1. Some parents who have to work may see working at the school as the only way to really be involved in their student's education.
2. Out of School hirees don't let their children behind the counter, in the teachers lounge, etc. I definately support that!
3. No matter who gets hired, you are always going to have folks who gossip. You are always going to have people who don't abide by the confideniality rules. It's up to those of us who know better to tell them they are out of line. It's like that discrimination commercial on TV right now: What can one voice do? As the commercial implies, LOTS.
Though I understand where some of you are coming from--I still disagree. I've found out a lot of schools in our district hire people from other towns to avoid this problem--ironically not because of the gossip issue, but to avoid problems of nepotism or hard feelings for one mom being chosen and not another.
It's not so much the "gossip" aspect; I just think that unless you're an AMAZINGLY strong-willed and professional person, it's human nature to talk, whether you personally know the person or not. One mom in particular I know vying for the job is real manipulator and mover, and has the principal "in her pocket." I still think it's best to go out of the school (town is better) to hire for this sort of position. A superintendent, principal and teacher all have much more to lose should they "talk." While the same could be said for office staff, I don't agree. The superintendent etecetera have much more powerful and influential positions.
All staff and volunteers must receive a Confidentiality Training every year no matter what. Our principal takes it very seriously. We are like Mayberry and things could get out of control very quickly.
We do have a few aides and especailly a sub aide that gives out more info than I need to know. I am also a sub aide. I have been on the list for 3 1/2 years and I learned very quickly the less I know the better. Children are VERY informative about personal information whether you want to hear it or not. If you feel that this is a problem perhaps you could talk to a school board member about implementing stricter confidentiality rules. That way no one would know it was you that brought it up and you wouldn't be at the top of the gossip pyramid for that.
It is very unfortunate when people don't recognize the difference between conversation and gossip. Some people are misguided and think it's actually helpful. Others wouldn't know what to say if they couldn't gossip.
We had a similar problem with two office staff last year that was easily resovled when they left but none the less I felt the same way the way they would "talk". They were your best friend until you didn't side with them etc.
It's a fine line and if it helps, it will and does catch up with them the things that are said. The Principal is still upset that my last pregnacy was spread around the school like common gossip before I felt comfortable telling anyone- she heard me tell the Principal and went with it. I know you are talking more serious than that but it was still uncomfortable to hear congrats in the hall and my kids didn't even know (I wait until after the first tri to announce).
Our secretaries have had kids in our school. One of the secretaries is very friendly with 1 of the lunch aides and a few mothers in our school. The secretary not only tells the lunch aid personal tidbits about people but she also tells the mothers that shes close to!
She hasn't talked about me behind my back(because it seems everyone knows my business)but she has done it to others who were smart enough to go to the principal. He put a stop to her gossiping, so now we only have to deal with the lunch aid. He said he can't do anything about her because she shouldn't have access to the files. I know for a fact that when no one is in the office she goes through the files(she's been caught by a few teachers)but because he really, really, really likes her its ok.
A few people have talked about going to the board of ed about her,but decided against it because she's leaving the school in June.
By the way KMA, she's going to be another one of your problems!! I'll fill you in when I see you again.
