A diamond in the rough

My wife, who knows me well after 47 years, says I’m the most patient person she has ever met. When you combine this patience with the actions of putting others first and practicing sound human dynamics, learned from Gonzaga’s leadership program, you’ll see why I’ve finally been speaking up about our local school district. The GCDSD means so much to me, but these important qualities are not practiced at the top level of this organization.

When someone talks about my opinion, they need to realize I’m speaking for me and a lot of people who have had bad experiences in the GCDSD or not even tried to share their issues because they felt it would be a waste of time. As I’ve said, there are serious issues beyond fiscal mismanagement. It goes way beyond just facts you can look up. The 48% no votes on the last ballot request from the GCDSD was about as factual as you can get. People feel like they’re the moles in the whack-a-mole arcade game. They share concerns and are constantly smacked on the head.

Previously, in The Star, after I read the comment “this is nuts” from the GCDSD superintendent, I’d mentioned that we need composure not drama. Then on the front page of The Star last week I see talk of a new sports facility and the comment “are we going to let it fall apart and rot” about the old middle school. Here we go again with the drama. I understand the shovel ready idea, but a portion of these plans will more than likely involve passage of a bond and I doubt the GCDSD will garner the 60% needed to pass. My prediction about the last ballot request barely passing was correct. Our local district can’t even efficiently and responsibly manage the $4.20 per $1,000 assessed property value from taxpayers (requests from our levies, is at the maximum allowed) even with the additional $2.1 million in Impact Aid. Their other funding sources are similar to all schools based on student counts for basic and sub groups.

A few things involving the GCDSD that people have expressed frustration with are here with some thoughts:

The “Good Old Boys” system being used to run the district. If so, it’s time for major changes.

Excessive administration and district office staffing. All systems need overhauled.

Maxing out the levy request then giving our coaches a pay cut. Did anyone else take a pay cut? I’m guessing (sorry not factual), no.

One person informed me that our school district superintendent is or was getting an extra stipend for security and safety oversite. I know of no superintendent who gets a stipend for this. Security and safety are always a priority in schools and part of a superintendent’s regular duties.

Parents tell me of bad experiences at the administrative level that have been reactive and unprofessional instead of responsive and productive. One parent told me about her high-needs child. She spoke praises for my wife as one of the child’s teachers but was very upset with the superintendent. Other parents finally withdrew their kids. Unbelievable.

Teachers are working with emails from students at all hours of the day and night, 7 days a week. Why are exact hours of the work day from in-person staff being pointed out and monitored? This is a “My way or else” type of thinking again. Learn to work in a collegial, collaborative, professional fashion to establish genuine unity and commitment.

I am just scratching the surface as far as concerns shared. Progress with so much dysfunction will never be made if the GCDSD keeps pretending nothing is wrong. However, as I’ve mentioned before, our elected officials on the GCDSD School Board have my respect. Maybe most of this stuff is not reaching their level by golly. Sorry, not sorry. Things must improve significantly.

A real gem in the GCDSD is Sara Kennedy. From a distance, with Sara, I notice amazing balance with people skills, knowledge and with-it-ness. With-it-ness is a gift and she has it! Mrs. Kennedy is not into intimidation or excuses. She operates at a high level, knows how to work smarter and makes everyone feel valued and heard. She goes above and beyond to do whatever it takes with courageous, unwavering commitment. If I had an opening in the district I serve, I would strongly consider hiring her like I did Chance Hill (formerly in the GCDSD). Our students love him!

There may be hope,

John M. Adkins