Jennifer Armenia
Case Study 5:
ISLLAC Standard 5
A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.
Questions:
1) How does a principal handle a personnel situation with fairness to the employee while keeping in mind the school’s best interest?
2) How does the principal handle a personnel situation when parents are asking questions about the employee but the information is confidential?
Description:
One of the teachers in the school had a dispute with his wife. He was charged with 3rd degree child abuse for hitting his wife in front of his children. As soon as the school found out about this, the employee was put on leave until a full investigation of the situation could be completed. During this time the faculty had many questions about what was going to happen to the teacher. Most of the information about this situation was confidential so the principal couldn’t answer any questions but she did tell the faculty that an investion was taking place and it was out of her hands; the board would be the ones making any decisions.
Many parents were outraged when they heard that the employee wouldn’t be dismissed immediately. The principal told the parents that a full investigation was taking place and that the board was aware of this situation and they would make a decision about how to handle this employee. After about a month, the investigation was completed and the employee was allowed to continue teaching under certain circumstances. Before the employee returned, the principal told the faculty he would return. She told the faculty that if any parents say anything to a teacher about the situation to refer them to her.
Answer to Questions:
1) In this case as soon as the principal learned about the situation, she contacted the board office and reported the information she knew. During the investigation a substitute was hired in order to make sure that children would be safe. She never disclosed any confidential information to ensure the employee’s integrity.
2) In this case the principal was happy to assure parents that an investigation was taking place and that the board is handling the situation. She told the parents that the board would follow all laws while keeping in mind the children’s safety.
Evaluation of Case
Study:
The level of performance in this case study is accomplished. As soon as the principal found out about the situation she reported it to the board who then proceeded with an investigation. The principal addressed the situation to the faculty of the school, making them aware of what was happening but still kept all confidentiality for the teacher. She also was able to handle any questions from parents by telling them the board would be investigating everything and that the children’s safety will be taken into consideration. In this case the principal was very fair and ethical while handling the situation. She allowed the employee to keep integrity while the case was being investigated and continued to give him respect after the investigation was over.