Chapter 5: Image and Criticism

Sharon Fisher is principal of Eastwood School, a position she has held for five years. She is regarded in the community, belongs to a service club, attends the predominant church and holds a doctorate from the state university. The school faculty and staff hold Dr. Fisher in high esteem. Parents of students and members of the parent advisory committee respect her as a competent educator, fine professional, and dedicated public servant. The school building has a positive street presence, and students for the most part are successful in academics and athletics. The local newspaper and radio station are supportive. As might be expected, Dr. Fisher’s dress, gait, demeanor and tenor of communication reflect pride in herself, her family, community, the school, its personnel, and especially students. Even though she has some obvious critics, she believes, compared to some colleagues in other school districts, that criticisms directed to her and the school are mild. She attributes this to the unusually good image she and the school enjoy in the community and emphasizes that positive personal and school images are critically important.