In talking with parents across the district, I have repeatedly heard of their growing concerns regarding disciplinary issues among the students* and high turnover of the leadership at Miller Middle School.
As we have seen in the success at Goodnight Middle School, the key to improving Miller will be the strength and stability of a seasoned leader. The Miller community needs a veteran problem-solver who will lead by example, support our students and families, and win the confidence of our teachers. Miller needs a principal who can rebuild morale, establish trust with the community, and change the climate by creating a path to academic success.
As a parent, I expect the district to enforce a structured, equitable, and fair discipline policy at each and every campus. As a board member, I will work with the administrative staff and teachers in our middle schools—where our students spend their most crucial years of adolescence—to act swiftly and with great care to provide a safe environment conducive to learning.
I’m hopeful, but I’m not naive. I know our district isn’t perfect, but I am driven by my belief in the benefits of confronting our concerns head-on and in good faith as we work diligently and constructively to fix the problems that exist.
Having interviewed and hired many employees in my professional career, I know there are numerous factors involved in finding the most qualified candidate. For instance, we must take care to schedule the job search so as to ensure that the very best candidates are applying for the position.
Timing is especially critical for school district hiring. At this point in the school year the most qualified candidates are very likely under a contract elsewhere—either in SMCISD or in another district—and focusing on serving the students currently under their care.
We need a principal at Miller who will hit the ground running and be ready for the upcoming school year. As a board member, I will be fully vested in the district’s hiring procedures and timelines. I will insist that we hire the most qualified candidate in time for the summer planning term.
In the meantime, it is critical that the administration fully supports the Miller students, staff, and families. Given the current level of community concern, I believe it is the job of the school board and administration to support the people taking on daily challenges like those Acting Principal Aguayo is facing during this time of transition.
Similarly, it is essential that the board and the top-level administrators work hard in public and behind the scenes to quell the anxieties of parents and teachers, and to prevent concerned parents—parents who have long been committed to sending their children to San Marcos schools—from pulling their kids from our district. That is, of course, the kind of dedicated leadership that our schools need and deserve.
–Anne
*I’ve made an open records request on data pertaining to these concerns and will share that information when I receive it.