NSPRA's Communication Audit Report - Harford County Public ...

• Principals keep getting more on their plates to do. Were told to do this on a screen they
couldn’t see; gave out cards they didn’t have enough of.
Web site
■ When information is sent, they have to figure out where to get it unless there’s a link.
■ School sites are left up to them. Some parents help then they move on.
■ SharePoint, not all know how to use it. If don’t use right away, forget how. Central office uses
it often, but principals don’t have time to sit and figure out how to use it.
Input into decisions
■ Always have a forum to be heard.
■ Trying to increase input; don’t always directly have a voice. They are just told what’s
happening.
■ They are asked to implement things that sometimes central leadership doesn’t know about.
Administrative level below Senior Staff is where bottleneck is – with department heads.
GROUP: SECONDARY PRINCIPALS
Strengths of the district
■ Strong instructional focus.
■ High quality teachers.
■ Networking of the principals.
■ Individual comments included:
• Majority of central staff are available and approachable – they will return phone calls.
“We’re small enough that the superintendent knows the staff and has a hands-on
approach to the system. She is approachable and knows us.”
• “Our schools are safe places. As it relates to communicating, we do a good job of sharing
information about concerns.”
• The system provides opportunities for teacher growth.
Improvements needed
■ Additional funding to meet the needs and challenges.
■ Individual comments included:
• There are not enough funds to provide all the security cameras needed.
• In instruction, equity is needed. “Some schools need more instructional materials and
staff to meet the needs of students.”
• More staff is needed for special education services.
• The stress factor of the high-stakes testing, with 2014 coming, is difficult. “We have
heard for years that HCPS gives more bang for the buck. We may be nearing the breaking
point and not be able to provide any more. It used to be a compliment but now it is
discouraging.”
Current image of the district
■ There is a disconnect between reality and perception in the media.
■ The district is not accurately represented in media.
NSPRA Communication Audit 84 Harford County Public Schools