Chapter 11 #2
Principal Fisher is looming over the admin desk, frustration and stress lining her usually polished face.
Her suit jacket is a bit rumpled and her hair is frizzy, which is completely out of the norm.
Sue and Alice are speaking over one another, and overall there’s a sense of confusion and tension.
I start to listen in on the conversation to figure out what’s going on.
“… possible reports of some teachers being connected with students. A teacher confiscated a tablet when a student was messaging in class and found evidence.”
“What?! That’s not supposed to be possible,” Principal Fisher says, aggravated. “The devices used by the staff and the students were supposed to be in two different test pools.”
Sue shoots Alice a frustrated glance. “We’re letting you know what we’ve heard. No one knows anything for sure. We’ve been monitoring the anonymous feedback like you asked.”
The principal wipes her brow. “What did the feedback say? Is there anything… inappropriate happening that I need to be concerned about?”
Alice frowns in confusion. “Like what?”
Sue sighs. “Not that we’ve seen so far, but we’ll keep our eye on it.”
“Let me know immediately if you hear of anything.”
The conversation seems to be over, so I step into view and pretend I didn’t hear anything. The tension is still palpable in the air. But honestly, the entire conversation made it sound like my pitch will be even easier than I expected.
Principal Fisher startles slightly when she notices me and swipes her hands down the wrinkles on her pencil skirt. “Miss James, how can I help you? Shouldn’t you be at lunch?”
I’m a little taken aback by her impersonal tone, but I suppose she did just have a difficult conversation with the admin staff on an awkward issue.
And she was definitely losing her cool, which is unusual in my experience with her.
Normally, she’s delighted to see me. No matter!
I shake off my doubts and mentally visualize the outline I’d worked on all morning.
I beam brightly. “Good afternoon, Principal Fisher. You look radiant today, as always.”
She gives me a tight, impatient smile in return. Note taken—compliments are not welcome at the moment.
“I wanted to bring to your attention some potential issues for the school regarding Connection Services.”
At my mention of the app, she gives a quick glance towards Alice and Sue, who are currently exiting the office towards the staff break room.
“Oh?” she prompts. The lines around her eyes seem to deepen.
“Yes. While I commend the school, and yourself, for being so open-minded and technologically forward by spearheading this beta program, I can’t help but notice that there are some significant drawbacks for the student body.
For example, I know we were duly warned not to text during class times, but to be blunt, I have seen many students indulging and have even felt the temptation myself!
And you know how devoted I am to my studies. ”
Principal Fisher gives me an indulgent look and pulls her phone from her pocket. Clearly I’m already losing her attention.
“In addition, due to the anonymous nature of the app, it’s possible some students may accidentally divulge private information to an individual they wouldn't normally trust. This opens up the potential to be bullied if their identity is revealed. I know Valley Prep prides itself on its policies against bullying and it would be a shame for such situations to tarnish the image of an otherwise pristine reputation.”
“Mhmmm,” she says absently.
“For example, there was even a fight in the hallways over Connection Services not long ago, which, I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, is highly unusual for our campus. Is this the kind of behavior we want to encourage?”
Her fingers fly over the screen of her phone, sending a text message and ignoring me entirely. For the first time, it hits me that my plan may not be successful.
“In conclusion, while Connection Services may bring—in theory—a spirit of camaraderie among the students and bolster our support of the business ventures of our esteemed alumni, these potential pitfalls do not seem worth the risk, and I support the immediate termination of the Connection Services program.”
I clasp my hands together hard enough to make a sound, hoping to bring her attention back to the conversation at hand, but I needn’t have worried. At my mention of terminating the program, her attention snaps to my face and her eyes narrow in an almost-menacing way. What is happening?
“Miss James, I appreciate you bringing these concerns to my attention. I can assure you that Holden Lovell and I are in full communication and are aware of these issues. In fact, I texted him just now. However, the contract is binding and the program will continue. There are legal and financial commitments tied to this beta test. That’s all I can say on the matter. ”
She takes a step toward me and directs me with her hand, as if guiding me out the door.
“But what about—”
“Truly, you are such an exemplary student, and I appreciate your concerns. I hope you feel there’s an open door and you can come to me with any issue.” She puts light pressure on my back as we begin to walk together toward the exit.
“Well, I—”
“However, next time can you schedule something on my calendar with the office manager instead of dropping by? That would be so very helpful.”
She opens the office door and ushers me through. “Better hurry so you don’t miss the entire lunch period. Can’t maintain that high GPA without fuel, right?”
With one last forced smile she lets the door drop and turns on her heel.