David Bollish

Chadron State College

School Administration and Leadership 633
Case Study #18

Case Study #18

Summary:
The current case involves a difficult situation regarding a new counselor, former
counselor and difficult staff member, staff members and student complaints regarding the
new Counselor, Mr. Morris.
The 1st year administrator has received the initial complaint from Martha, a
difficult and previously removed classified counselor staff member who shares that Mr.
Morris has made some mistakes with student schedules and that some students as well as
Martha have been upset about how he has addressed or touched them. Furthermore, this
information has been confirmed by other staff members, ultimately placing the new
administrator in a situation that calls for action.
There are however two other major factors in this case. First, Mr. Morris had
little training and our guidance the week before his take over of the position and
secondly, that Martha is prone and or has a record of making difficult or sensitive
subjects worse. These two factors combined create a situation in which their need to be
some administrative changes and actions taken in order to resolve the situation for the
best interest of the students, the staff, and ultimately the administrators career themselves.
Issue at hand:
There are three key issues at hand in this case. First, Mr. Morris, despite his
strengths as a personable and relatable person, has not been trained or experienced the
importance of scheduling students and who profoundly that can impact an entire building.
Second, there has been confirmation of some unwanted or uncomfortable physical
exchanges, which need to be addressed. Lastly, the issue of Martha is as much a concern

as meeting with Mr. Morris. Her meddling and rallying others to attack another staff
member and influence administrative action is a slippery slope.
Specifics of the Case:
Persons:
The people involved include Mr. Morris, Martha, the students whose
schedules have been jeopardized and whom have voiced complaints, staff that voiced
complaints and those staff whom have been interviewed.
Place:
The location of scenario is pretty broad as it deals more with students and
staff than a particular location. For general purposes Montclair High School will suffice.
Reflect and Prioritize:
In review, the primary issue is with out doubt the Mr. Morris is struggling with
scheduling and making the adjustment to the new high school. It seems both clear and
pertinent that Mr. Morris be given some support and met with to help ease the transition
as it he does have other favorable traits that can be used in his counseling position.
Secondly, dealing with disgruntled classified staff is especially tricky issue at Montclair
as it is the exact reason the previous administrator left. Additionally, Martha, the
informant was a major contributor to the classified uprising. Fourth the precedent that
will be set in the administrators first year for how staff complaints, student complaints
and performance is addressed will be set regarding the decisions and choices made from
this scenario. While they are not set in stone, as a first year administrator letting the fox
in the hen house so to speak or promoting a competitive, cut throat type of adult culture
are potentially harmful to the building and the administrators longevity.

Response to Questions:
This case requires some strong and direct action. First, absolutely there will need
to be a meeting with Mr. Morris. Given his personable demeanor I believe an honest
conversation with him about the complaints will be necessary. Also, I believe sharing
some responsibility will help ease the tension for Mr. Morris. By this I mean, owning
that there should have been more training, and more support in scheduling given. Also, I
would continue by providing professional development and or support for the next
semester. Also, after hearing his point of view regarding the physical conduct, and
especially the unprofessional attacks by Martha, in front of students, I believe this will
also be easily laid to rest. I would tell Mr. Morris, that regardless of her approach, do
NOT touch her or any other staff member or student again, for his own protection. And
secondly explain to him that relationships he has with students may take time or be very
different than his previous experience. I would inform Mr. Morris, that while this is not a
formal write up, that we are going to document the conversation and our plan for the
remainder of the year, as well as let him know that continued struggles will have more
long lasting or more formal repercussions. I believe this approach is a solid way to
correct the issue as well as gain Mr. Morris, respect and allegiance, all important as a 1st
year principal.
Second, in dealing with Martha, I believe a similar conversation will need to be
had with her. This will include telling her that I have spoken with Mr. Morris and that
there will be changes made to scheduling in the coming semester or semesters. Next, I
will enlighten her concerning her approach of undermining and disrespecting a certified
staff member as a classified staff member does not warrant Mr. Morris to gently touch her

shoulders and ask her to calm down but it does however warrant a major issue on her
evaluation, along with riling up staff members to attack a colleague who clearly needs
support. It will be made crystal clear; that type of behavior and action will not be
supported in the school or culture I am creating. This being said, there will be not action
taken, and all parties will move forward professionally, however a similar issue will be
reflected on her evaluation or anyone elses who behaves similarly. While this is
somewhat combative with the classified staff person and the classified staff have been
trouble in the past, as an administrator I could not work in a place in which the inmates
run the asylum. I would feel a strong need to support my certified staff and students
above all else. Let me be clear, in no way would I value certified staff over classified but
given the choice to rehire one of the two, I would always take a pure hearted and quality
certified member over a cantankerous classified one.