Change(s)

Three years ago FL offered me the opportunity to become chair for the SS dept. @ our campus. I accepted the position thinking I was ‘highly qualified’ but as it turned out, his first choice turned him down.

The department’s reputation was tattered not only on campus but in the district as well. My goal was to have a cohesive, collaborative team. A few weeks after my appointment, I met Ms. Perky at a summer staff development and learned that she was pre-hired but did not have a permanent spot. I suggested that she send her résumé in to FL. It must have been ordained by the hiring gods for her to come to us ~ she was interviewed and selected by TELEPHONE! This was not the ‘m.o.’ of the boss; he likes to be in on every step of the process. Anyway, her hiring was the best thing ever for the department and for me. She was the catalyst to resuscitate the team. The other individuals, who didn’t have the best interests of the group or students in mind, left. Fast forward to August 2008 ~ FL really made life a living hell for all of us and I asked to relinquish the position.

His response, “YOU have to find your replacement!”

We know that he has been replaced with a human being. I spoke with Ms. FL stating that I had been in the role for three years and felt that it was time for new blood.

“I’ll honor your request” was her response.

The department, in my opinion, has made the turnaround and has accomplished the goals I set. We have been complimented on being a very positive & cooperative department. I want to focus on improving my teaching by being a very active participant in the grant and I do not want the added responsibility of leadership. Time to hand over the reins to someone else; I am through!

ttfn,
~ba~