RFK High School

RFK High School is experiencing a number of problems, although it has only been open for a short period of time. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed, and changes that need to be made, to increase the school’s chances for survival. First, the problem of interpersonal conflicts among the staff is a concern that needed to be addressed immediately. Conflicts exist with housemasters fighting with other housemasters, department heads, faculty, etc. King needs to address these interpersonal conflicts instead of allowing everyone to run the houses the way they see fit. A clear structure should be developed very soon, showing reporting relationships, code of conduct, duties and responsibilities, and expectations of each member of the team.
In addition to the personal conflicts, there is an inherit problem with the “house structure” and the philosophy behind the house system. The house structure itself seems to promote conflict by challenging house against house. There does not seem to be any clear lines of authority, and at times appears that no one is in charge. King’s predecessor, Dr. Weis, had allowed a “free market” policy and a “flexible staffing policy” allowing the Housemasters and the department heads to persuade each other on the topic of course content and required learning, also allowing instructors to teach in different houses. This directive allowed Weis to not confront the issues head on, and paved the way for future confrontations among the various house groups. Clear lines of authority must be established, and Mr. King must communicate clear expectations to his staff. In addition, the goals and the responsibilities of the groups are currently unclear, and it appears there is no integration or sharing among the different houses.

Leadership styles are also different among the administrators at the school. They all possess different goals, and use whatever tactics needed to accomplish their individual objectives. The