Interviews by Kimberly Crane
What does labor management collaborative (LMC) work mean to you as a superintendent?
Aleya Shoieb, superintendent, Rahway Public Schools
The LMC is a game changer for us in Rahway. We spent a lot of time in the last year-and-a-half building relationships, implementing systems and structures and targeting critical areas that needed attention.
We formed teams to work on simpler problems of practice with the intention of working on complex concerns in the future. We are finding that our district is now going through a renaissance because of this work.
It was essential for us to put formalized LMC structures in place as we take the district to the next level. The focus is on academic achievement and developing a blueprint with the end goal of becoming a Blue Ribbon School District.
I’m excited about it! There is a lot of work and time to put in, but we’re starting to see results by aligning our professional development to our goals. As we move forward, we will continue to look at data to make sure that the data is driving our direction and process.
Scott Feder, superintendent, South Brunswick Public Schools
The LMC gives us an opportunity to bring educator voices to the decision-making process. Our district collaborates on many things but has not used a formalized structure to guide the direction of larger decisions.
Our team is in a really good place. We are building a system that infuses the LMC process directly into our schools. Staff has the opportunity to provide a real voice, not just feedback, on higher level decisions.
It is important that our people know that the right work is being done for the right reasons. The best way to get that message across is to have a diverse group of stakeholders and staff involved in our LMC.
We must build systems where the system itself becomes oxygen to the life of the institution. The goal is to have the LMC process outlive us. We want our current and future staff to know that they have input and a voice on everything we do here.
Kristina Susca, superintendent, Highland Park Public Schools
Having an LMC means that as a superintendent, I don’t have to solve problems in isolation.
Collaborative problem solving is a tremendous support that allows shared decision making to be done quickly and effectively.
Our LMC central leadership team is very diverse. It’s a safe place for people to take risks and come with solutions. Every group is represented, and every voice is heard. We ensure that everyone has a stake in the process and understands why certain decisions are made.
We are in an era of constant attacks on public education and navigating a reduced workforce. I really believe that districts with LMCs in place will be the districts where people want to work. Everyone brings something of value to the table. It has been a truly remarkable process that continues to drive our district forward.
Kimberly Crane is an NJEA Communications Consultant and former president of the Highland Park Education Association. She can be reached at kcrane@njea.org.
For more information on the New Jersey Labor Management Collaborative email Mike Ritzius, NJEA liaison to the New Jersey LMC at Mike@lmcpartnerships.org.