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SEPTEMBER 2005

The Heavy Hand of Autocracy

By CSA President Jill Levy

What does one call a governance structure or governing body that does not respect dissent, discourse and the free flow of ideas and information?

Several months ago the media was bombarding the union with requests for access to Principals and Assistant Principals in their schools without DOE orchestration. Ultimately, their requests led me to invite a radio reporter to join me at a scheduled meeting with CSA members from the Bronx. Rather than face the possibility of any confrontation with officials, CSA asked for permission for the reporter to accompany me and have access to the school. Permission was granted.

Upon my arrival, several CSA members greeted me and a number of my staff who had accompanied me.

During a private conversation between myself and an AP the Learning Instructional Superintendent (LIS) appeared and made his presence unmistakably apparent.

Meanwhile, the reporter tried to interview the Principal. I say “tried” because the LIS did more than hover in the background; he placed himself uninvited into the conversation. It was abundantly clear that the LIS was not going to allow the reporter access to the school or the Principal alone. The LIS’s physical presence was intrusive and his verbal responses pre-empted those of the Principal. Yet, the reporter continued to be polite, calmly asking questions and recording the responses. The Principal deferred to the LIS.

When all the expected CSA members were present, we introduced the reporter and began our private meeting. Shortly thereafter, the LIS came into the conference room. The atmosphere changed from conversation to abject silence. I asked the LIS to please come outside with me and told him that this was a CSA meeting to which he was not invited. He replied: “My orders are that wherever she goes, I go. Otherwise she will have to leave.” I asked him what he was afraid of and he responded that he had his instructions.

Not wanting to make a scene and knowing this reporter fairly well, I suggested that she accompany the LIS on a walkthrough and proceeded to hold a privileged CSA meeting. The tension in the room was palpable. It was several minutes before people felt comfortable enough to begin talking about the concerns and issues that they confront on a daily basis.

Safety matters, personnel, budget, school closings, excessing rights, contract negotiations, filling vacant positions, and professional issues consumed the conversation. It was clear that their willingness to speak openly about issues, engage in a discourse about professional matters and be critical were stifled by the presence of the very person who should encourage an open dialogue and respect their professional suggestions. What kind of leadership do we call that?

What does one call a governance structure or governing body that places a greater value on silent compliance than the freedom to speak?

I am not pointing a finger at those who have the self-esteem and leadership skills to support the Principals in their assigned schools, but at those who crush individuality, discourse and dissent through micro-management and punishment.

Indeed, there is, and has been now for three years, a disconnect between the public statements and pronouncements that the Chancellor makes and the reality experienced under the thumb of regional personnel. Fear is insidious and does not serve our citizens well, whether they are employees or stakeholders in a public school system.#

Jill Levy is the President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.

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