PC Feedback by Karen Minshew https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd Made with wonder en-us 2017-09-06 17:48:45 UTC 2026-01-12 13:03:52 UTC hello@padlet.com Live Links @ Start of PC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185256605 Can we have all of the links/information on the agenda live for PC at the start of PC?  

It would be really helpful for those of us who make a copy of the agenda to make notes.  

]]> 2017-09-06 18:05:51 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185256605 Lot to digest in one meeting lychej https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185277529 I realize we want less meetings but I wonder that if we have this much content, we might want to either extend the meeting time (with more time for table dialog to process info) or go to bi-weekly meetings. 

I know it's such a tough balance so thanks for asking for feedback!]]> 2017-09-06 18:49:46 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185277529 Last 15 minutes for open questions, comments. https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185281621 2017-09-06 18:59:09 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185281621 Real Challenges https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185346936 If I can be brutally honest, it seems that when genuine concerns were raised today (combo class challenges, SECA shortages, sub challenges), rather than hearing the concern and taking it back to reflect, it feels that a quick explanation of "it's not really a problem" or "that's just the way it is" is the response.  This minimizes trust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m09n81lB2BA) and causes many to just stay quiet.

I realize that sometimes us principals can be a bit opinionated but it often feels that our voices are some of the last ones that are listened to.  Of course we can't solve big problems in a quick conversation but perhaps we can open up the dialog and set up some concrete steps to make positive changes for the future. Above all, please respect the opinions of principals as we are generally very good problem-solvers if we're invited to the table.]]> 2017-09-07 00:38:06 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185346936 Time to Talk Through Agenda Items https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185592862 First, of all I love the Saturday Night Live Theme! Going along with this theme . I would suggest taking a commercial break after each agenda topic, play some music and allow us a few minutes to decide how we will make this agenda item a reality on our site, answer a few questions and then move to the next topic. This will take longer but we will not feel so overwhelmed at the end. We can only process so many items and then frustration sets in.  Process time = Less Frustration and Happier Team

Thank you for being so open to  Feedback!]]> 2017-09-07 16:28:14 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/185592862 Third...Real Challenges https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/186481244 I feel that it is important that I express my agreement and frustration shared by the previous "Real Challenges" comments. 
If we are going to look people in the eye (Students, Families, Board Members, Administrators, Teachers, Classified Members and Community Members) and tell them that we are making the best decisions for students, then we need to hold true to that promise.  The response we received around combo classes, SECA shortages, and sub challenges was disheartening.  We were made to feel that our concerns are not real concerns and that the meeting would move smoother if we stayed quiet and did not share our opinions. 
We are fortunate to have a hard working group that, when given an opportunity, can solve problems. What may cost the District in budget in the short-term will pay off in dividends in the long-term. If we want people to embrace our new ideas, they must feel supported along the way.  I must be honest, there are grumblings from the base (teachers and community), due to the fact that resources are not available where they are needed (SECAs and subs).  We are also losing trust with our families when sites are asked to combo all the way up K-6, three four weeks into the school year.  This is especially true for those new principals that may not feel comfortable enough to share their opinions, yet.   
Please reconsider how we interact with each other and trust that like you, we are all trying to make the best decisions for our students. ]]> 2017-09-11 17:17:37 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/186481244 Second...Real Chalenges If I might add, please do not continue to tell us that we are adequately, or even over staffed, when we share the struggles we are having on our sites providing the services required by our students with special needs. It is offensive to receive such a dismissive response to our concerns. I believe as administrators we all understand that the basis of any staffing decisions begins with a formula. But staffing formulas do not necessarily take into consideration the actual needs of the children in our district's most dynamic classroom environments. What looks adequate, or even generous on paper, is often not so in reality. We are problem solvers, and if we say we are struggling to fix these problems with the resources we have on hand, that should be thoughtfully considered. Thank you for your willingness to invite open, honest feedback. It is greatly appreciated. https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/186503525 2017-09-11 18:01:45 UTC https://padlet.com/minshew1/tbsnligknnd/wish/186503525