Our jobs as school business officials are very busy and hectic ones. We constantly find ourselves juggling many priorities at once and work hard to keep up with the many demands of our job responsibilities. At times it seems that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. However, it is important that you make an effort to venture out of the office to visit buildings. There are many great reasons to do this. Here are a few…
It shows that you care. The building visit enhances your reputation as someone who cares about the school buildings, staff, and students. We show our dedication and loyalty to our community and its schools every day in the work we do in our offices, but very few school employees see you in action. Your presence in the school is seen by many and shows your commitment to the district’s well being. As school business officials we often are perceived as the district bean counters who only care about the budget. While it’s true that we care deeply about the financial viability and stability of the district’s budget, we also care deeply about our school district’s programs, staff, and students. The building visit enhances your visibility and sends a strong message that you care.
The building visit is a terrific credibility builder. It is inevitable that you will need to visit buildings to deal with problems. Do you want your reputation by staff to be one where they only see you when there’s a problem? Not me. The positive staff and student relations generated from regular building visits will build your reputation as a person who is approachable and hands-on. This can only enhance your credibility.
There is a lot of school business you can do. I cannot count the number of times I have stopped by a building and had someone approach me about an issue or concern they had been meaning to talk with me about. Many issues can be resolved in this fashion. In our roles as school business officials we are key players in the oversight of our schools’ internal controls. You can use the building visit as a quality control check to make sure the district’s control policies are being followed.
Okay, I know you are probably saying, “I just don’t have the time!” With a little effort, however, you can still get to your work in the office and get to buildings. Here are a few quick and easy ways to get there:
- Drop in on your way back from a meeting or on your way to work. The quick drop-in takes minimal time and allows you to see what’s happening in the schools.
- Eat lunch at school. Make a commitment to each lunch at each of your buildings at least once a year. Get a copy of the school lunch menu and pick a day when the menu entrée sounds good. School lunches are well-balanced, tasty, and very affordable. So why not eat there once in a while? The school cooks and playground supervisors love to see other school staff eating the lunches too.
- Set up a meeting at the school building instead of your office. Make arrangements for that budget meeting with the principal at his or her building instead of your office. The building staff will appreciate your willingness to meet on their turf.
- Attend games, school plays, concerts, or assemblies. There are lots of activities taking place in your schools, why not stop by and spend a few minutes showing your support in person?
Visiting buildings is an important responsibility we have in our roles as school business officials. Take a few moments out of your day once in a while and get out to your schools.