A Shawano Community High School teacher is concerned that not filling a position in student services could be detrimental to the students who depend on those services.
Michael McKinnies, who works with at-risk students, gave public comments Oct. 27 to the Shawano School Board. He noted that Annette Grahl, who recently departed as student services secretary at SCHS for a new post in the district office, did a lot to help students and parents navigate the various programs that help students stay on track in their education. To not fill the position creates a void, he said.
“She has been an incredible asset to our students and staff while fulfilling her duties and beyond in the student services department,” McKinnies said. “We would like her back, please.”
McKinnies said he understands that financial difficulties sometimes lead to leaving positions vacant; however, he believes it would be more of a loss to the school district not to fill the secretarial post.
“The student services secretary plays a critical and irreplaceable role within our district,” he said. “This position serves as the first point of contact with students who seek the service of our school psychologist, social worker or student counselors. In that capacity, they do more than manage appointments. This person builds trust, welcomes students into a safe space — often at times when they are experiencing academic stress, personal struggles or emotional struggles.”
McKinnies told the board, which includes his wife, Christine McKinnies, that the initial encounter may determine whether a student continues to seek necessary help. He said the position also serves as a liaison between student service employees and other school staff.
“Removing this link will create communication gaps and delays,” Michael McKinnies said.
Other duties handled by the secretary, according to McKinnies, are managing state and federal reporting, confidential recordkeeping, compliance documentation and more.
“These are not incidental tasks,” he said. “They are the operational foundation that allows our student services professionals to focus their time and expertise where it belongs, and that is on our students.”
Redistributing the duties among other student service employees would likely cut down on the amount of student interaction, which would weaken the department’s “core purpose,” McKinnies said, which includes improving mental health and academic success.
“Eliminating this position might provide immediate budgetary relief, but it risks creating long-term costs measured in decreased student access to support, increased staff workload and reduced overall efficiency,” McKinnies said. “It also runs counter to our district’s stated strategic priority of building supportive relationships within the school and community.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
