Policymakers turn deaf ear to teachers

Bart Boulton, Las Vegas

Thursday, April 17, 2008 | 2:03 a.m.

As a 30-year Clark County School District teacher preparing for retirement this summer, I can honestly say the School Dstrict is headed for self-destruction because of its sincere lack of respect for its teachers and support staff.

The prevailing administrative mentality of “We know all the answers and therefore don’t need your ideas” has been the standard of leadership and policymakers for those of us who have taught for the School District over the past 30 years. This mind-set has and will continue to erode what was once a very competent school district to a point of no return.

After 20 years of writing letters, with ideas for improvement, to School Board members, School District leadership and those who control policy, only to be ignored, it’s obvious our School District policymakers want those who aren’t part of “their club” to keep their mouths shut and do as they are told, even if it’s not in the best interest of our children and our schools.

As unbelievable as it may sound, our district leadership and policymakers behave as though only administrative personnel are capable of higher-level problem-solving and deserve professional respect and treatment. All others are treated as though they just don’t exist.

A history of School District leadership and policymakers turning a blind eye to this lack of respect and unequal treatment has led to massive numbers of teachers and support staff leaving prematurely or learning to keep their mouths shut to survive.

The School Board needs to immediately involve itself in reforming these practices so teachers and support staff would experience a level of respect, recognition and treatment being afforded our School District’s administrators.

Maybe then teachers and support staff working in our schools would stay around a little longer and Clark County’s children could experience a higher level of success.