So I've got this delima

**johnf** · 04-18-2007, 09:14 AM

I'm afraid that our school is going to be closed down and I can't really decide what to do.

Our school is one of 13 in the state on the chopping block for cosolidation if our standardized test scores and enrollment go down again. We have a new councelor that has screwed up the schedule and caused me to loose 1/3 of my band due to conflicts with core classes (english, math, social studies and sciences). I was promised that a new band buiding would be built 4 years ago and it's still not here, but the Superintendant promises it will be built this summer. I'll believe that when I see it. The building I'm in now is big enough for about 20 kids, but it's a piece of junk. It's a wood framed metal building. It has spray on insullation on the ceiling, it leaks in about 20 different places is so poorly insulated that when it's hotter than 85 degrees two air conditionsers will not cool it. When it's over 100, the band room is about 90+ degrees. We had 20+ days this year that it was over 90 degrees in the classroom durning class. When it's cold outside, it's cold in here. I've gotten pheumonia 3 of the 4 years that I've been here and ear infections every year. I've had 4 kids have to quit band because the insullation falls down during class and caused them to break out every day.

I do make pretty money here, about $7-9K more than most schools this size would pay.

There are jobs out there that I could get but I would have to take a pay cut, but if our school gets shut down I may not have a job at all. This would most liikely happen in the 2008-2009 school year, so I know my job will be there next year. But if I don't have enough kids in band due to the schedualing problems then I won't do as well at contest as I have been and won't as easily be able to get a job if I'm forced to by school closing.

If our school is consolidated there is a possibility that I could get a job teaching in the town where I live, which is just 11 miles from where I work. But if the BD there doesn't retire then I'm SOL.

I've got a second interview tomorrow with the superintendant at another school. It's 15 minutes closer to my inlaws, but 3 hours closer to my parents. The money is not quite as good, but their pay scale goes furthter then ours does. I would top out on ours next year. If I get that job I would be makeing more in 3 years and still have 8 more years to grow.

There are other jobs that I could apply for now that are all over the state, but I don't really want to get further away from my in-laws. Thier health is starting to deteriorate and we are going up there quite a bit more often then we've had to in the past.

I don't really like change, but have become unhappy where I'm at. I should have about 55 kids in band and have just over 30, sheduling conflicts are going to cause that to get worse, and the school may not even be here in another year, and my building is a death trap. Sorry for rambling.

Don't know if this is a plea for advice or prayers.

Anything would be welcomed.
jf

sabotmaker · 04-18-2007, 11:22 PM

johnf, I believe you answered your own question with your statement "I don't really like change, but have become unhappy where I'm at."

I can't imagine anything more miserable than spending 8 or more hours a day in a situation that makes you unhappy.

**Mathews XT Man** · 04-19-2007, 06:26 AM

John, if you are unhappy with your curent facility and conditions, it probably is effecting teaching also...kids pick up on more than we realize. Perhaps a move to a better facility and a school district that takes band and music more seriously is a move for you .

**wtnhunt** · 04-20-2007, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by Oneida man

John, if you are unhappy with your curent facility and conditions, it probably is effecting teaching also...kids pick up on more than we realize. Perhaps a move to a better facility and a school district that takes band and music more seriously is a move for you .

Would have to agree completely with Martin here John.

**johnf** · 04-22-2007, 09:29 PM

Well, it's getting a little more interesting. Apparently the principal and the head band director had me and another director ans the top two interviwies (sp?) and submitted our names to the super for a second interview . One of the school board memebers is related to another less experienced guy that was down the list a bit. From what I gathered from the current director, who is retireing, the other guy was taken off the list and replaced with the younger less qualified person. I was reinterviewed Thursday and was told I would be called Friday with thier final decision. Apparently they haven't come to a decision yet. The current bd called me and said they were going to hash it all out at the board meeting tomorrow night.

Not really sure what to think about that.

**wtnhunt** · 04-23-2007, 01:27 PM

That does not sound good John. Hope politics does not play into their decision, but often places where it shouldnt it does, at least from what I have seen here in this small town area it does. Often times better qualified people are overlooked because of who someone knows or who they are related to, favors

.

Not trying to put a damper on your hopes, just being realistic. Best of luck, hope everything works out for the best for you and your family. Let us know how it turns out.

**SUGARKAHNE** · 04-23-2007, 08:15 PM

Don't you mean dilemma???

**johnf** · 04-24-2007, 11:39 AM

I got call this morning and was offered the job. The school board voted 5-0 to hire me.

I've been praying for the door not to be opened if it wasn't God's will for me to take it. The doorwas opened.

Now I must assume that it's God's will. I Love my kids here and will miss them terribly.