Rumors Abound
Why do I find it interesting:
- Seems like something "Big Brother" would say (I am the only source you should trust...)
- Has little to do with "Just the Facts" dissemination, and may sound a bit condescending.
- Often I have found that there is some truth in many rumors
- The district personnel / postings seem to represent a very biased perception of reality / fact. Which makes sense given they all work for the same employer, many have the same educational and work experience, likely have similar political affiliations, have to try to manage public relations , rational fear of litigation etc. (this is normal)
What would I do different:
- Actively state and correct rumors on Rdale.org as RAS becomes aware of them. Don't try to ignore that scary broom moving in the closet, bring it into the light.
- Publish facts that occasionally show RAS in a poor light. The rationale is that every organization has skeletons and makes mistakes. People will not trust you if you do not disclose them. They assume scandal and cover up.
- Set up "Just the Facts" as a blog so that people can see what is being asked and resolved.
Specifics I am still waiting for:
- Why did the Transportation Mgrs get put on leave?
- Is there room for another section at Sunny Hollow/RSI?
- Do we need to use PLE as a Kindergarten center this year?
Any other shadowy rumors that should be brought into the light ? Please post below and I'll try to get answers. And no I am not looking for hurtful slanderous lies, just things you have heard that sincerely have you concerned.
Just an FYI, I typically wait one to two weeks for an email reply when I ask Admin personnel a question. My guess is their in basket looks a lot like mine. So please be patient and persistent, and they will get back to you !!!
6 comments:
I did find the "Rumors" posting a bit condescending as well.
This is what I've found out:
There is no plan or anticipated need to use PLE for classes next year. (My personal guess is that the rumor started because the admin thinks the schools can get away without "extra" rooms for things like Adventure Club, while staff thinks they will be way too crowded.)
They will be adding the extra section of kindergarten to RSI. I was told that they held off because the new principal preferred to wait a year until after the building switch happened. The school board thought that adding one section of kindergarten should not cause that much hardship (considering that all other buildings are experiencing large upheavals in their student body) and told them to go ahead.
Why that couldn't have been addressed in a "Just the Facts" email is beyond me, but I appreciate that a school board member was able to fill me in.
The transportation manager situation is one I would like to have explained also.
Here's a clip from the Unofficial Summary of the April 16 Work Session on the district website:
"Another program enhancement is the expansion of Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School. The board is committed to expanding the school by one section, as promised during the referendum. Data was presented that shows there will be room in the facility for an extra section at each grade level, with several rooms left over once the school is fully expanded. The board’s discussion centered on when to add the section, this year or next, and whether implementation should be dependent on changing policies related to encouraging diversity and sibling preference. A task force will be formed to help determine future policy by July. The board’s consensus was to add the kindergarten section beginning in fall 2009."
I concur as to the strangeness of the "rumors abound" email. Just debunk those unfounded rumors already - don't make us guess which ones are false. Presumably the district figured the Unofficial Summary would refute the rumor that the new RSI would be too crowded to add another K section, but they could hardly have buried that news any deeper.
Communicate, communicate, communicate!
I contested the last JTF email because it was just another redistributed announcement and pointed out that not one had been used to address a rumor. This is the paragraph addressing my point: "We have received a number of questions regarding rumors and have addressed all of them with the individual who asked the question and if appropriate, have published information in the proper spots. For example, one person asked us about the Girl's hockey team at Cooper and why the team would be going away. That isn't the case. Another person said that he had heard that the Cooper team was being combined with the St. Louis Park team. Again this was wrong. Because these various "rumors" were being sent in the form of questions to us, we were able to provide the accurate information about the Cooper Girl's hockey team in a JTF." I was so annoyed. If you really want to address a rumor, use your wonderful "facts" tool and address it! Answering one person does little to squash a rumor. I haven't written back...I'm waiting to simmer down.
Thanks for the info / light...
Maybe they have forgotten the "there is no such thing as a stupid question" rule, or more importantly the related one:
If one person asks, it is very likely that many others in the community are asking a very similar question...
My only other feedback on RAS publications is keep them short, clear and informative. Of course this viewpoint is from a guy who lives making bulletted powerpoint presentations...
Unfortunately I have learned through unpleasant experience that most readers can't make it through paragraphs with more than 3 sentences in them. Maybe this a result of too much CNN Headline news...
Why the "rumor" JTF?
Because too often, people do not go to the source for information. If you want to know what Robbinsdale Area Schools is doing, ask Robbinsdale Area Schools. Not the media, not your friends. They aren't informed. Unfortunately, it will take time to get an answer - most administrators answer email at night or on weekends.
"Just the Facts" isn't a blog because we couldn't do it justice - there isn't enough time in the day to be able to respond. It's sad, because we do want two-way communication. Try my phone at 763-504-8029.
Specifics:
Why did the Transportation Mgrs get put on leave?
We are still(!) awaiting the completion of the investigation by the attorney. We can't comment until the investigation is complete.
Is there room for another section at Sunny Hollow/RSI?
Yes. And some to spare.
Do we need to use PLE as a Kindergarten center this year?
No.
Any other shadowy rumors that should be brought into the light ?
Not that I know of.
Best regards!
-Jeff Dehler
For those who do not know Jeff. Here is his Title and Contact info.
RAS Community Relations Program Director
Jeff Dehler
763-504-8029
jeff_dehler@rdale.k12.mn.us
I have been in contact with him a few times. Great go to guy if you want something clarified.
However remember my notes on bias and PR above. All folks in Company and School Administrative positions are required to walk a thin line regarding disclosure and tone. It is just part of culture.
Post a Comment