2016 Principal Survey Oasis Middle School

Q1 Please take some time to answer the following school principal evaluation instrument
questions. It is imperative that you provide honest feedback. Your answers will remain
anonymous/confidential and your input will be used to develop a comprehensive school
leadership strategic plan. I appreciate your dedication to our system and thank you for
taking the time to complete your principal's evaluation.
Answered: 46

Skipped: 0

Strongly

Agree

Disagree

Agree
There is a clear academic vision for this school?

Strongly

Total

Disagree

50.00%
23

23.91%
11

15.22%
7

10.87%
5

46

The principal develops procedures to ensure successful teaching and learning, using data driven,
research-based best practice strategies.

43.48%
20

32.61%
15

10.87%
5

13.04%
6

46

The principal demonstrates the ability to involve staff, students, parents, and community members in
implementing the vision.

51.11%
23

20.00%
9

20.00%
9

8.89%
4

45

I understand the vision of my school

45.65%
21

28.26%
13

17.39%
8

8.70%
4

46

52.17%
24

28.26%
13

10.87%
5

8.70%
4

46

53.33%
24

20.00%
9

20.00%
9

6.67%
3

45

58.70%
27

21.74%
10

10.87%
5

8.70%
4

46

44.19%
19

30.23%
13

13.95%
6

11.63%
5

43

50.00%
22

27.27%
12

13.64%
6

9.09%
4

44

42.22%
19

37.78%
17

8.89%
4

11.11%
5

45

54.55%
24

29.55%
13

9.09%
4

6.82%
3

44

46.67%
21

26.67%
12

15.56%
7

11.11%
5

45

47.73%
21

36.36%
16

11.36%
5

4.55%
2

44

33.33%
15

42.22%
19

15.56%
7

8.89%
4

45

32.61%
15

43.48%
20

10.87%
5

13.04%
6

46

36.96%
17

43.48%
20

8.70%
4

10.87%
5

46

38.64%
17

43.18%
19

11.36%
5

6.82%
3

44

52.17%
24

36.96%
17

8.70%
4

2.17%
1

46

43.48%
20

34.78%
16

21.74%
10

0.00%
0

46

40.91%
18

25.00%
11

25.00%
11

9.09%
4

44

37.78%
17

24.44%
11

31.11%
14

6.67%
3

45

The principal lets staff know what is expected of them.

The principal at this school is an inspiring leader.

I feel my contributions at this school are important.

The principal makes adjustments when things aren't working at this school.

The principal makes the vision of this school a reality.

My professional development is tailored to my students needs.

Expectations for students are high at this school.

Expectations for staff are high at this school.

The principal takes responsibility for student achievement at this school.

Professional development for teachers is aligned to schools goals.

Professional development for teachers is aligned to their curriculum.

I have an opportunity to participate in leadership roles at this school.

Students at this school have a voice in policy.

The principal communicates well with parents.

The principal at this school is open to constructive feedback.

The principal invites teachers to play a meaningful role in setting goals for this school.

The principal invites teachers to play a meaningful role in making decisions for this school.

The principal at this school gives me regular and helpful feedback about my teaching.

42.22%
19

31.11%
14

11.11%
5

15.56%
7

45

48.89%
22

33.33%
15

8.89%
4

8.89%
4

45

50.00%
23

32.61%
15

13.04%
6

4.35%
2

46

64.44%
29

31.11%
14

4.44%
2

0.00%
0

45

50.00%
23

28.26%
13

10.87%
5

10.87%
5

46

39.13%
18

39.13%
18

10.87%
5

10.87%
5

46

48.89%
22

33.33%
15

6.67%
3

11.11%
5

45

27.91%
12

46.51%
20

11.63%
5

13.95%
6

43

32.56%
14

44.19%
19

9.30%
4

13.95%
6

43

52.17%
24

39.13%
18

6.52%
3

2.17%
1

46

57.78%
26

20.00%
9

15.56%
7

6.67%
3

45

54.55%
24

27.27%
12

13.64%
6

4.55%
2

44

50.00%
23

34.78%
16

15.22%
7

0.00%
0

46

36.36%
16

38.64%
17

11.36%
5

13.64%
6

44

39.13%
18

47.83%
22

10.87%
5

2.17%
1

46

67.39%
31

26.09%
12

4.35%
2

2.17%
1

46

The principal keeps staff informed of developments, changes and progress toward the resolution of
staff issues.

50.00%
22

20.45%
9

15.91%
7

13.64%
6

44

I feel safe at this school.

65.22%
30

32.61%
15

0.00%
0

2.17%
1

46

64.44%
29

26.67%
12

4.44%
2

4.44%
2

45

The principal creates, promotes and expects a healthy climate of safety, tolerance, acceptance and
civility.

52.17%
24

32.61%
15

15.22%
7

0.00%
0

46

The principal values the staff.

60.00%
27

26.67%
12

8.89%
4

4.44%
2

45

The principal is an effective public speaker, clearly communicating his/her message with an engaging
style that is received in a positive way by his/her audience.

45.65%
21

32.61%
15

19.57%
9

2.17%
1

46

I see my principal attending or participating in after school events.

64.44%
29

33.33%
15

2.22%
1

0.00%
0

45

52.27%
23

31.82%
14

13.64%
6

2.27%
1

44

The principal at this school encourages collaboration among teachers to increase student learning.

The principal takes into account the feedback I give.

Overall, I feel adequately trained to do my job successfully.

The principal inspires optimism for the future of this school.

Teachers at this school are given opportunities for professional development.

The school principal encourages my career development.

New teachers receive the support they need to be successful.

New teachers receive the professional development they need to be successful.

I feel respected by the school principal.

I feel supported by the school principal.

The principal deals with daily tasks and daily problems in an effective and efficient manner.

The principal has a good rapport with the staff.

The principal handles student discipline matters in a fair and consistent manner.

The principal is committed to finding fair solutions to problems.

I like working in this school.

This school's facilities are clean and well-maintained.

The principal follows through on promises and commitments.

Written Comments- (areas not covered in survey or information you would like to be considered)

Date

I really enjoy having Mr. Graham as our principal. He is very understanding and is very involved especially in the ESE

2/3/2016 8:38 AM

department. He will always try and make it to IEP meetings, but if he can not, Ms. Collins will attend them and they
always have such great input to help in those meetings. The only thing that I would like more involvement in is when it
comes to scheduling the ESE students. And it's not really anything against Mr. Graham, it has been something that I
have been dealing with for 3 years. I have spoken to him and have showed him the flexible scheduling PowerPoint and
worksheet that district ESE teachers use when scheduling ESE students. I can do all the leg work and planning for it,
if it would be available to me to help schedule these students. I would really like to be able to try and co-teach some
classes, especially the math classes, but it is hard to be able to do that when students are all over the place. Again
not really a reflection on Mr. Graham, I would just like more say in where students get scheduled.
2

The first several questions are regarding the school's vision and goals. I am completely unaware of what our school

2/2/2016 5:07 PM

vision and goal is... maybe it is "fly by the seat of our pants and when the problem gets really bad we will try to correct
it." Expectations have not been clear since day one... Anything that has been established is not followed through with.
At least once a week we receive an email regarding something that needs corrected as we address issues as they
arise. No one is ever on the same page because it is blasted in an email. Major issues should be discussed with the
staff at lets say... a staff meeting?? We have had a couple of those. The principal and vice principal have yet to meet
with the department heads or completed any observations. The principal does not handle discipline at all... it is not his
job. There are certain duties that he claims are strictly Elisa's and has literally struggled his shoulders are me and said
that is not my job ask Elisa. This is a HUGE problem, and was a problem with Beckman in that he is all for one and
one for all... he does not support who he is working with. When he was the VP he would shrug and say, that is not my
job "ask Daddy" as this was his nickname for Beckman. This leads me to how utterly unprofessional he is in the way
he addresses staff in emails or over the PA. Once he announced over the PA.... "we have some teachers who STILL
do not know how to take attendance." My students even commented that his comment was very rude. It was rude as a
teacher he did not complete their attendance didn't do so because it was a new procedure and they were teaching,
counseling a student, or busy doing some other part of their job. At staff meetings (the 2 or 3 we had) he talks
extremely fast with no time for questions. Our principal is VERY close with certain members of administration as well
as teachers. This makes it impossible to know who to talk to about issues. I have had 2 instances where I have talked
to him in confidence and he has simply just told the others about my concerns. He offers no support with academic
concerns. I honestly do not think he understands the curriculum enough to offer support. Elisa is brash and rude to
students in staff alike. She is not supportive or consistent on discipline policies nor does she provide feedback on how
matters are addressed. She demands expectations that she herself does not follow through. There was an incidence
of a student not wearing the correct uniform where she had told the staff that we must be diligent in enforcing dress
code, but then explained to a parent after a student had be asked to remove the clothing that "some teachers take it
too seriously." This is after she sent an email blast out reprimanding the teachers of students who were caught at
lunch wearing their sweatshirts stating that their teachers should have noticed the dress code violation and addressed
it. Oh boy, this school needs help!!
3

Keith is a compassionate person and means well but this may be his weakness. An effective leader needs to not try to

2/1/2016 9:29 PM

be everyone's friend, realize there will be conflict and to deal with it. Hold faculty accountable for their actions,
communicate effectively, hold meaningful meetings and recognize the folks who keep the place running and reward
them for their efforts.
4

Professionalism needs to increase, and code of ethics should be put in place. Monthly staff meetings should take

1/28/2016 2:26 PM

place so all are communicated to as well as heard on issues that arise.

5

Our guidance counselor should be evaluated. She can be quite unprofessional towards certain staff & students.

1/28/2016 1:15 PM

I've chosen not to answer many of the questions because I simply don't know how to answer them or don't feel I have

1/27/2016 9:18 PM

the information needed to answer them. Vision: While I can certainly recite the overall vision statement, I don't have
the slightest idea what the vision of the school is. Are we an alternative to regular Lee County District schools? Are we
changing our curriculum to something basically untested, despite the fact that our test scores have always been high?
Are we STEM focused or dedicated to giving the best to all our students? There is definitely a rift between the two
groups of students. None of this is necessarily the principal's fault but I still don't feel it's been addressed. I can't really
comment about whether or not Keith is an inspiring leader - I never see him. So, does he inspire me? No. But that
doesn't mean he's not inspiring to others in the building. I don't know whether or not the new teachers get what they
need. I haven't talked to any of them. I don't know what Keith's daily tasks or problems are so I have no idea whether
he handles them effectively or not. I don't think that's a fair question. I haven't sent any students to "the principal's
office" so I can't comment on whether or not punishments and consequences are fair or effective. Public speaking - I
think Keith talks too fast and often comes off as flip when he's really just trying to be funny. He needs to understand
that is not appropriate for every situation. This may be something he simply needs to grow into. I recognize that this is
Keith's first year as principal and I understand that Rome wasn't built in a day. it may take time to implement the
changes and improvements that he outlined during the interview process. I'm willing to give him some time. However, I
do have a couple complaints: Every good manager should know that you praise in public and criticize in private. Since
the beginning of the year, Keith has had a tendency to send out emails to all staff members intending to chastise those
few who weren't doing what they need to do. I have taken offense at this. If you want to send out blanket emails to all
staff, then focus on those people who HAVE done what needs to be done and then send individual emails to those
who have not. I've suggested this to Keith, but his response is that it would take too long to send individual emails. I
get that - it take me tons of time to send individual emails to parents but that's what is required so that's what I do. At
no point has Keith sent out an email praising people who consistently meet deadlines, submit lesson plans, contact
parents, etc. It's annoying. Second - during the principal interview process, I shared with Jacque Collins that the staff's
biggest concern in terms of hiring Keith was his friendship with Katie O'Reilly. We were concerned that, if Keith was
hired, she would take that as free rein to do what she wanted, taking on the role of administration, and over-stepping
her bounds. Seven months into Keith's tenure, that's exactly what we're seeing with Ms. O'Reilly. People are afraid to
go directly to Keith because of his friendship with her. It's very troublesome for a wide variety of reasons.
7

Mr. Graham is a great Principal and he always seems to have our backs no matter what - It is one of reasons why, us

1/27/2016 10:29 AM

as staff, wanted him as our principal. The only problem that there is with our principal is he is not doing anything about
our guidance counselor and the inappropriateness that she displays on a daily basis. It is almost like he does not see
what she is doing with and around students, especially those that she favors. Staff do not feel comfortable going to
him and discussing matters that pertain to her and things she is doing or not doing in regards to her job duties. Staff
feel that she walks all over him like she has more power than him. She thinks and acts like she is administration or
has administrative power. He has too close of a friendship with her since she started with our school. Truly they need
to be split from each other in regards to the work environment. It might be beneficial to move her to one of our
elementary schools instead of her being here. Staff are truly fed up with her and with him for not doing anything about
her. In the end staff feel that she's may be the downfall to Keith and Elisa's first year as administration. As staff, we
feel, that she played a huge roll in ousting the previous principal (Beckman) with the intent that Graham would get the
job and she would have free reign to do as she pleases. You might want to send out a guidance counselor survey as
well to get true understanding of what is going on.
8

Keith has done a lot of good however, he really needs to make our entire school a STEM or a STEAM school. Also, he

1/27/2016 8:34 AM

needs to start holding teachers accountable. To me these are both really easy things that can be accomplished if he
wants to really change our culture. Thanks for listening!
9

this year is leaps and bounds better than the passed 3 years. im sure there are teachers who complain about stuff like

1/27/2016 7:57 AM

keith or elisa not observing enough. but professionals don't need close supervision and they both have enough
experience to recognize good teachers and not so good teachers.
10

I would really like to see administration play a more active role in the school community by walking the halls, visiting

1/26/2016 8:28 PM

classrooms and participating in student driven projects. I feel like Mr. Graham's time is wasted by monitoring the
cafeteria at lunch or in the collection of jeans day money.
11

Professional development is sorely lacking. There is no induction program for new teacher aside from the information
they receive during the pre-school week in August. Student discipline is also severely lacking - for instance, several
times this year the boy's bathrooms have been closed to students because of vandalism. I am unsure whether
students were disciplined for this. The principal and AP have not done a single walk through or observation of my
classroom this year.

1/26/2016 5:44 PM

2016 Principal Survey Oasis Middle School

12

I feel teachers need better professional development in areas that are useful to the courses they teach. I honestly

1/26/2016 5:22 PM

can't think of any significant professional development this year. Using our professional development time to go over
FSA training procedures while useful does not help me in my day to day classroom. If administration appreciates what
teachers are doing for students and the school community as a whole, a simple thanks for all you are doing goes a
long way. I know our principal is new to the position, but he is not new to the school and should therefore know who
his key staff members are who have over the years gone above and beyond to help the school succeed. I believe our
principal has a good heart, but in his new role he needs to be able to balance being a leader with compassion with
being a leader who can hold staff accountable when they are not performing. All of this I hope will improve with
experience and leadership training.
13

I have never been happier working with a principal in all the years I've been teaching. It has been such a pleasure to

1/26/2016 4:45 PM

work with administration who not only respects what you do on a daily basis, but provides a hands-on approach to
leadership. We feel appreciated and never feel as though we are being micro-managed. This is the first year I can
easily say, "It's fun coming to work!"
14

I hope to see growth in the areas of professionalism and communication.

1/26/2016 3:15 PM

15

The Principal is not effective in assuring that interventions for struggling students (MTSS) is occurring. The MTSS

1/26/2016 3:15 PM

Chairperson has stopped making sure that the MTSS process is followed. Incoming 6th graders are immediately
dropped from the MTSS process and the only ones receiving it are those who are referred for testing based on parent
request. When the Principal is made aware of this, nothing is done. MTSS is required, by law, to occur. It does not at
Oasis Middle. The Principal does not, in my opinion, have the professional maturity to make tough personnel
decisions.
16

I have been at OMS for quite awhile now and this is the first year that I feel what I say and need is disregarded. The

1/26/2016 3:03 PM

students seem to be running the school with no regards to rules and/or consequences. I feel that there is a great need
for some direction for teachers and support is needed in the area of discipline.
17

Trust - Students were told by the principal to lie to teachers about the content of a teacher evaluation survey that was

1/26/2016 2:46 PM

conducted without teacher input or knowledge. Minimal advocating on behalf of teachers with student or parent
concerns/complaints.
18

Mr. Graham is a very approachable person and trusts us as professionals to do our jobs. I appreciate his flexibility and

1/26/2016 1:22 PM

involvement.
19

Principal is direct and forth right with information that can be shared with the staff. However, not all staff take it in the

1/26/2016 1:04 PM

manner it is meant to be taken in. People are overly sensitive and forget their place in the school. I believe our
Administrative staff (P and AP) are doing their best to communicate and maintain a healthy learning and professional
environment for the staff. I personally feel more relaxed this year but do see where others have taken things
personally or over stepped their own situations.
20

SOO much happier this year!

1/26/2016 12:59 PM

21

The environment, communication andrespect for staff and students has taken a 360 degree turn! Very HAPPY here!

1/26/2016 12:32 PM

22

He is doing a great job! Staff morale seems to be way up.

1/26/2016 12:31 PM

23

Our principal took over a school in disarray and in a downward spiral and has worked very hard to to mend the

1/26/2016 12:24 PM

fractures in this staff. Low morale and a high teacher turnover rate has been reversed and in time the school will be
back to pre-Beckman levels.
24

My comment is not necessarily about my principal, though he is involved. Ms. O'Reilly, the school's guidance
counselor is having inappropriate relations with some of the 8th grade students. She leaves campus to go get them
lunch and gives it to them to eat in front of the other students. She exchanges presents with them in front of the other
students. She brings them snacks during their basketball games. She pulls them from class multiple times a day to
hang out in her office and then walks them to class. She spends time with them after school hours. Most of all, she
has been seen driving one of them home. It is mostly limited to two 8th graders, Jairo and Adam. Not only have
numerous teachers and staff seen these events occur, but the students see it as well and question it. They know it's
wrong and mostly I think they feel left out as would any individual. I believe administration has spoken to her about this
situation, but she continues to parade around the building with these students going about her "normal" way. It is
wrong. If I were the mother of these boys, I would not be very happy. I see with my own eyes how she "flirts" with
these children and it is disgusting. To top it off, she is a runner up for the Light House Award. How does someone like
this get to be a runner up when there are teachers in this building that work their butts off for ALL of their students that
do not have the same opportunity for this prestigious award? There needs to be a way to fix this process. And lastly,
as a guidance counselor she needs to counsel the students who really need it. Instead, she says that she is too busy
to meet with them. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

1/26/2016 11:47 AM

2016 Principal Survey Oasis Middle School

25

Whether or not this survey is related to the 3-5 women who have been over to the Superintendent to complain about

1/26/2016 11:42 AM

our principal, I would just like to point out that they are the very poison that needs to be removed from our building. Is
this a learning year for our principal? Yes. Is he doing his job? Absolutely. I am happy to say that I have had more
observation this year than the past 3 years put together. Keith has actually made a point to engage in conversations
with me about my area of specialty and what my visions are for the future. We have discussed research and how it
relates to OMS. I feel that he values my work and my thoughts. It is a pleasure to work for him.
26

Keith is one of the best bosses that I've ever had. He listens to any of my comments or concerns that I have. He

1/26/2016 11:42 AM

makes me feel like I have a voice. I like going home at night knowing that I am cared about at a professional level.
27

When a problem with the guidance counselor showing favoritizm to certain students is brought to both principals

1/26/2016 11:39 AM

attention and it is not addressed because they are " friends" and the counselor is treated like administration not like
staff/ educator this is very defeating and deflating to all staff who try to promote a positive environment.
28

What a difference when you are treated like the professional you trained to be.

1/26/2016 11:36 AM

29

Mr Graham is a very effective leader. Some teachers who are less than stellar don't think he is good because he rides

1/26/2016 11:35 AM

them. Some teachers have no clue as to what his job really is. Mrs. Collins is a good asst principal. She is tough but
fair with the kids.
30

I think Keith is doing a good job for his 1st year but we more consistency with our school vision and goals i.e., we

1/26/2016 11:27 AM

NEED to be a STEAM school!!! I also think that the students have too much voice at this school and feel like there is a
lack of follow through on disciplinary issues with students. I missed many opportunities to do amazing things with our
awesome students because I had to babysit certain groups constantly.
31

I love Oasis Middle School and am thankful for the staff and administration. I enjoy coming to work/school every day.

1/26/2016 11:24 AM