| The Schechter Saga, Book 2, Chapter 4 | for everyone |
I'm not sure exactly how to categorize the "Head of School" position -- kind of like a combination superintendent/principal. In any case, I'll be working for a new one next year. In what came as a surprise to many, we were notified over the winter break that our Head of School would not be returning, so I'll be working for my either 10th principal or 7th superintendent depending on how you want to classify his job. In any case, he's the guy who chose to hire me, so whatever flaws he might have had (I've yet to work for a flawless administrator; neither have I ever delivered a flawless year as a teacher), so there is a sense of loss for me. There's also the aphorism, "Better the devil you know than one you don't," which I don't mean to imply anything about the man.
Because I taught his son last year, this decision did not come a complete shock to me. His son had, in his continual running commentaries on a myriad of topics throughout my inaugural year, suggested that his father's tenure would be limited to another year or two. I don't know the politics behind the change. I get the feeling it wasn't completely voluntary, but perhaps it represented a mutual parting. I just don't know.
But for someone who spent his previous career immersed (and not always voluntarily) in the politics of his previous school and district, not knowing is kind of a relief. I've been able to avoid the drama that accompanies every workplace (but even out here on the fringes I'm aware that Schechter is probably above average in that department), able to concentrate on just doing my job with minimal distractions.
Still, I feel bad for Rabbi Selis. We were solicited by a staff member on behalf of the search committee for characteristics we would want in a new head of school. My response was pretty generic: dedicated to the students, having a clear vision for the school, able to communicate internally and externally. I didn't say, but always appreciated, "Respect me as a professional and leave me alone to do my job." In my experience with him, those were qualities that the rabbi had at least adequately demonstrated. He was as good as most, better than a few who ranged from bad to brutal.
We'll see what happens next. As long as his replacement meets my unexpressed criterion, I don't see it impacting me that much. I've worked for good administrators and bad administrators. Most had more pluses than minuses. I'm fortunate enough to be able to say "Buh-bye" if the situation becomes intolerable, but I don't expect that. I've always been pretty good (although obviously not without the occasional conflict) at not letting administrators interfere with me doing the job I love.
All this provides more anecdotal evidence that the expression "normal year" is an oxymoron; nevertheless, I'm thinking "normal year" would also translate to "boring year." There may be more chapters to come in Book 2, but Book 3 begins in August!
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