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<p>If you were referring to those that represent us as elected officials you are obviously quite right, we cannot however hold a referendum on the actions of individual officers every time it suits us. The result would be havoc. </p>
<p>I do not say this in defense of the actions, conduct or policies of the new Supt. I am simply stating what I believe to be true. In my opinion taking the Al Haig “I’m in charge” approach to leadership without some demonstration of an understanding of the practice of implementing change in any institution is a serious mistake. The new Supt has the authority and he is obviously in charge, he need not consider the input of anyone, least of all us lowly coffee clatching (clutching???) parents. </p>
<p>You can succeed by shoving change down the throats of your subordinates, obviously you have that authority as the Supt. You can also set goals and challenge the brigade to meet and exceed them by instruction and example. I’ve found that children and indeed adults that I have directed are much like water, you can use a deft hand and direct them through a course, you can even place obstacles in their path that they must get around in order to move forward. If on the other hand you try and grab them, hold them firm and squeeze them hard to get a hold and try and control their every move, you inevitably have nothing in your hand in the end.</p>