Author archive

William T. Noel, Sr.

In August I was fortunate enough to be promoted to the Director of School Safety & Disciplinary Hearing Officer for my division. I eagerly faced the new challenge and was ready to learn about my new roles – especially from the safety point of view. I figured my first six months, to a year would be like the new Principal who observes the practices & procedures that first year without making too many changes. Unfortunately for America, the tragic events of Sandy Hook changed the way schools operate . . . for ever.

Five months into the job I am speaking to this group, to this reporter, and to these stakeholders about what is the division doing to keep our children safe. Fortunately for our division, we were already executing a number of the recommendations that came from the Governor’s Task Force. A great deal of our new practices have inconvenienced some of our stakeholders, but our most precious stakeholders are absolutely more secure today than they were in December.

I do not have all (or close to all) of the answers, but I am confident that we will be able to collaborate and develop practices that will further keep our children safe. If your division is doing something unique and/or out-of-the-box regarding safety, PLEASE, PLEASE let me know. Thanks & take care.

William T. Noel, Sr.

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to influence the lives of some young men and women. I was invited to speak to some amazing students at the Church Hill Academy in Richmond. Initially they looked at me as just another person in a suit & tie coming to talk down to them for the next 20 minutes. However, I know the importance and the power that comes from connecting with people.  I was invited to share my “not-so-smooth” journey from substitute teacher in Caroline County to Director of School Safety & Disciplinary Hearing Officer for Hanover County Public Schools.

I told them about how I got kicked out of UVA because I did too much partying and not enough studying (I did return and graduated), how I was unemployed and on welfare, how I had to sheepishly return to substitute teaching, how the death of my dad in June 2011 nearly derailed this doctoral journey, and how disappointed I was when I did not get the Principal’s job at my former school.

 My purpose for sharing was to show them that despite past actions and/or poor decisions, it is never too late to begin the rest of their lives. I told them that GOD does not make mistakes, so I believed something better was in store for me – and the Director’s position was that something. Before we realized it, the planned 20-minute speech was over an hour. Some of them opened up and reflected on regrettable moments in their past. Without a doubt, I could have spent the rest of the day getting to know them. I eagerly look forward to being invited back to check on their progress. They are remarkable! Be well everyone, and I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving.

William T. Noel, Sr.

I was excited when I learned that we would be conducting focus group interviews at a middle school in a neighboring county. I was even looking forward to sitting down afterwards and transcribing the rich and profound perspectives of our interviewees.  Before we started recording the conversations were light and relaxed, which led me to believe this was about to be a rewarding experience; however, when the first question was asked our focus group took a 180 degree change.

Our first question referred to improving instructional practices and, other than the loud air conditioner, there was absolute silence.  We had to coax them to answer the question – I could not determine if they were being guarded or simply did not understand the question.  OK, maybe they are a bit nervous.  Surely, they will have more to offer on the next question concerning PLC’s and student achievement. (Long pause) One person spoke up and shared that they spend a great deal of their time on student problems and the things necessary to help them become successful. Once again, SILENCE.

This pattern continued for the entire interview. Our focus group did not want to open up and allow us to learn about the instructional practices at PMS. At one point, I wondered how the other two cohort members were making out with their focus group.  When we met to debrief, we learned that their focus group was quite willing to share . . . at times, too much.

When we compared the two interview transcriptions, we definitely had similar codes and, in all likelihood, similar themes. This was a learning experience and I know what things I will do differently when conducting the next interview.  I still like the process of the focus group and look forward to the next time.

William T. Noel, Sr.

A Little League baseball team in Los Angeles desperately needed money to keep the league going for another year. Like magic, $1,200 dollars appeared and the problem was solved, right?!? WRONG. The money was donated by a local Gentlemen’s Club.

The league decided to return the money, stating that it would not be appropriate to accept it. What is unacceptable is that 300 children will not be able to play a positive sport because of negative press. When I read this article, I instantly thought about the Utilitarian framework – “greatest good for the greatest number of people”. Accepting the money will allow these children to participate in a constructive activity. The money was not gained through some illegal means; immoral . . . maybe . . . illegal, no. So, 300 happy kids are not more important than a little bad press. Now that is inappropriate!

William T. Noel, Sr.

I have this “friend” named Leon Williams, who always follows the county’s policy so he will not have to explain himself to “the-powers-that-be”.  For the most part, he has followed the policy to the letter, without fail. However, recently there was a situation that had his policy facing off against his moral convictions. Here’s the situation: two of his students violated the Student Code of Conduct and both received an 11-day suspension from school. There is a clause in the suspension letter that says students are not allowed on Thomas County Public School property for the duration of the suspension.

Some churches in the county hold Sunday service at two public schools in Thomas County. Last week Mr. Williams received a call from the parents asking if their suspended child could go to church Sunday. After a brief deliberation, Mr. Williams decided that it was better to overlook that policy clause than to deny someone the opportunity to worship.

Did Mr. Williams make the right decision? What would you have done?