Monday, June 8, 2009

Sometimes I wish I could just fly away

Today was the big meeting with the Superintendent. He nicely told me how disappointed he was in some of the changes we are making with the faculty teaching assignments.
I don't like disappointing him.

He tried to make me feel better by saying he knew I had a difficult faculty. He even said he thought I probably had the most challenging faculty of any of the other schools in our system.

Still, I disappointed him.

I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.

30 comments:

cheatymoon said...

Oh Beth, I have been wondering all day how you did with your meeting. I am sorry you had a tough go of it. I'm glad you think you'll feel better tomorrow. Hang in there.

Still don't know how you do what you do.

I have 2 big meetings tomorrow too - one for a student, the other for my own child. Ack.

Deanna Bland Hiott PhD, MSN, RN said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hit 40 said...

Heavens disappointed that you made some tough calls without him? Maybe, the control freak needs to have a copy of any teacher assignment changes sent over to his office first to approve....

Really this might be a good idea to appease the dip. If he says yes to the assignment change, then he can not blame you for mistakes when the teachers get mad. He is passing the buck to you and off of him.

Deanna Bland Hiott PhD, MSN, RN said...

So sorry...All any of us can do is our best. It seems to me to just say, "I'm disappointed in the change in the teaching assignments..." isn't very helpful. Hang in there. I know that must hurt.

Beth said...

Erin - I'll be thinking of you. You are really one of a kind! And I hope things settle in with your sweet boy (he IS still a sweet boy in there).

Hit 40 - I am definitely getting approval on everything. Squeeky wheels come to mind.

Southern Drawl - I'm sure if I had gone over everything with him, he would have approved it. Still, I am not used to be the problem child.

Kristina P. said...

I'm so sorry! I hope it goes better tomorrow!

♥ Braja said...

Then fly....
:)

Ash said...

Oh Beth, I'm glad that he at least knows you have a large challenge on your hands. He might have picked better words though.

Try to have a good night's sleep - things will look better in the morning. E

P.S. nice button, by the way ;-)

Ann Imig said...

As a kid, when my Dad told me he was disappointed in me it provoked immediate tears.

Sorry you had a hard day.

Mike said...

At the end of the day, when he goes home and eats his dinner, he does not give your job two thoughts. It is like a cop giving you a speeding ticket. Do you think that a cop really cares how fast you were going? it is just his job to act like he cares. If your superintendent was totally satisfied with everything that was done, then the superintendent would not have any reason to have a job. So, the more disappointment he shows, the more important his job looks! Politics! Never let someone elses disappointment ruin your day, because it does not ruin theirs!!!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Hang in there. Why is it so hard for us (women) to focus on the positive things that someone says instead of the the one negative thing?

sun lover said...

Sorry you had that kind of day. Disappointment sucks! Nothing is worse than giving 110% only to be told you could have given more. I would feel a tad bit sad too. Tomorrow is a new day which means a clean slate. Have a terrific Tuesday.

Michel said...

Oh Beth! I'm so sorry! I know exactly where the angst in that story comes from. HOWEVER, he should be more clear in his expectations. You are doing the best with what you have been given.

You can't always make damn lemonade if nobody gives you sugar.

Michel said...

Big hugs!!!!

mo.stoneskin said...

Disappointment sucks. There are some people that install a sense of fear in you - fear of disappointing them - not necessarily this particular guy, but certainly some people I've worked with or known in the family. Hope you figure out how to please him, or how to be unaffected!

Anonymous said...

He needed a miracle worker! Everyone gets disappointed sometimes. Youn hang in there!

Beth said...

It is morning again and I do feel better. Thanks for all the support. Usually, I don't feel so down about work. The complaining and reprimanding really got to me over the past few weeks. I have 9 more days of work and it has been quiet (knock on wood). I'm ready for my 3 weeks off!

*krystyn* said...

oh poop on him. sorry. big hugs!

Chris said...

Sucks that he put it to you that way. Did he at least tell you WHY he was disappointed? And really, shouldn't staffing be YOUR problem, not his? You know your staff and students. Sounds like it was a political deal rather than an educational one (and boy do I know what THAT'S like).

As long as you did what you know to be the best thing for your students, you should be able to sleep just fine. Hang in there!

Chris

Pseudo said...

Maybe you get it more than he does...

Hang in there Beth.
xoxo

Anonymous said...

I know what you mean about the politics. It sucks. Just keep in mind that you were doing what was best for kids. Did he have any suggestions?
Keep your chin up, but watch your back. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. When the "wife" comes on staff (ugghhh), kill her with kindness (bleh).

followthatdog said...

I'm sorry. School district stuff sounds like a nightmare. I don't know how connected to the schools your superintendent is, but I know that in my experience they seem to be less knowledgeable about what actually needs to be done than the people on the front lines. I hope you feel happier tomorrow. You are doing what is right for your school and more importantly for the students.

Optimistic Pessimist said...

uughhh...I hate it when people use that word...disappointed. Just horrible.

Kulio said...

Did you disappoint yourself?
If not, then look him straight in the eye.

This is a man thing - I don't mean to sound like a feminist pig, but this is a man thing. Men know - usually only subconciously - that women want to please them.

But it's not your job to please him, even if he is your boss.

It's your job to do the best job that you can with the tools that you own, and in the situation that you're given.

If you apologize, you are not owning your accomplishment. Don't. You're a good principal - you know that, deep down.

New day tomorrow :-)

Everyday Goddess said...

I'm sorry, it sounds like you feel hurt too. Hopefully he will like the changes once they have kicked in. Sometimes it's more about the other person's reluctance to make changes. Keep the faith! It'll get better.

Mara said...

I'm sure you made all your decisions with the best intentions. Change is hard and it takes a strong leader to make it happen. Just keep chugging along :)

Deb said...

Grrrr....if they would just let you do your job! I can't stand it - and this is just one of the reasons why I left education.

Deb said...

i have no doubt that any changes you made were in the best interests of your school and your kids. i know you put them first. it is evident in all of your writing.

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry said...

Keep smiling and know that you are doing the right thing with the best intentions. Sending hugs your way, a one of those peach thingys you like :). Yum!

Flowergirl said...

Try flying ..if it may help .. :)