3 days ago
EDITORIAL: APS work will need to be done together
May 30—In a week that included yet another lengthy conversation regarding morale issues in the Austin Public Schools District it's worth remembering that this is not just a light-switch moment.
It's clear there is a problem within the district, made painfully obvious at times through meetings and community discussions, and by now we're all pretty familiar with what many of these more important issues are.
Teachers are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and that their voices are not being heard when it comes to these concerns. While the catalyst can be traced to involuntary teacher shifts within the district, the processes behind the current situation are branching off into other facets.
Conversations within the district on how to better the situation are being shaded by frustration and impatience both within the district and in the community. It's an understandable reaction, as human beings as a species often tend to be impatient during a time where we have become used to having things at our fingertips.
But underneath it all, it has to be realized by all sides that this is not a quick fix. Just as its been claimed that this has been simmering for at least a year, it will be equally long-lived in finding answers.
That's an idea that's not likely to be popular, but that is the reality, despite some easy fixes that some might see out there. People want change now. They want to know that their kids are getting a quality education in an encouraging environment devoid of distractions.
But this can't be a quick conversation, nor can it be an easy fix because in order to truly repair the damage, anything fixed has got to last. This can't be something that persists like an open wound.
In order to do this, however, there has got to be transparency in the process. Yes, there will be some things that will require closed meetings, dictated by law, but any time the district can, it will need to be open and welcoming in its conversations.
This past Tuesday, during its work session, there were indications this is heading in the right direction as board members and administration discussed viable ideas that could go a long ways in mending the issue at stake.
But there is a responsibility by the public as well. It is bolstering that so many have taken interest in this issue. Naturally, they want to see this whole thing resolved, but we urge them to keep their eye on the prize.
It is important to voice concerns and to question, but this is an issue that requires all voices to work collectively and committed. As we've stated, there is not one answer that fixes all types of scenarios to any of this.
School board member Dan Zielke was exactly right that all parties need to be wary of pointing fingers, "because there are three more pointed back at you."
Introducing factors that have little bearing on the issue at hand only invites complication for a matter that is plenty complicated on its own.
We believe the district will get through this, one way or another. But how it does it is as important as the final fix itself. Hands have to be shaken in order to find resolution and the motivating factor has got to be the benefit of the students.
There is no doubt that this is a charged situation and it will continue to be charged for some time to come. There will have to be some give and take by both sides, but we can go a long way in building confidence if we are willing to understand and accept that this will not be an overnight fix. By working together and openly as one community we can get to a lasting fix that will benefit it all.
