This commentary was also published in late February in the Valley News (Lebanon, NH), the Times Argus (Barre & Montpelier, VT), and the Rutland Herald (Rutland, VT). The views and/or recommendations expressed in this piece reflect the professional judgment, expertise, and perspective of the author(s), and not necessarily those of UVEI as an institution. UVEI publishes material consistent with our policy of institutional restraint.
Times of uncertainty
Vermont’s school leaders are facing uncertainty. Some questions are familiar, like whether voters will approve next year’s budget. But new questions have also emerged, like what our graduation requirements will be following recommended changes by the Agency of Education. And the broader social context brings additional uncertainty and worry — about federal school funding disruptions, social-service reductions, the impact ICE activity could have on students, and how families could be affected by National Guard mobilizations. On top of all of this are our state’s enduring uncertainties about redistricting, a “battle” that has even made national news.
Still, the daily life of school goes on — and educators need support to sustain strong and resilient schools. At the Upper Valley Educators Institute (UVEI), I work with educators pursuing principal certification. Here are some thoughts on how school leaders can be supported in this time of uncertainty. From local teachers to state and national policy-makers, we all have roles to play.
Teachers: Share what works
Schools are resilient when there’s good teaching in classrooms. Good teaching means students feel a sense of purpose and pride. It also means deeper engagement and fewer disciplinary disruptions. But it can be challenging to “deprivatize” teacher practice so teachers can learn from each other’s good work. At UVEI, we believe that facilitating adult collaboration is a core responsibility of school leaders, but teachers can help by offering to share their work and learn from colleagues. The school will be stronger for it.
Families and community members: Talk in person
Families entrust schools to nurture their children’s intellectual and social-emotional development. Naturally, disagreements arise about what’s best. When concerns surface, in-person conversations are more effective than social media or email. This takes time, but it helps us model for our kids a commitment to dialogue when disagreements arise.
Superintendents: Support school-based hiring
No matter what happens with redistricting, there will be district vacancies to fill. Done well, hiring is time-intensive. Future principals at UVEI learn about “information rich” hiring practices, by which schools get to know candidates well through interviews, demonstration lessons and other means. Superintendents can support this work by supporting capable principals to lead it. And when a request-to-hire comes to the central office, superintendents can ensure quick follow-up so candidates don’t look elsewhere. Almost nothing is more important than hiring the right educators for our children.
Agency of Education: Bring educators together
There’s much that’s working in Vermont schools, and the AOE has an important role in helping educators learn from each other’s successes. Recently, the AOE brought together hundreds of educators to get feedback on a new strategic plan. It was a good opportunity to share thoughts and expertise. Productive convenings that bring educators together are valuable no matter the political uncertainties.
State officials: Focus on health care and housing
The impact that redistricting will have on school budgets and personnel is up in the air. But there are other ways to address school staffing and funding challenges. Housing: It’s hard to hire someone if they can’t afford a home in your district. Healthcare: It’s hard to keep budgets from increasing if health care costs continue their brutal rise. State leaders can support our schools by focusing on these two domains; for example, the efforts of State Treasurer Pieciak and Attorney General Clark, who are working with other states to bring down health care costs.
Congressional delegation: Fund the homefront
Our national defense budget is 809 billion dollars, which averages to 92 million every hour of the year. Meanwhile, Gov. Scott’s proposal for fewer school districts is forecast to save 183 million — a mere two hours worth of defense spending. Congress must recommit to funding the homefront. Rep. Balint recently conducted a survey about her priorities. Reducing defense spending wasn’t on her list — but it should be. And Sen. Sanders’ must reconsider his support for war machines, like the fighter jets stationed in Vermont, recently deployed to support the assault on Venezuela. Sen. Welch helps feed the military industrial complex in more subtle ways, like helping advance to a vote a defense spending bill that he claimed to oppose.
Certainly a nation needs to protect itself, but no nation needs 700 global military installations. That said, the kind of support for basic needs that we give families on our bases — housing, health care, food — is the very kind of support all Americans deserve.
School leaders: Share insights
When I was a public school principal, I felt the weight of societal problems pressing upon the school, and yet sometimes I thought, “Well … I gave at the office;” that just focusing on my daily work was enough. But school leaders can also direct energies outward. Newspapers need their commentaries; legislators need their testimony. Because of their proximity to the state’s children, school leaders have perspectives on social wellbeing that must be heard.
We can all help
In times of uncertainty and worry, Vermonters are always each other’s best resources. From those of us in schools to those of us in DC, we each can help strengthen our schools and realign our collective priorities to better meet the needs of our communities.
Elijah Hawkes is the Director for School Leadership Programs at UVEI, and is the former principal of Randolph Union High School in Randolph, VT.
