not all, handbooks and forms should be available on the LPS website and/or every school's website for parents or anyone else to download. This would save a lot of money. LPS and all the schools need to update their websites and organize them so they are user friendly and information is easy to find. The websites also have a translation option, which again would save on translation and printing costs. This is 2013 and whether anyone likes it or not, it is the age of technology. I was very impressed with Lynn English's website!
ReplyDeleteLPS also needs to stop discouraging and preventing parental and community involvement and start welcoming any and all involvement they can get. They need to start promoting and implementing open and effective communication between the schools/district and parents/community.
I believe this is one of the factors that separates successful school districts from those that are not.
STOP IT! Stop making sense right now!
DeleteThank you Lori! This is exactly the point I have been trying to make as well, but luckily for me and many other parents, you are far more vocal than I am at this point. It is extremely frustrating as a parent to have someone from LPS or the School Committee say that they want to hear what you say, while at the same time they are mentally tuning in to the Red Sox game while we are talking.
DeleteWe elect these officials based on the stands they take during elections or previous terms. Since our community continues to grow on a daily basis, it stands to reason that our needs will change and these officials must be cognizant of that, and recognize that parents and the community have opinions and ideas that are realistic and may actually make sense.
I agree that the LPS website needs to be redesigned to be much more user-friendly as well as far more inclusive of information available. LPS itself also needs to find ways to get information out to the public in a more timely manner and to a greater range. Our schools are NOT simply our students. They are the future community.
From time to time, we receive a mailing from the Water department. Why can't the school department do something similar once or twice a year explaining their ongoing plans, future plans, LPS personnel info, school committee info, website info, etc. Maybe even highlight noteworthy achievements at some of the schools. This is something that should go to every household and business in the city. This alone could potentially lead to some very exciting opportunities for students and the community asa whole.
Organizational Culture
Delete"The values and behaviors that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization. Organizational culture includes an organization's expectations, experiences, philosophy, and values that hold it together, and is expressed in its self-image, inner workings, interactions with the outside world, and future expectations. It is based on shared attitudes, beliefs, customs, and written and unwritten rules that have been developed over time and are considered valid. Also called corporate culture, it's shown in:
(1) the ways the organization conducts its business, treats its employees, customers, and the wider community,
(2) the extent to which freedom is allowed in decision making, developing new ideas, and personal expression,
(3) how power and information flow through its hierarchy, and
(4) how committed employees are towards collective objectives."
Organizational culture is unique for every organization and one of the hardest things to change. Typically it only changes when leadership changes. I believe Dr. Latham runs the school department like a dictatorship and she bullies some of her principals and other staff. I think she lacks the essential qualities that a good leader must possess, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, and professionalism.
Leadership has been, and always will be, the most valuable asset. Without it, no amount of money, resources or talent will ever achieve sustainable success for any organization.
You people are so good, what do you need me for? Wait don't answer that. I gots to get my politician HAT on. Do you HAVE any babies that need a kissing?
ReplyDeleteThis was on the DESE website. Even the DESE agrees that quality leadership, educated school committee members, transparency and community involvement are needed!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.doe.mass.edu/apa/review/district/StandardsIndicators.pdf