2010 Superintendent’s Forum

By Kirk Hinsey, MEA President

Thank you to all of the MEA members that attended our fourth Superintendent’s Forum with Dr. Mike Cowan on September 30.  I know how valuable every teacher’s time is at the end of a grading period, but the energy, passion, and professionalism made me proud to be the President of MEA.

Jennifer Laredo, AEA lobbyist, started the forum off with an overview of some of the critical issues facing public education from the Legislature.  She was impressed by the dedication and love of teaching despite all of the negativity facing our profession.  She bemoaned the cuts that have totaled over one billion dollars to education over the last few years. She explained the importance of voting for pro-public education candidates and to truly support candidates and hold them accountable throughout the legislative session and not just a one-time event like March 4 Schools, 2009.

Will Moore, our AEA Organizational Consultant reminded members of the importance of the Congressional District 5 race.  Harry Mitchell needs to be re-elected as he has been a friend of education his two terms in office as well as a 29-year career as a teacher. October 2 is going to be a coordinated walk to support Harry as well as other candidates on the state level.

Dr. Mike Cowan began his discussion with some more information about Phase 2 of Defining the Future.  There are no set plans to move sixth graders at this point.  The District wants middle schools to develop successful programs for the 7^thand 8^th grades before adding 6^th graders. This was met with great applause form many on the room.  He stressed the needs of the students coming first despite the challenging budgetary crises.

The floor was then opened up for questions and most of the discussion centered around PLC’s and their implementation and the time constraints as more and more planning time is eaten away with meetings.  The District is struggling at some sites with balancing the needs of the individual teacher to plan and the needs of the PLC’s to plan  and have both of them be successful.

One of the keys to the success of any big project like this is TRUST, not only for the process but also for the site administrators.  It does need to be a two-way street and that teachers need to be trusted to do what is best for the child.  Some sites have administrators that are acting like bullies and threatening teachers and this should not be happening.  These concerns are to be addressed with the hired consultants to assist in the implementation of the process. 

Another major concern has been the shift to more site-based decisions.  In some schools, it is working well, but there doesn’t seem to be as much focus throughout the district.  Also, a few site administrators are being too controlling and not seeking input from their staffs. 

There was a commitment to continue to support the relationship that has developed over the years between the District and MEA.  I suggested that MEA be recognized and celebrated more publicly as assisting the District when we have helped.  There are still too many administrators that do not support or recognize the positive contribution the MEA has given the District over the years, and continues to do so. 

Overall it was an amazing afternoon.  Dr. Cowan stayed after for another 30 minutes and answered individual questions.  I want to thank him for showing up and being so candid and open with all of those attending and for his support of MEA.