Educate through effective communication
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Editor,
Polson School Superintendent Reksten was quoted in “The Family Journal” over the non-tenure issue in its school district by saying, “I’d say you’ve heard a portion of the story,” regarding the loss of five district teachers losing their jobs.
She’s got that one right.
First, Superintendent Reksten said, “The procedures have been followed for non-tenured teachers as far as evaluations required by contract. She added, “with a lot behind the scenes by administrators and teachers involved.” No pre or post follow-up evaluation meetings are done like most school districts that I’m aware of do. Second, Superintendent Reksten wants you to believe only two are not being tenured but in reality it’s more than that because the others have decided to resign and were encouraged to resign so that it wouldn’t show up in future job opportunities, when told they would not be tenured or receiving a contract for next year.
Ask yourself this: Would you feel good about yourself if you had an employee terminated who has had good evaluations but no opportunity to improve on whatever they may be below standards with? How about firing someone without them even knowing why you deemed him or her deficient in some aspect of their performance? Even a better question is, “What does this say about the Polson School District’s Management Policies?” We all understand their rights not to give a reason for non-tenure, but would you want to work for a school district that uses you up and spits you out? Especially when they seemed happy with their performances? Not once was there an offer of, “Lets help this teacher and put them on an Improvement Plan.” Given some encouragement and good leadership, these teachers could have been great educators and outstanding mentors to the students, the school and Polson’s community. What did you want of those teachers?
It’s too late for these teachers but please do what you preach: educate through effective communication.
Dennis Latimer
Finley Point
