At a meeting with Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens in the 3rd district last week, I advised her that it was important to consider the needs of parents when scheduling events. Especially if Dr. Hargens wishes to meet her goals under the Strategic Plan for 2015 which includes increasing the involvement of parents in student's success.
After the meeting, one of the elementary school principals in JCPS advised me that the reason for this was the teacher's union, JCTA. It wasn't made clear if she meant the teachers weren't allowed to spend more than two hours or couldn't be required to spend more than two hours. I expressed my concern to the principal that as parents many of us spend lots of time working for the schools and inside the classroom. I don't think it's too much to ask to be met halfway for school events.
I've sent an e-mail to JCTA President Brent McKim asking for clarification.
What do you think? Are your school's events held at times convenient to you and your family? Do events during normal working hours place a hardship on you?