MCPS appreciates the importance of receiving input from stakeholders who are affected by the system’s decisions. Collaboration in MCPS is a highly valued process in decision-making. This process includes, but is not limited to, negotiations for contracts, formalized committees working on specific projects, and informal communications among MCPS offices and their stakeholders.
How do you know who your stakeholders are?
Immediate supervisors are critical sources of information regarding the stakeholders for any school or office. Employee unions, parent organizations, student organizations, business partners, and community organizations are categories of key stakeholder groups. It is important that administrators identify specifically the stakeholder groups with whom they should collaborate in achieving the goals and objectives of their schools or offices.
What do you need to know about working effectively with MCAASP, the Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 500, MCCSSE?
It is important to understand the commitment that these three organizations have to student learning and the effective operation of the school system. Each organization represents a slightly different perspective about how best to implement system goals to achieve student learning. Therefore, it is important to seek input from the appropriate representatives from these organizations whenever decisions are to be made that will impact members of these organizations.
What are the essential contract issues that you need to be aware of?
There are three contracts with which administrators need to be knowledgeable. Issues about working conditions, salary, evaluations, and rights and responsibilities frequently arise that are covered in these contracts. Contracts are mutual agreements which are legally binding. Therefore, each administrator needs to implement accurately the terms of each contract. Information about contracts and interpretations of specific circumstances can be obtained from the director of the Department of Association Relations.
What are the expectations for the A&S, teacher, and supporting services staff Professional Growth Systems?
Each of the three professional growth systems has as its goal the professional development of staff. The effectiveness of the school system is inextricably united with the effectiveness of our staff. We believe that the continuous improvement by each employee requires self-reflection and support. It is through continuous improvement that we build the capacity our staff to achieve system goals, and ultimately, high levels of learning for students.
What do you need to know about working effectively with community stakeholders?
The Montgomery County community is vitally interested and involved in its children. The community supports the education of our students at a very high level, both financially and philosophically. It is safe to say that education is the primary focus of our community. Therefore, it is crucial that each administrator understands how to effectively work with community stakeholders. Parents, business partners, government officials, and civic leaders want to be involved in the education of our students. Each administrator should know the people who are key links to each segment of our community. Frequent contact with these individuals is important to keep them informed. Each administrator should know when to involve these leaders on committees or workgroups on special projects. Immediate supervisors are again critical sources of information about who, when, and how to involve our community stakeholders.
Updated November 2, 2006 | Maintained by Andrew Miller
