Parent Meeting, November 4

Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting with over a dozen Hopkins parents at a private home in the Alice Smith attendance area.

This was a diverse crowd united in their concern for a School Board that can take Hopkins Schools to better things. They were all experienced and active with the issues facing Hopkins, and came from a variety of backgrounds and across the political spectrum. (Two parents work at the State Capitol on opposite sides of the aisle!)

This brought me back to my days in college with Professor Gary Wynia, (who recently passed away): the questioning, discussion, debate, and common purpose present at during this Sunday afternoon meeting were invigorating. I wish our Board meetings were such!

In addition to questions about how to restore a working trust and accountability/transparency with Hopkins Schools, two questions in particular stand out in my mind (actually, three):

1) Who provides the vision and leadership for Hopkins Schools? Is it the Board, or the Superintendent, or what?

I believe the Board must provide that vision, as Board members face the public at the ballot box every two years. The board hires the Superintendent to lead the Schools, s/he implements and executes the policies set by the Board.

2) How do Hopkins Schools become more engaging of students and families in an era of open enrollment and free choice?

I believe that the initial point of contact with families and students sets the direction for the most important relationship: that between families and schools. Schools that have to market and attract students must do this. In a public school district it is easy to avoid this task, but if we forgo administrative/bureaucratic approaches and place even greater emphasis on being open and inviting, offer our Schools and set expectations with families for that mutual relationship, their is more of a contractual tone: "we provide you this, you in return agree to join us in our work and do this."

I've seen other schools offer a formal "student compact" or agreement that is signed by parents, students and teachers: it means we are all in this together, we will apply our efforts towards the best education we can offer, and helps personalize these relationships and instill a culture of mutual respect and interdependence.

It is easier to do this in a smaller school setting, which is why I am insistent on reducing class sizes. It also engages the skills of listening, volunteering one's time, and appreciation for the professionals we charge with educating our children.

3) Bonus Question: Do I have a passion for kids and education?

Sometimes, I am guilty of of focusing too much on the "bones" of education: allocating resources, setting benchmarks for performance, audits, fiscal oversight, government funding, etc. etc. You don't see the bones every day, but if they aren't doing their job, the whole body suffers.

Why do I do focus on this? Because I believe strongly that we have a moral obligation to provide our children with the best education possible. If our schools cannot effectively deliver great schooling, they system of delivering education needs to be addressed, pronto.

With good "bones" of school finances and public accountability, the teachers and staff who offer the best minds, the most nurturing souls, and engaging personalities are supported, sustained, and encouraged in their teaching. Energy and attention focus on our kids becoming educated citizens of the world.

And that makes it all worth while!!!