First LSC Meeting – Will I Be Able to Walk the Talk?
July 1, 2008 at 11:29 pm 2 comments
OK, I hate that expression about walking/talking, but it actually fits for once in my life. I’ve been talking (some may interpret as lecturing, yammering, complaining, informing, gossiping, instigating, or agitating) about CPS for a couple years now to anyone who will listen. Or even just pretend to listen. I got myself onto the local LSC with the mission of making a difference, pushing the school to do more, to stretch themselves, fix some things, listen to the voice of the people, etc. It all sounds great in my head. Problem is, I’m not sure if have what it takes to actually push for stuff. I’m a rebel in my mind, but my reality is to avoid confrontation and not rock the boat.
I can’t help but wonder if I will have the guts to keep pushing. And I’m not even quite sure what exactly I’m pushing for, specifically. I know I want better communication between all parties involved in the school and ideally I’d like to see the academic standard bumped up a bit both in terms of getting more kids at/above that magic level of test scores and making sure that the bright and/or motivated kids get challenged. And to work with another LSC member who has a great vision for more progressive, hands-on learning for the kids.
My impression is that my LSC has gone along for a while, acting in general agreement, and conducting their two main functions: approving the school budget and the SIPAA plan (school’s strategic plan.) The other job of an LSC is to determine whether to retain the principal when their contract is up. We’ll be doing that in two years. I think it’ll take some “chutzpah” (or “balls” if you don’t know Yiddish) to push the group out of their standard routine. It means that I need to figure out exactly what I want to happen, throw it out there, and not back off as easily as I normally do. Frankly, I would feel better if I had an alliance. Like on Survivor. I am terrible at being the lone dissenting voice beyond a first peep. I know that some other new LSC member are also eager to make a difference. But inertia is hard to fight. We want to lead a revolution (in reality, an evolution) without making waves and that probably isn’t possible.
I think I will take inspiration from the Gatorade commercials… “Is it in you?” I’m quite sure that when the ads were written the copywriter wasn’t thinking about some over-zealous-yet-a-bit-hesitant mom taking on the local school board. But hey, you gotta take inspiration where you can find it, right?
1. BuenaParkMom | July 6, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Would you consider blogging about how one goes about running for the LSC?
2. Anony Mouse | April 30, 2011 at 9:03 pm
The classroom teacher receives LSC applications in his/her mailbox, at school. These forms are given to the students, who, in turn, SHOULD give them to their parent(s)/guardian. If someone is interested, the form is completed and returned to school, and, homeroom teacher gives it to responsible party in charge. Someone will call you and inform you when to come to school.