Discussing School Staff Performance with the Public © Iowa Association of School Boards At the Board Table Discussion Tool

Team IASB Harry Heiligenthal Leadership Services Director direct (515) Mary Jane Vens Board Development Director direct (515) www.ia-sb.org

Overview 1.Scenario: A critical parent want you to take action against a teacher she feels is ineffective. 2.How would you respond? 3.What are the consequences of your response? 4.Discussion

1. Scenario: The Critical Parent

2. How would you respond?

A.Promise you will continue to talk to the superintendent about this situation until something gets done. B.Tell Mrs. Critical the people most capable of doing something to help her son are his teacher and middle school principal. Suggest she set up a meeting. C.Tell her we are stuck with the teachers we have due to collective bargaining. Click each option To see the consequences See handout p. 4

Answer A Consequences Answer A: Promise you will continue to talk to the superintendent about this situation until something gets done. Results: This has proven to be an unwise choice. The biggest consequence of this response is that Mrs. Critical’s problem now becomes your problem. See handout p. 5

Answer B Consequences Answer B: Tell Mrs. Critical the people most capable of doing something to help her son are her teacher and middle school principal. Suggest she set up a meeting. Results: One consequence of this option is reinforcement of the system. This response allows you to follow board policy and offer help in the form of good steps to take. See handout p. 6

Answer C Consequences Answer C: Tell her we are stuck with teachers we have due to collective bargaining. Results: An obvious consequence of this option is a loss of faith in the board and its authority. This is not a wise choice because it is not accurate. See handout p. 7

4. Additional Discussion

Additional Discussion Questions 1.What is the impact if each of your board members chooses a different approach to this situation? 2.How can the board feel comfortable that they share a “common ground” for the responses? 3.How will this common understanding build trust?

Additional Discussion Questions 1.What are some other possible responses and what are their consequences? 2.Mrs. Critical assumes the board is only interested in what she sees them supporting through their attendance at events. Not all board members can attend all events. What are some ways the board can show its interest in all levels of the system at the board table?

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