School Organization, Services, Operations, and Safety, Part 7

Question 1: Explain why it is especially important for a principal to have a firm grasp of school law as it pertains to campus safety.

Answer 1: There is a lot of student-initiated violence in some public schools today. Many high schools feature metal detectors to make sure students cannot bring in weapons. There may be periodic searches of lockers, often with police and trained police dogs, to look for drugs and other contraband items. It is very important during such searches to give proper attention to due process and to students’ rights regarding search and seizure. Principals in several schools have faced civil liability suits and district disciplinary actions for overstepping their authority in this regard. Some school administrators have conducted intrusive searches without sufficient cause or without regard to due process and search and seizure laws. “Zero tolerance” policies also have gotten schools in trouble and subjected principals to unfavorable publicity when students have been suspended for bringing toy water guns or empty pill bottles to schools. These cases only cause friction and resentment from students’ parents and the community. Schools also have faced dilemmas when they have found students with materials that might indicate a propensity or plan for violence. For instance, authorities may find an essay in which a student expresses ideas about hurting teachers or fellow students, or a student’s web page that contains threatening statements. Principals must be knowledgeable of school law when dealing with such issues, and administrative staff must be mindful of students’ rights while promoting campus safety.

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Question 2: Discuss the relationship between each school’s diverse groups, their needs, and a principal’s responsibility regarding the disposition of human, financial, and material resources.

Answer 2: School resources are finite, and in almost all public schools, resource shortage is a constant challenge. Different groups are constantly competing for resources, and principals must try to satisfy the needs of each group by allocating the appropriate resources. School staff look to principals to be their advocates to the school board, and school district and/or state agencies when trying to obtain needed materials and funds. If staff members feel that principals favor certain groups over others, or that there is no commitment to assist all groups in getting what they need to perform their jobs, they may not unite in pursuit of the district vision. Principals must decide whether their schools will buy new sports equipment or art supplies, renovate classrooms, buy musical instruments, hire more teachers, or get new books. Making these decisions, and providing convincing explanations for the allocation of resources are important responsbilities for all principals. Staff members must understand the decisions and understand why they are the correct choices made with a school’s best interests in mind.

Question 3: Give some examples of how a principal can see to it that the school communicates effectively with all parents.

Answer 3: To communicate effectively with parents, report cards and other written information can be made available to parents in their primary languages. The school can employ a staff member whose job function is community information, including communication with parents. The PTO or PTA should meet regularly, and school office staff should make an effort to be friendly and open to parents, which includes returning phone calls promptly and maintaining an open-door policy Parents should be kept informed about what their children are studying at any given time so that they can equip themselves to help with homework and projects. Phone hotlines with prerecorded information can help parents stay current on what is happening in the school and what their kids should be doing regarding homework and school activities.

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