Dept. Chair Position

[Ann Gainey <awgainey@NDAVIESS.K12.IN.US>]

Greetings,
I am respectfully requesting information from some of you great media
specialists out there.  This is my third year as a media specialist with
my school (which I really love).  Of course there are always aspects I
would like to change and here is a big one.
Media Services is not considered a "Department" at my school-meaning I
don't get any monetary incentive to do the things that dept chairs do.
I realize money isn't the reason I am here but I have to feed my
daughter.  As you know, the majority of what we do fits into the job
description of Dept Chairs.  Last year I was required to attend Cabinet
Meetings even though I was dept chair in "name only".  This year things
are better-my new principal is much more supportive but he can only do
so much.  Of course I still attend the meetings because I am dedicated
and work very hard to be part of the team.  When other Dept. Chairs were
threatened with having their stipend taken they rallied to make sure
they received their money but very little support has come my way.
The argument is that I am the only one in my department so I don't
really count.  Well, I have K-12 duties which involve me with 4 schools,
3 principals, 2 assistants, and 3 volunteers.  My budget
responsibilities are great and far exceed any other departments.  I also
work with the entire population of teachers to incorporate information
literacy and NETS standards into our curriculum.
I have brought this up with negotiating team/principals/school
board/other teachers/ and building reps.
I realize this is lengthy and I am preaching to the choir but do any of
you have suggestions to help me rectify this situation?
How are things done at your corporation/school/media center?  Are you
considered a Dept ?
What is the stipend for Dept Chairs?
How many total dept are in your school?
Are there K-12 chairs?
How many times per year do you meet within your dept? How many times
does the Cabinet meet?
Any other suggestions?
=20
I really appreciate your help.  Many times I feel isolated (considering
I am the only one in my corporation) and this listserve has really been
great for me.
=20
Thank you.=20
Ann
=20
=20
Ann Wright-Gainey
Library Media Specialist
North Daviess Community School Corporation
RR 1 Box 110
Elnora, IN 47529
812-636-7974   fax 812-636-7255
awgainey@ndaviess.k12.in.us
=20

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