I like Terry Grier.  I do not know him well, but I’m aware we share similar views on two critical issues:  Unions and barbeque.  Don’t laugh- if you don’t shares these issues, you may not understand.  And while I “don’t want to get all biblical on ya” there is something quoted, usually WAY out of context, about judging.

But he does make his mistakes, and this one’s a doozy.

Prop S (a bond measure to fund repair and upgrades of the set of shacks we call schools) has been hammered by the Union Tribune.  If you missed the editorial, nearly half it’s content was an excellent summarization of why the measure is flawed. [edit:I still support the prop- it has it's flaws, but the flaws in our schools are far greater-thanks, reader VSL] The greater half was about the U/T’s growing dislike for Grier, specifically about the so-called gag order issued by the Board, essentially saying not to speak ill of the Superintendent in public.  Newspapers hate things like this- it makes casual journalism a lot more difficult.  Casual journalism is a style fully embraced by the UT, mainly because their lack of commitment (meaning number of reporters) makes anything but casual journalism impossible. If you want real news about education, go to voiceofsd.org.

Grier, obviously unhappy that he may not get his bond for Christmas, has rallied the troops.  With a single stroke of his keyboard, he summons all the principals for a MANDATORY off-hours meeting down at the Girl Scout HQ, possibly the legendary undisclosed location from which Dick Cheney creates policy.  Ok, not that last part.

At this meeting, Greir (no doubt rubbing his hands together like a global tyrant) launches his plan for the Grier Phone-o-Rama!  The Phone-o-Rama moniker is mine- just play along. The GPOR is a boiler room in some location downtown from which Greir wants each principal to take their turn at a phone tree, making calls to someone, presumably parents, to rally support for Prop S.

If you, dear Reader, are a Human Resources professional, if you have ever hired an employee, ever attended a business 101 class in Community College, or simply just fell of the turnip truck, you will, at this point have a goofy look on your face and an imaginary question mark is appearing over your head, as you utter: Wha?

How can an employer call for a mandatory meeting off-hours?

Why not the comfortable theater of the Eugene Brucker Education Center, the HQ of the school system?

How can an employer require an employee to take a position on a political issue?

How can an employer require employee’s action and support of that political issue?

How can an organization fairly assess an employee’s performance should that employee have a differing view on that political issue?

For a man thwarted daily by the teacher’s union, why would he add fuel to the rising fire of the Administrator’s Association?

I’m just a parent blogger, and am often dwarfed by the complexity of the gargantuan SDUSD.  And frequently, I’m stymied for blogging subjects.  I suppose I should be happy that Grier has lobbed a slow pitch so I can happily blog my snarky prose.  But it ain’t true.

I’m surprised how poorly Grier has treated his employees.  Principals are possibly his most important set of employees.  Clearly the low opinion he has for these boots-on-the-ground workers will cost him their support. 

From a San Diego Unified Parent point of view, it’s just another Here We Go Again.  Here We Go Again with the over-compensated swaggering Chief who looks like he’ll blunder his way to another SDUSD early retirement.  Here We Go Again with the upheaval of choosing another Superintendent.  Hey, Board of Education:  What kind of employee did you hire? Oh, wait- you can’t say anything negative publicly…sorry I asked.  Hey- do you work for me, or the Superintendent?

 

I like Terry Grier, and I hope he’ll continue to do good work. He’s done some very good things so far. I hope he’ll stick around and help SDUSD- we really need it.  But, for all the sauce, (vinegar or mustard style, depending on which side of the 95 you’re on) in North Carolina, will you please make nice with the principals?

 

 

 

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