Revised Organizational Culture of Respect
The Board of Education, the superintendent, the executive staff, and the organi- zations representing our diverse workforce affirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful educational community. We recognize every individual’s role in contributing to a culture that not only sets high stan- dards for staff and students alike but also actively promotes anti-racism, equity, and inclusion at every level of our organization. We provide every student with a high-quality education by working together through continuous improvement, effective communication, and meaningful involvement in decision-making. We are committed to a shared responsibility and a collaborative partnership inte- grated into an organizational culture of respect.
A Compact of Mutual Respect and Inclusion
Between: Montgomery County Educational Association (MCEA), Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals/Montgomery County Business and Operations Administrators (MCAAP/ MCBOA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 500, and the Board of Education with the Superintendent of Schools.
Renewed and Ongoing Commitment to Respect
We are dedicated to nurturing an organizational culture of respect, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. This culture is grounded in the belief that our strength lies in our diversity, encompassing all identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. A respectful work environment among staff, models respectful and inclusive classrooms for our students. Our commitment is to:
- Build trust through transparency and mutual respect.
- Implement collaborative and interest-based processes that include and uplift every voice.
- Value collective bargaining and collaboration as a pathway to enhance our inclusive culture and posi- tive working conditions.
- Acknowledge every employee’s unique contributions and foster a high-quality work environment with expectations that are equitable, clear, and attainable.
- Ensure an environment where open, honest contributions are welcomed without fear of retribution or retaliation.
- Promote effective communication and respect for diverse viewpoints.
- Encourage civility and collective team efforts in all interactions.
- Commit to anti-racism and actively challenging discriminatory practices.
Supports and Structures for a Culture of Respect and Equity
There is a commitment to fostering and sustaining a culture of respect through systemic support and structures. To be effective, these supports and structures should be systematically embedded throughout the system, visible and accessible to everyone, and seen as fair and equitable. To ensure this culture is promoted throughout the school system, time is needed for collaboration, training, and professional development. Prioritizing resources is necessary to accomplish this commitment. To effectively embed this culture across our system, we are imple- menting supports and structures that are visible, accessible, and equitable for all. These include:
- Policies that promote a positive, inclusive work environment and supportive human relations.
- Professional growth systems that offer comprehensive development, mentorship, and recognition to support every employee’s performance and career path.
- Collaborative processes and training aimed at fostering equity, inclusion, and acceptance of others.
- Continuous improvement processes and communication channels that ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
- Communication processes, including satisfaction and climate surveys, labor/management collabora- tion committees, focus groups, budget forums, and various feedback reports
- A dispute resolution framework that emphasizes respect, acceptance, and fairness.
Behavior that Models Respect
In an organizational culture of respect, individuals are aware of and understand the impact of their behavior and decisions on others. We expect that the actions and behaviors of all individuals and groups are consistent with and reflect this organizational culture. The actions listed below represent expected behaviors:
- Modeling civility and embracing collaborative approaches.
- Practicing active listening and encouraging innovative thinking.
- Respecting diverse opinions, experiences, and perspectives
- Striving for problem-solving over blame.
- Communicating openly, with respect for all perspectives.
- Using position, power, and privilege to foster a positive, inclusive environment.
- Actively participating in and contributing to a supportive team dynamic.
- Engaging in providing and receiving constructive feedback and respectful dialogue.
Accountability for Respect
To uphold our commitment to an inclusive, equitable, anti-racist culture, we will establish a transparent pro- cess for reporting violations of this compact. This includes clear channels for reporting issues, a commitment to timely and fair resolution, and multiple accountability measures, including climate survey and retention data, to ensure continuous improvement.
Together, we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and equitable educational community that supports the success of every employee and student and actively challenges inequities and discrimination. This compact is a living document and is open to continuous refinement as we learn and grow together in our journey towards a truly inclusive culture that promotes a positive work environment ensuring the success of each employee, high student achievement, and continuous improvement in a self-renewing organization.