Madison Schools: Recently Answered Questions
The Madison School District has posted a recently answered question page on their website. This page includes comments on the budget, administrative staffing and the proposed middles school design changes.
Mr. Rainwater states that a number of administration positions have been cut over the past 6 years who work downtown. He never mentions nor addresses the “teachers” who work in the the Doyle Building and don’t step have a classroom to teach. Have these positions increased, decreased, or stayed the same? In other words, are there more positions down there but these people are now listed as “teachers” instead of being on the administrative staff? I have no idea, but it does seem like there are more and more people located there and a number who are classified as teachers, who get the teacher pay, without the headaches or work of the classroom.
There are a number of folks in the Student Services section who fit your description. They are called Program Support Teachers and, while they do not have “a classroom”, they are responsible for multiple schools. They are hardly ever downtown and spend most of their time advising/supporting special ed and mainstream ed staff in tricky cases, attending IEP meetings to support teachers, parents and staff, etc. I would not classify these folks as “administrators” just because the Doyle Bldg. is their address, and in my case, one (Sue Volz Nett) has been incredibly invaluable for her expertise in autism. I’m sure Sue’s counterparts are equally valuable to the families they’ve serviced over the years.
Come to think of it, the TAG coordinators fit your description as well- not being domiciled in a building doesn’t mean you hold a wasteful administrative position.
I searched around the MMSD Web site and found a video, which must be the one referenced in the answer to the second question. Here’s the direct link: http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/budget/mmsd/0506/schoolfunding.htm
I don’t think that where the staff person is housed is really as important as the position. When management is making budget choices, they supposedly look at the position, not the person. The same is true when the position is evaluated for pay range and classification. The biggest problem with this entire budget process seems to me to be the accountability from the top few administrators making all the recommendations and decisions to and for the Board. Instead of everyone fighting each other, why can’t we have honesty and forthright communication. Lay all the cards on the table, play out the game without all the cheating and underhanded actions. I think what the public is looking for is honesty and no one argues that they want the best for the children. But going about that the right way is what wins referendums and elections. If you want to have the public go along with your ideas where budget issues are concerned, you have to get taxpayers and voters to first buy into your ideas, and secondly, to respect you as administrators and decision makers. By being honest and upfront with staff, parents, taxpayers and voters, you will win your referendums.