Читать книгу The New Principal - Margaret Carter - Страница 10

Parents will always have a vested interest in their child’s schooling. Their interest may be active or passive, but you always have their most precious investment in your care. In most schools there is an established parent organization. Some parents help out at school individually, while other parents desire a more organized approach and like to participate in group support of the school. Many parents limit their involvement to their own child’s particular interest, for example band, sports booster clubs, or academic competitions.

This is no problem, except when parents get overly zealous in defending their child’s place in these activities. Principals should support the coach or sponsor as they resolve issues, as they are much closer to the problem than the principal. If the staff sponsor is found to be mistaken or wrong, meet with him or her privately and encourage a resolution for the good of the program. If the parent still has an issue, or comes to you without the knowledge of the coach or sponsor, be sure to request that person’s presence at the meeting.

Fortunately, there are parents in all schools who are concerned about the school that their children attend and will do all they can to help out. Unfortunately, some parents tend to misunderstand the legalities of parent organizations and believe that business can be handled in any way they feel is appropriate. It is the principal’s job to assist parents in understanding the proper procedures, best practices, and legalities when handling money from fund-raising activities.

Be cautious about parent organizations. You want to encourage parent engagement in your school. There is a sharp line between fund-raising for the school and its students and using the school for parents’ personal slush fund or as a bank for short-term loans. Note: the national Parent Teachers Association is a separate organization, and schools may not use the term PTA without membership and approval from the national organization. If a school wants to establish its own parent organization, this is fine. Only keep in mind about what the organization is named. Monitor their activities from a healthy distance, and help when asked.

The principal must understand his or her role in the parent organization as well. In most states, the principal’s role is strictly “hands off.” Do not sign checks or place yourself as an owner on a parent organization bank account. These items are usually covered in principals’ training meetings or at a special training provided by the school district and/or state department of education. Meet with your immediate supervisor before you have to meet with a judge regarding parent organization funds. Although legally the principal may not be held liable for parent organizations and their misuse of funds, incidents of improper handling of money will always reflect badly on the principal.