In the last school year, the school Principal Neely Yackel made policy changes affecting the school fees to be paid by each student by establishing three categories of students in which each group would pay different school fees. The three distinct groups that parents could fall into included, in- parish Catholic, out of parish Catholic and non-Catholics. According to the principal, each parent would pay a different rate depending on the category they are. The principal has a moral obligation towards the parents who are looking forward to an honest, forward-looking, competent and inspiring principle. They are aware that the success of the school depends on the ability of the teacher to take decisive actions that are beneficial to Shiners (Strike, 2007).
In my discussion with the principal, I had an opportunity to learn about a brief history of the school and its core values. I realized that the school objective was to promote the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. By changing the policy, the school was determined to attract more Catholics by giving them subsidized rates. At first, I thought this was a form of discrimination in which the non-Catholics were discriminated from accessing the reduced rates by their religious affiliation. I was determined to understand the ethics, values, and principles of the school. The principal informed me that the board reached the decision to charge different rates and the aim was to encourage more in parish Catholics to enjoy the services at a subsidized price. The decision came up after an extended period of discussion on the board with some of the members citing fairness in the rates charged to all students irrespective of their affiliation. However, the majority carried the day, and a decision was made to slightly increase the amount charged to the other two categories (Strike, 2007).
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The decision to change the school fees charged to different categories should have considered the existing best practices in the administration of schools. The management board should have involved the parents in a consultative manner and ensure that communications made periodically. The board did not violate any laws in their decision to change the school fee.
How was the situation before you changed the rates payable by the parent?
Initially, all parents paid equal amounts irrespective of the category that the child belonged.
Who was involved in the decision-making process
All decisions affecting the administration of the school are made by the management board which consists six members, and I am only one of the members.
How did the decision come about?
We have had a lengthy discussion on this matter in different board meetings. Some f the board members felt that being a Catholic school, Shiners should promote Catholic students by charging them fewer rates compared to the rest, The church itself was in support of the idea and even proposed lower prices than the ones we are currently charging.
What resulted after the decision was announced
Once the board arrived at a decision, I was mandated to communicate it the parents as soon as possible. I knew there would be objections but was ready to explain to the parents.
What was the decision all about?
The board agreed that in parish Catholics should be given subsidized rates. The argument was the school needs to promote it followers and by targeting this group, it possible to develop future followers who are strict adherence to the Catholic Church. The out of parish category was to pay a higher rate than the in Parish, but the non-Catholics were to pay the highest prices.
What do you think should be done in future to avert a situation whereby the parents are dissatisfied with your decision? (Recommendations)
Involving all stakeholders in the decision making would be the way forward. Constant communication and suggestions from the concerned parties will be useful if a decision is to be accepted by all. From experience, I have realized that in making any decision, you should consider the core ethical values and how such choices affect them. Moral judgment must also be found in any decision. The effect of such a decision on others should also be taken into account. Any decisions must be legal, within the regulations and policies. Any decision should be ethical and if possible be reflected positively in the media. You must also be able to defend your choice, and lastly, I think you should be proud of a decision that you make (Strike, 2007).
References
Strike, K. A. (2007). Ethical leadership in schools: creating community in an environment of accountability . Thousand Oaks (California): Corwin Press.
U.S. Department of Education, (2012, October 15). State Regulations of Private Schools Retrieved December 13, 2017, from http://www2.ed.gov/admins/comm/choice/regprivschl/index.html?exp=5
