let it go

We have three days of school without students.  I like to dive right into next years program to get somethings in order in my mind and ready for the year.

But my biggest problem was who's in charge.  Our team leader was moving up to be the head of department in English, I assumed - and indicated to the principals that I should take over the 5th grade program.  They agreed and put me in charge of it just like that - make it an extra paid position as well.

The problem was the person in charge wasn't ready to let go.  It was her program idea, she had fought for the classes and put everything in place - she had done an amazing job structurally.  She had just failed mightily in the communication bit this year.

I sat down with her today to come to some sort of agreement.  She was taking on two jobs next year as HOD and Literacy Coach, as well teaching a reading class on the 5th grade team.  She didn't see why she wasn't in charge of the 5th grade team any longer.  

"You were stretched to thin this year.  Communication really broke down, and many times we were waiting for direction from you.  This will be better.  I will take the adminisrative tasks off your hands - the yearly plan, the exams, an so on - but you will still be overseeing it all as HOD, and we still need you.  This is your program and I realize we didn't get to put into place all that you had planned - I intend on carrying out your plan.  I have my own ideas as well, but that's why you're HOD - to agree , or disagree, or redirect.  No problem.

"It just feels like I"m being fired.  No one asked me."  I suppose in a way she was being fired, but I was still shocked to hear this.  She was taking over HOD, what more did she want?  I suggested she even take only one of those jobs, not both - but she couldn't let it go.  And I couldn't make her.

But, at least we came to an agreement regarding the English team - because we are in it together.  I am leading it... I think....