Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

“Missed in the Shuffle”: Harrisburg School Board reviews 100 letters from concerned teachers and students

12-19-boardSome students described their frustrations with working through packets of worksheets rather than following a teacher’s instructions. Some students penned their desire to develop leadership skills. Some wrote about needing to feel safe and appreciated.

More than 100 letters stuffed into four manila envelopes and a folder document these concerns from Harrisburg School District students and teachers. Last month, Harrisburg Education Association President Jody Barksdale delivered the letters to the school board.

At last night’s meeting, HEA Vice President Paul Kornfeld followed up on the delivery.

“There are other things going on in buildings that board members need to see,” he said.

School Board President Danielle Robinson said she will schedule a day off from her full-time information technology contractor position with the state so she can tour the schools with HEA to learn more about the concerns expressed in the letters.

“I read each and every one,” Robinson said.

She wrote a synopsis to give to the board, and board Vice President James R. Thompson received the letters to review.

“Even if things take some time, we are working on it,” Robinson said.

Students want structure, boundaries and discipline, Robinson said, referencing the letters, in addition to concerns about safety, teaching techniques and learning leadership skills.

Kornfeld, a life skills teacher at John Harris High School, said students need more mental health support. The district does not offer the stability and structure needed for students who come from unstable homes, he said.

“These are the kids missed in the shuffle,” he said. “I think students need an avenue to communicate.”

Teachers frequently leave the district, causing students to lose a sense of security, he said.

Board members took a step toward increasing teacher retention last night, though the district continues to search for a full-time human resources director.

Robinson said the board will review employee resignations in executive session. This decision comes after the advocacy of school board member Judd Pittman, who suggested the idea of exit interviews tonight and in past meetings.

“It’s hard to understand what we are doing as a board [without this information],” he said. “It’s like shots in the dark.”

Pittman said he wants to know what caused teachers to leave, but also why the teachers stayed for so long. This information would inform teacher development and support, he said.

Last night, the board approved the resignation of a teacher, an aide and a secretary. More than 50 employees have resigned this school year, according to past meeting agendas.

“An employee evaluation system should be in place,” said Ellis R. Roy, Jr., the chair of the board’s policy and procedure committee.

Author: Danielle Roth

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