What is happening at Forestville School?

By Joseph McIntyre

A breakdown of respect and dialog between the School Board and teachers/administration threaten the quality of Forestville School. The answer is new Board Members who have a commitment to restoring open dialog.

Teachers at the school are very unhappy with their compensation, policies of the School Board, and the overall lack of appreciation they get. Administration is besieged by special requests from the Board, while at the same time dealing with a critical funding crisis that threatens the core educational programs of the school. Ancillary staff have had hours cut and responsibilities increased and are under tremendous pressure.

What this adds up to is low morale, high staff turnover, and an atmosphere of discontent. As much as we would like to believe this has no effect in the classroom, unhappy teachers and staff simply can not be expected to perform as well as when they feel respected and well treated.

There are many causes to the present situation, but one stands out--current and past Forestville School Boards have been unable to establish a relationship based on respect and trust with the School's staff. Without this relationship, there is no way the school can address funding cuts or curriculum changes with the cool perspective that is needed.

What is needed on the School Board today are Board Members who can put aside their personal issues and look at what is necessary to get our School moving in the right direction again. We need Members skilled in listening and hammering out compromises.

I believe my lifetime of work in education and business and my skills as a listener and facilitator are exactly what our School needs today. I ask for your vote and your support for everyone at the School in undertaking this important task of restoring respect and dialog at our School.