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Recently, BoardBuzz ran across an article in the North Kitsap Herald http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/nkh/news/99587009.html in Poulsbo, Wash. discussing public concerning about the North Kitsap School District?s recommendation to increase spending to attend and travel to professional development opportunities.

BoardBuzz feels that often people forget that the school district within some communities may be the largest employer, transportation provider, food service operation…not to mention its vital role to educate our children who will be entering an increasingly complex global environment. Why wouldn’t we want those individuals running such a large operation to know about cost-saving ideas and effective instructional strategies?

Other industries spend far more on training and professional development for their employees to ensure they know the merits of a product to effectively sell it or have the necessary skills to manage a project, troubleshoot a problem, or employ the latest surgical techniques.

BoardBuzz agrees that decisions about professional development need to be thoughtful and directly link to the vision and goals established by a district, but to assume educators and board members can function at the highest levels without the opportunity to learn from others across the country shows a lack of respect for those who have entered this profession volunteered to serve.  It’s no wonder that attracting the best and brightest to education is a challenge when professionals in other fields are afforded more opportunities to further refine their skills.

Recently, BoardBuzz ran across an article in the North Kitsap Herald in Poulsbo, Wash. discussing public concerning about the North Kitsap School District?s recommendation to increase spending to attend and travel to professional development opportunities.

BoardBuzz feels that often people forget that the school district within some communities may be the largest employer, transportation provider, food service operation…not to mention its vital role to educate our children who will be entering an increasingly complex global environment. Why wouldn’t we want those individuals running such a large operation to know about cost-saving ideas and effective instructional strategies?

Other industries spend far more on training and professional development for their employees to ensure they know the merits of a product to effectively sell it or have the necessary skills to manage a project, troubleshoot a problem, or employ the latest surgical techniques.

BoardBuzz agrees that decisions about professional development need to be thoughtful and directly link to the vision and goals established by a district, but to assume educators and board members can function at the highest levels without the opportunity to learn from others across the country shows a lack of respect for those who have entered this profession volunteered to serve.  It’s no wonder that attracting the best and brightest to education is a challenge when professionals in other fields are afforded more opportunities to further refine their skills.

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