THE EDITOR’S DESK
Mo Money, Mo Problems
David Morrill
Communications & Technology Director, AWSP
Close your eyes. Flash back to 1997. Picture the shiny, bright, oversized puffy jackets. Picture it all shot with a fisheye lens. Hear Diana Ross sampled in the background singing over and over, “I’m....coming....out. I’m coming. I...am coming...out. I’m coming.” Anyone in their late 30s to mid-40s instantly pictures the flashy music video for “Mo Money Mo Problems” (this is your Not Safe for Work language warning here) from The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy and Mase. The song was number one on the Billboard charts for a couple weeks and cemented the phrase, “mo money, mo problems” into pop culture lexicon with other classics from the era like, “You had me at hello” or “Show me the money!”
If your eyes are still closed, first of all, I have no idea how you’re reading this, but open them up and flash forward to 2021. Districts are swimming in money, and more problems. There are millions and millions of ESSER dollars to help pandemic recovery efforts at the state, district, and (hopefully) school level, but who’s there to help? There’s a massive labor shortage across many industries affecting everything from entry-level jobs (fast food restaurants are offering signing bonuses I’ve seen as high as $3,000 🤯) to jobs requiring advanced degrees. Boomers are retiring en masse, flush with massive gains in their 401(k)s and house wealth.
What I can tell you though is thanks to the AWSP Board and the feedback we get from our amazing principals all across the state, we have friends in high places working hard to eliminate some red tape and make getting help – if you can find it – brought into your schools easier and faster.
We know you’re feeling the pinch. There’s a massive national bus driver shortage. You have difficulty staffing your schools with both classified and certificated employees. And then there’s still that pesky substitute teacher shortage. All that money, yet you can’t find anyone to hire. Mo money, mo problems indeed.
So what do you do when you can’t throw money at the problem? I hope you aren’t expecting the answer here, because if I knew that for sure, I’d be in a mo money, mo problems camp of my own. What I can tell you though is thanks to the AWSP Board and the feedback we get from our amazing principals all across the state, we have friends in high places working hard to eliminate some red tape and make getting help – if you can find it – brought into your schools easier and faster. From trying to expedite background checks at ESDs to inquiring about getting more trainers for bus drivers across the state, OSPI and other agencies are doing what they can to try and remove some bottlenecks. That’s happening because of your feedback and stories.
We know how hard this year has been on you, your families, your students, your staff, and your communities, but mostly on you. Please give us a call or lean on us when you need help. Remember to keep sharing your stories with us. They make a difference. In honor of the late, great Biggie Smalls, I’ll wrap up with a rhyming close.
In tough times, everyone looks to you, as the glue
Holding it all together, getting everyone through
this rough patch of weather.
Remember, this pandemic, it won’t last forever.
When you sit back and try and take stock
you probably feel like crawling under a rock.
Take a little time out, if that is what is needed
here’s some advice, we hope that you heed it.
When you are wishing, you just weren’t the boss
it’s time to blare some Diana Ross.
Clear your mind, let out a shout if you need it
and hear Diana sing, “I’m coming...out.”
Is that what you needed?
If not, just remember, we’re here for you
Give us a call, You can email us too.
If you feel under attack, remember dear member
we've got your back.
We’re in this together, the storm you can weather
and don’t forget, this awful pandemic
it won't last forever. ◼
David Morrill is the AWSP Communications Director. He serves as Managing Editor for Washington Principal.
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Association of Washington School Principals
Washington Principal | Volume 1– 2021-22