My husband pointed out the following response on a local parenting forum in Victoria. Heres a direct link to the full conversation. kidsinvictoria/forum3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=3768989 The question is: What do you look for when voting for a school trustee? The response is all business. Ive heard many parents say these same things. We need to do more to raise awareness on the importance of an education system that isnt based on a business model. The response: A strong business background. Ive seen boards mismanage multi-million dollar budgets at the expense of their good intentions and idealistic visions. The really good boards of education Ive seen seem to have a strong business approach to managing schools and programs - results oriented, data driven, and accountable to the bottom line (which in this case is a mix of student achievement, siverse learning opportunities and programs, and budget). I avoid voting for anyone who has been in the school system and is disgruntled or anyone with a greater political motive (aka focused on fighting with govt). They have personal agendas and social-political causes to pursue that may negatively impact the bottom line - my kids education. No former politicians. No former teachers. Small business owners - yes! They are running the business of our schools, balancing budget requirements, reporting requirements and educational goals. Its not easy work, and it can so easily be mismanaged. Solid business background focused on results not lofty high ideals that are warm and fuzzy but dont lead to strong academic results and diverse programs and opportunities for kids. Some districts are out of this world with technology, with available supports for kids and parents, with online supports and online learning hooked into the latest and greatest programs. Some have iPads or tablets, provide huge supports for smart boards, etc. Some districts have very caring people who couldnt balance a budget if their lives depended on it and deplete district funding with their visionary goals and objectives. Superintendents then have to work with these idealists and always remind them of bottom lines and deliverables, what they must focus on. I think superintendents should just run the districts....they do anyways.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 05:47:13 +0000
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