Every year, as predictable as the changing seasons, comes a surge of last-minute pleas and “special” requests that test our decision-making, our policies, and our patience.
One memorable instance involved a request concerning a student’s science course options in middle school. The email request began typically enough, with a citation straight out of our district priorities, and quickly expanded from there into a lengthy appeal addressed to the Board president, the superintendent, and the assistant superintendent for instruction.
The mother’s proposed solution was straightforward: hire additional staff to resolve her specific issue. Does that sound reasonable enough?
The Resolution Trail
What followed was a flurry of emails, extended phone conversations, and several proposed solutions. Ultimately, we arranged for the student to bypass the courses by taking a proficiency assessment offered by the district.
When I checked in for an update on the situation, I heard a classic “You Can’t Make It Up” moment. As it turned out, the student missed the assessment because he was “unreachable, hiking in the mountains, and only accessible via satellite phone.” His mother hadn’t even informed him of the arranged solution.
Seriously? After hours of staff time, interactions with the Board President, and demands for new staff? You can’t make it up!
Key Takeaways:
This story is far from unique. In public education, we often encounter challenging scenarios that test our patience and resourcefulness.
Here are a few key takeaways to consider when you’re dealing with those “exceptional” requests:
- Adhere to Established Policies – Adjust When Needed: While following the district’s established policies and procedures is essential, be open to revising them if they consistently create obstacles. Good policies equal good decisions.
- Collective Problem-Solving: Involve multiple perspectives in the solution process to prevent unforeseen complications and ensure all angles are considered. You’ll likely have a better outcome.
- Transparent Exceptions: When making exceptions, ensure they are justifiable with facts and logic. Transparency helps maintain trust and fairness in policy enforcement.
- Distinguishing Requests: Learn to identify which requests are reasonable and which are not. It’s crucial to manage resources wisely and avoid setting precedents for accommodating unreasonable demands.
- Deliberate Decision-Making: Avoid hasty decisions. Waiting a day or two before making a decision can lead to changes in perspective or new solutions, reducing urgency and pressure.
- Every Parent Counts: Treat each request individually, remembering that every parent and guardian is doing their best to advocate for their child. While certain situations are frustrating, they are rarely related.
In the world of public education, these “You Can’t Make It Up” moments remind us to use fairness and flexibility as we serve our communities. As you say goodbye to the school year and hello to the summer months, take some time to recharge those patience batteries. The odds are good that you’ll need them at full power in a few weeks!