Real-Life Decision Making
They manage the complex affairs of a school district. So a superintendent
constantly encounters situations where decisions have to be made. From hiring
and firing principals to planning cafeteria menus, nothing passes without
their stamp of approval or disapproval.
"You're the person on top, so every issue comes to you for resolution,"
says Joseph Schneider. He is the former deputy director of the American Association
of School Administrators. "You are the ultimate decision-maker. You determine
everything from what kind of instructional programs you're going to offer
to whether or not you're going to have middle schools in your district."
Being head of a school system means that all its problems arrive on your
desk. You have to juggle these with the rest of your workload while keeping
the best interests of children at heart.
You're a superintendent in a wealthy suburban school district. The
area prides itself on its good school system. It has paid top dollar for your
proven track record. Local taxpayers have entrusted you with maintaining the
school's good name and qualities for the sake of their children's
futures (and their real estate values).
To maintain its image of peaceful efficiency, you've established a
three-strikes-to-expulsion policy for anyone caught brawling on school property.
The policy becomes an issue when an offending senior student is found beating
up a fellow student for the third time that year.
The offending student is also the school's star quarterback and the
son of powerful parents in the community. His expulsion would not only affect
the school's football standing, but also his own chances of getting a
football scholarship to college.
What do you do?