The main concern at last Saturday’s parent meeting is that Hillsdale is not on the board’s side in appointing an executive director. If we lose the support of Hillsdale that seems significant and harmful to LCCA. I left wondering why the board seemed to not consult with Hillsdale before creating the executive director position.
They did. Repeatedly. Which doesn’t mean Hillsdale agreed with the decision, and I understand why that’s been a point of frustration for them. But the board exists for LCCA and Hillsdale exists for Hillsdale. There will be times they are both following their mandates and end up in disagreement. That’s ok.
Personally, I hope LCCA can keep Hillsdale as a supporting partner. That’s good for both parties and I think a parting of ways is unlikely. But you can only have a productive partnership with people who are willing to work with you, and both LCCA and Hillsdale have their roles. The board’s role at LCCA is bigger than Hillsdale’s. If Hillsdale dropped us it’d be a huge loss, but there are plenty of non-Hillsdale classical charter schools and we could find other partners. So yes, a big problem, but a surmountable one.
However, if the board doesn’t work to protect LCCA at the local level, there might not be an LCCA for long. So if I have to choose sides in a messy divorce at some hypothetical future point, I’m likely to stand with the board.
My daughter, Nicole, entered LCCA in 6th grade…first year the school opened. She wanted to leave due to a boy in her class that was bullying her. The Principal did nothing to help us and turned a blind eye in the matter. She didn’t try to resolve the situation so that Nicole could stay. I knew the school was in trouble at that point, if a principal wasn’t facilitating a safe environment for children.
The main concern at last Saturday’s parent meeting is that Hillsdale is not on the board’s side in appointing an executive director. If we lose the support of Hillsdale that seems significant and harmful to LCCA. I left wondering why the board seemed to not consult with Hillsdale before creating the executive director position.
They did. Repeatedly. Which doesn’t mean Hillsdale agreed with the decision, and I understand why that’s been a point of frustration for them. But the board exists for LCCA and Hillsdale exists for Hillsdale. There will be times they are both following their mandates and end up in disagreement. That’s ok.
Do you think it’s possible that Hillsdale might terminate its relationship with LCCA due to this move? Is that potential a problem in your mind?
Personally, I hope LCCA can keep Hillsdale as a supporting partner. That’s good for both parties and I think a parting of ways is unlikely. But you can only have a productive partnership with people who are willing to work with you, and both LCCA and Hillsdale have their roles. The board’s role at LCCA is bigger than Hillsdale’s. If Hillsdale dropped us it’d be a huge loss, but there are plenty of non-Hillsdale classical charter schools and we could find other partners. So yes, a big problem, but a surmountable one.
However, if the board doesn’t work to protect LCCA at the local level, there might not be an LCCA for long. So if I have to choose sides in a messy divorce at some hypothetical future point, I’m likely to stand with the board.
Thanks for your insights.
Thanks for the engagement. Good questions.
Well written and well explained.
My daughter, Nicole, entered LCCA in 6th grade…first year the school opened. She wanted to leave due to a boy in her class that was bullying her. The Principal did nothing to help us and turned a blind eye in the matter. She didn’t try to resolve the situation so that Nicole could stay. I knew the school was in trouble at that point, if a principal wasn’t facilitating a safe environment for children.