7 | February | 2019
It had to happen. Perhaps I ought to be surprised that it did not happen until this past week.
At some point, and I knew this intellectually beginning the role as principal, I was going to make a decision that made sense, that was necessary that I was wholly committed to and that made me question whether or not I was fully supporting the faculty I serve – fully supporting them both individually and collectively.
I had that moment this week.
It was the first time.
I did what I could do to explain my reasoning to all involved. I spent time with individuals, with department chair and teacher, and time with the department overall. I tried to be transparent. Authentic. Honest. I don’t believe (but who can really judge their own intentions with absolute clarity?) that I was not trying to justify or defend, only to explain.
It didn’t feel great and this is through no fault of the people with whom I was speaking or did speak over the course of the situation. They were terrific.
But, a week later I am still wondering if what and did and the manner in which I did it served the faculty well. I do not doubt my decision. I believe it was the correct one.
I just wonder if I did right by the people involved.
I tried. I tried very hard. Perhaps that’s enough.
It’s been a week of lessons… perhaps next time we’ll talk about Colorado snow.