The other half
Over the past several years the Marietta City School district has suffered through failed levies, school consolidation due to falling enrollment and the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many school districts in Ohio funding for schools has continued to be eroded by a reliance on property taxes and the failure of the Ohio Legislature to address school funding alternatives. While there is plenty of blame to go around, the present acrimony between leadership and the residents of the school district needs to be addressed with prompt action
True enough, a case can be made that “you can’t please everyone” or that the controversy is simply a case of management vs. front line workers. The reality is the district has been through some difficult times. As with any difficulty, leadership counts. Leaders who no longer have the support of those they lead are in trouble.
Marietta’s Board of Education and Administrators need to do some “soul-searching” and think about a plan to remediate the relationship between themselves and the public they serve. Tele communication may be convenient but there is no substitute for being on-site and visible to those who are expected to follow.
Communication between the leadership and faculty, students and parents should not take place once a month at a board meeting. Administrators need to make it a priority to listen first hand to what educators and parents are thinking. When those relationships are working everyone benefits, especially the children.
Teresa R. Porter
Marietta