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How to deal with a difficult principal

6 years 1 month ago #172860 by Visitor
Replied by Visitor on topic How to deal with a difficult principal
I really can't help you but came here for advice myself.  I just left my grandsons school where the secretary is always rude and condescending but today got the 'treat' of meeting the principal where he spoke loudly enough in negative tones about my bringing pre-packaged treats, that I could hear him in the hall.  Along with all the others waiting.

My kids went to this school and the arrogance of the office 'personnel' is well known from years ago.  But still?  Still to this day?  How is it that these people get jobs with children (their choice, nobody, least of all me, forced them into this profession) yet they walk around like bullies.  They act as if they are doing us some huge favor by 'teaching' our children and we should walk around behind them kissing their butts.  

I really hate that I am so upset.  The school year (and my grandsons education) has just begun.  If they are this rude to me just bringing in holiday treats or when I bring in donations for art class or science class, I just wonder how rude they may be to him.  I wonder how he can get his education off to a good start when the school appears to be run by egomaniacs that crave authority and act so dismissively to others.  I am totally disgusted and don't want to be.

I used to volunteer at that school for all of my children.  With the ego of admin, I can tell you, I am more than reluctant to volunteer for these people.  I know myself and being spoke down to in this manner would open my mouth to some negative retorts and I don't want these bullies targeting my disabled grandson as they are already mad that they have to provide services for him.

I don't know the answer for you, but wish you the best.
16 years 9 months ago #141092 by #1Prez
Replied by #1Prez on topic RE: How to deal with a difficult principal
bad administrators dont go away until their boss is made aware of the issues.

talk to the superint. probably many teachers have already done so, if he is as bad as you say, there are no doubt staff issues too.

and a school director that is 'never around'?? sounds pretty bad. if leadership really stinks and no changes are forseeable, you might want to consider other school options in your area.

your kids educaiotn cant alwasys wait for management to shape up. and worst of all cases, is , if yuo have a superint that doenst handle issues, then you really have to consider a move to where management is better. good mananagement really does matter.
16 years 9 months ago #141091 by PresidentJim
Well, first I have a question. You write "School Director". What exactly does this mean?

Are we talking the Principal?

Next, is your group under the "umbrella" of the school or are you an independant group? If independant, then your point is 100% valid. If under the school then he may see you, and possibly rightly, as an entity under him.

I would recommend setting up a formal meeting with him. Have your Vice President or other Executive Officers there as well. If it's really bad you may need to invite him superior (Superintendant of School?). Discuss what you believe is working and what isn't. Discuss the Budget for the rest of the year. Discuss new ideas that you would like him to consider. Find out what his priorities are and how you can help him meet those goals.

Effectively, get his buy in to what you want to do and then you can go from there.

Other than that examples of your issues with him might help.

Good luck,
PresidentJim
16 years 9 months ago #141089 by #1Prez
Replied by #1Prez on topic RE: How to deal with a difficult principal
Discussing "feelings" is exactly what she should not do. If she reverts to "the girly thing to do" of course he'll never give her the same respect he would give her male counterpart!!
16 years 9 months ago #141087 by #1Prez
Replied by #1Prez on topic RE: How to deal with a difficult principal
Have you tried discussing these feelings with him? Have a 3rd party there but schedule a meeting with him before you head things down to the superintendants office. No one likes it when someone goes over their head without a heads up and if he is truely as bad as you make it sound he will make life more demeaning if he's hit blind sided. He might even have the super or many memebers of the board in his pocket if he's been around a while. Proceed with caution.
16 years 9 months ago #141069 by #1Prez
Replied by #1Prez on topic RE: How to deal with a difficult principal
If you feel that he is unapproachable and if the situation is really that bad, I would document past incidents that you have experienced and gather together a few others who are just as frustrated and have them document their experiences too. Once you have enough information, I would approach your district superintendents office to set up a scheduled meeting. I would not say what the meeting is about but just that you would like to discuss some issues that are occurring at your school. With legitimate concerns brought up, they should listen. Don't be put off if you are asked to attend a meeting where he is called in to give his side. Be diligent and see this through! Bad administrators are a detriment to you and your child as well as the school and the community. In our area, superintendents are put in place by a school board. The school board is appointed by our city board of aldermen (one slot is elected). If the conversation with the superintendent does not go well, there is always your school board and you local representatives. Good luck! You will be doing a service for your community to rectify this situation.
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