Problem

We are taking on the role of superintendent of the Wingfield School District.

Hired 4 years ago to help achieve vision of becoming a technologically driven, innovative school district.

Starting with Hickory Ridge High School and then spreading to other schools in the district.

Faculty at Hickory Ridge are aging an dmany teaching for 20+ years. Jim O'Connor is the principal and is considered the keeper of history. He relates well to parents and students but lacks understanding of their needs. He is not well respected by his staff. What he offers to the younger staff members is an understanding of the community but they see him as unable to help them obtain their promotions.

The "fast track" teachers were placed at Hickory Ridge in hopes that the prinicpal and the aging staff would learning new innovative programs from them and that the older staff could share their talents, etc.

Two of the top fast-trackers want off of the site-based planning team. Many complain about the principal's management and the attitude of the older teachers. The new people are questioning whether they actually do their jobs or whether they are too concerned about the parents and the community. The principal measures peformance by adherence to routines and community relationshiops rather than accomplishments, etc.

As the superintendent, you are under pressure from the board. You have their trust and believe in what changes should occur at Hickory Ridge but you are frustrated that the older and younger teachers are not communicating and sharing with each other for the benefit of the students.

You have been reflecting on the situation and believe you need to restructure for success, to work to get these groups to respect each other. You know there is the right combination of knowledge, experience, and ability if only the faculty would work together.

Some of the problems are: lack of trust, confidence, power; misunderstanding about roles; insufficient communication; lack of respect, principal seen as lacking power with admin and neither side feels involved or important.