My youngest is entering high school as a freshman this week, so like many other families doing the back-to-school scramble, all systems are self-arranging to support a return to early mornings, homework schedules, and sustainable routines.
Since my eldest graduated a few years ago, our local high school has brought in a new principal, and last week was an opportunity for Freshman parents to meet the staff and have a bit of orientation around what to expect. This included an overview of the Freshman Student orientation scheduled for the following day. Principal “Cooper” offered up a confidence-inspiring welcome through balanced communications, a welcoming energy, and a fair bit of levity. (Because….#HighSchool.)
Like many other school districts across the nation, ours has faced budget cuts as we emerge from pandemic funding, and a reduced enrollment forecast. Principal Cooper shared the growth our particular high school is seeing in trends, along with painful reductions in some areas.
Budget challenges are never easy as any organization that has gone through reductions well knows. Choosing between people, programs, and production is inevitably painful no matter the consideration and thoughtfulness that goes into a decision. Data models and forecasting processes may help minimize the pain, but humans seemed inclined to grow and expand, so it goes against our nature to retract and reduce.
That said, Cooper’s first successful talking points of the evening focused on the positives. Rather than dwelling on a budget shortfall he stepped into, he highlighted the strengths of the offering – a Health Clinic on site for all students, a strong STEM program that included transporting students from other schools to our, 2 full time psychologists on campus for mental well-being, growing enrollment in Freshman class, and an ongoing nationally recognized music program. (Nevermind for the moment the pain of a dropped drama program, choir classes, or reduction in Jazz classes…most first time high school parents may never know that these things even existed.)
Principal Cooper balanced introductions of the school with an brief recounting of his personal history, offering just enough for credibility, but, keeping the focus on the programs, the rest of the staff, the students, and the parents. It was an example of leadership communication that struck just the right ratio of personable and professional, taking accountability but deflecting power to others.
When it came time to open the room to questions, most seemed to feel that any outstanding concerns had been addressed, and now we just needed to wait for schedules to be issued. But, Cooper encouraged questions, holding space long enough for the first brave soul to raise their hand and open the floodgates of queries – thereby assuring an culture of open communication. It’s notable how much we can learn by others’ questions, and, he fielded them all with grace and reassurance. Until the final query…
Following several clarifying questions about Freshman Orientation happening on the following day – from schedules to Chromebooks to meeting teachers to lockers to yearbooks to joining clubs and committees – one concerned parent asked,
“What if my student isn’t able to make it to Freshman Orientation tomorrow?”
To which Cooper responded,
“That’s ok, they can try again next year.”
With that one quip, I knew my kiddo was going to be in good hands.
Principal Cooper brought levity, sincerity, transparency, and optimism to what could otherwise be an overwhelming transition for students and their families.
I left the Parent Orientation with a smile, feeling inspired and buoyed by the guidance and direction being offered to the next generation. If only all could be so fortunate to have the same leadership influences!
