Injustices occur in my midst from time to time. These injustices create a timely impact on the day-to-day routines. Many had to spend multiple hours researching the injustices and then advocating for change. I have seen this happen before, but as I experience unjust acts over time, I have become cognizant of the time, money, and potential collaboration those acts cost and impact--time, money, and collaboration that profit from just, fair acts.
If the injustices do not occur and laws and/or protocols are followed, many would not lose time and/or experience anguish. In fairness, there probably should be compensation and/or consequences for those that break the law for the time and energy injustice creates.
Injustice takes time and creates havoc. On the other hand, fair and just policy and action saves and adds good time to our schedules. Therefore as much as possible we have to advocate for just, fair process and effort. Of course unjust acts will occur and when that happens intent and details need to be investigated. Did the unjust act occur due to lack of understanding, ill intent, poor skills, or confounded process. There's variability here that needs to be considered, and with that consideration comes the level of compensation and/or consequence.
Similarly secrets and lack of transparency cost us time and money. When people don't know what's going on, then it takes time to find out. That time translates into money--time and money that could be spent on positive endeavor.
Recently I listened to the systemwide budget presentation. I looked over the budget. It seems quite transparent and easy to read--a good document. There were a few areas I was curious about and was interested in seeing more detail--areas that seemed to be somewhat vague or possibly repetitive. But in general, the budget looked mostly easy to read and transparent. That's positive as all those who are concerned with the budget are now able to look closely at the budget to see what they support and what they think could be better.
The more the budget becomes as transparent, easy to read, and rightly detailed as possible, the better the conversations will be about the best use of the funds with regard to running a top notch school system. Transparency leads to good problem solving, communication, and collaboration.
At my level our team is transparent about our efforts with our weekly newsletter and team website. Almost every decision we make and action we take is listed on those documents. This supports the optimal teamwork of educators, administrators, students, and families. Similarly the principal's weekly collaborative newsletter invites helpful information, important timelines, and needed updates which serve to bring our school-level team together. This transparency helps everyone to communicate well and do their best work.
When fair and transparent process is timely too, that's a great benefit as overdue, outdated, or late work also costs extra money.
Of course if you are going to advocate for fair, transparent, timely, and just practice, it has to be a priority in your daily work too. While most of us do this kind of work, it's important to audit your own work regularly to make sure you are meeting the mark in these areas.
