Monday, February 1, 2010

Ninety-Five Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Mrs. Dunaway

  1. Our state of North Carolina, when it ratified House Bill 955, willed that Charter Schools create new professional opportunities for teachers, including the opportunities to be responsible for the learning program at the school site.
  2. This responsibility cannot be understood to mean only one individual holds that responsibility, which is administered by Mrs. Dunaway.
  3. Yet Mrs. Dunaway does not intend to yield her iron fist rule.
  4. Observation indicates that it is her intention to rule the school in her interests and vision, without any input from parents or staff.
  5. Most questions asked of staff cannot be answered until Mrs. Dunaway has given blessing or proclaimed her decree.
  6. Simple questions that are answered without Mrs. Dunaway's input end up getting reversed when Mrs. Dunaway finds out.
  7. The Purpose and Organization Chart state that Pine Lake Preparatory uses a model of collegiality and cooperation.
  8. Yet with the iron fist rule of Mrs. Dunaway, innovation and leadership development is stifled.
  9. The Houston House, a structure on campus with no academic purpose, is decorated by an interior designer with expensive furniture but our classrooms were not furnished with essential supplies such as overhead projectors, desks, or chairs.
  10. When our teachers asked us for supplies that were not provided by Pine Lake, they were yelled at by administration.
  11. While Pine Lake is a public institution, there is no transparency into the operation of the school.
  12. No one knows how much is being spent on trendy furniture, fancy video walls, catered celebrations, or even Mrs. Dunaway's salary.
  13. The salaries of public employees that are supported by our tax dollars are published for all to see. Why doesn't Pine Lake, a public institution, also have this transparency?
  14. Charter Schools, by law, are to increase learning opportunities for all students, with special emphasis on expanded learning experiences for students who are identified as at risk of academic failure or academically gifted.
  15. Pine Lake's Purpose and Focus even states that it will improve student learning and increase opportunities for all children.
  16. Teachers at Pine Lake are not allowed to differentiate, which harms both those at risk of academic failure or are academically gifted.