Non-renewal of contract was wrong decision
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I had the opportunity to attend the recent school board meeting in Polson on Monday, Feb. 14. The purpose for my attendance was to observe (and support) Shawn Hendrickson, current assistant principal at Polson High School in his bid to have his contract renewed. While I no longer live on the reservation, I recognized many of the faces in the audience as I grew up and graduated from a reservation school.
I listened with interest as individual after individual stepped forward to speak on Shawn’s behalf. Teachers, coaches, parents, community members all voiced support. In fact, there wasn’t a single negative comment. I learned things about Shawn that I didn’t know – his impact on students on the verge of dropping out, his solicitation of business support for the school, his ongoing commitment to getting to know each and every one of his students, and the list goes on. I also watched in dismay as the school board, despite the overwhelmingly community support, voted to uphold the superintendent’s recommendation to not renew Shawn’s contract.
Over the years, I have worked with dozens of organizations across the United States. I have been able to observe many different leadership styles and have noted the markings of a successful leader – whether it be in government, education or business. A successful leader surrounds himself with people as good as or better than himself. He sees these individuals, not as a threat, but as a strength that his team and organization can draw on for innovation and commitment. A strong leader builds consensus and clearly communicates expectations, and the most successful leader can take a negative situation, and use it to bring together a company or a community.
A poor leader rules with fear. He often feels threatened by those who exhibit skills or abilities above his own and seeks to have them removed or demoted. His communications are not open, nor are they clearly stated. In the end, he hurts, more than helps the organization or company he is involved with through decreased morale, poor decision making and overall lack of performance.
After observing the school board meeting, I have to say that based on the evidence presented that night, superintendent Dave Whitesell falls into the latter category.
I also have to take exception to the comment by school board member Vernon Finley who rationalized his actions with a plea for unity. He did not want to have a divided administration. While I sympathize with his intent, and am understanding of this desire to have a unified administration, I feel the need to state the obvious. Shawn was not the source of the divided administration. He wanted, was, and would have continued to work with the current administrators. In fact, he went out of his way to solicit their input and feedback not only on school initiatives, but also on his performance. The decision to divide the board – and subsequently the community – came from Superintendent Whitesell.
The vote on Monday, was not a vote for unity, it was a vote for dysfunction. A vote for a return to the status quo. A vote for increased community divisiveness. Shawn is not the real loser here; he is talented, well liked, and good at what he does. He will land on his feet and other doors of opportunity will open for him, and the organization where he lands will be better for his involvement. No, the real losers here are the students, the school and the community. It is rare to find an administrator who cares, connects and strives to encourage both students and teachers. Of the six or seven principals and superintendants that I had in high school, not one actually took the time to get to know the students.
I think it can best be summarized by a quote from a business colleague, Deborah Gardner, “Top performers know no generation, gender, race or religious lines, but they do share three traits: they are smart enough to do the job, they are driven to do it well, and they have integrity.” Shawn fits this definition.
So I issue a challenge to the community of Polson - step forward to champion and continue the improvements that Shawn started in the high school. Continue to move forward and when you select your next school board members, take the time to ensure that they really have the students, schools, and community’s interests at heart.
Traci Ulberg
Lolo
