Monday, September 28, 2009

Professional Courtesy

I recently had an interesting experience. I applied for a position as librarian at my old school. I substituted in the library until they got around to doing the interviews. Unfortunately, the interviews were held on the day that the teachers were testing and so no teachers or staff were on the interview committee.

The interview committee consisted of the Principal and one administrator from the school district central office. The interview went fine. A week went by and I had no word about a decision. By the end of the next week I was on my last day of substituting. That morning I checked the district job list online and found that the position I applied for was no longer listed, but instead a librarian position at a high school was advertised. I knew that the high school librarian had also applied for the same position as I, so it was not difficult to put 2+2 together. I still have not heard from the Principal or the Administrator telling me the position has been filled.

So, my question is: Whatever happened to "professional courtesy"? I stepped in and substituted when needed and was in the same building as the Principal, but apparently he could not be bothered to inform me that they filled the position with someone else.

Perhaps school districts need to make sure their administrators have good people skills and standard good manners. I worked for this district and that particular school for 10 years before I retired. I expected some "professional courtesy" and received none.

There were 7 other people who applied for this position also. I can only assume that they have not been contacted either. An email, a phone call or a letter would have been appreciated.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Downsizing!


I have been living in a 2400 sq. ft. house and have just moved into a much smaller house. I now have one bedroom, one bathroom, one living room and one very tiny kitchen! The bonus is the screened in porch (blue door on the left). It is huge! And I have two separate courtyards with a variety of plant life and even a huge apricot tree.

It took me almost a full month to totally get out of the big house! I did have to rent a storage unit to put all the furniture that would not fit in my new tiny place.


My very small living room. The couch is in storage....no room for it.



My "itty-bitty" kitchen. Yes, it really is as small as it looks!

My bathroom and bedroom....the bedroom is actually quite large as is the bathroom.