The recently appointed LCPS Superintendent, Dr. Aaron Spence, has held listening sessions at different LCPS schools between September 2023 and April 2024. According to the LCPS website, “These took place at every high school with the goal of developing a relationship with the community, accelerating the superintendents’ learning about LCPS, and building on success while making meaningful changes.”
Out of those listening sessions, the one held at LCHS took place on April 19 after. There was a session for staff, followed by a session for parents/students. This article will be focusing on the parents/students listening session.
Many parents and even a few students showed up to the listening session, with a variety of topics discussed within the hour-long session, during which Dr. Spence responded and provided feedback.
After Spence’s introduction, a member of his team introduced the format of the meeting, explaining that the audience will break up into tables and discuss and answer three questions: “What are your hopes and dreams for our students?,” “What is LCPS doing well?,” and “What can LCPS improve upon?” With those answers, tables compiled them into a summary statement to share with the group. Based on the discussions at the tables, here is what was shared:
After all the groups shared their points, Spence addressed some of the points made and then had a team member inform participants about the Office of the Ombuds to help address concerns and navigate the school system.
Following that, Spence opened up time to talk one on one with members of the audience and address further questions and concerns. Some of the things covered in this conversation included claims of little or no checks and balances with the staff in school, parents wanting to know what is happening when they file complaints and where it’s going, parents needing feedback on action taken when complaints are filed, assault not being prevented or dealt with in the correct way, faculty beating around the bush, and behavioral accountability of students.
Specifically addressing the concerns, Spence assured the audience of the steps he and his team are taking to take the feedback and concerns and act upon it. He explained that the notes from all the discussions from the listening sessions, anything going through the office of the OMBUDS, and any other feedback is being taken into account and action is being taken.
To provide feedback to Dr. Spence, there is a form on the LCPS website: (https://www.lcps.org/Page/251934). The office of the OMBUDS is another resource responsible for processing confidential complaints and concerns. (https://www.lcps.org/Page/248935) – [email protected] – or call: (571-252-2447)
