Imagine that you are a new principal at an elementary school that has an enrollment of approximately 600 students. It is the beginning of the school year - a year in which you will become actively involved in the lives of teachers, students, and parents. You have acquired a wealth of knowledge of management principles and practices gained through your university training, but you have not been given the opportunity to apply this knowledge to any situation. The ability to make sound decisions and to organize and coordinate work efficiently is essential. Since much of your job involves interacting with others, you must possess strong interpersonal skills and be an effective communicator and motivator. In late September, a situation arises that requires your ability to make an appropriate decision regarding the welfare of one of your students. .
Statement of the Problem: A seven year-old boy in second grade was new to the district. He was enrolled at the beginning of the school year by his mother, who presented her son's birth certificate, immunizations, and other records from the former elementary school that her child had attended. The second grader was functioning at or above grade level, and there were no concerns regarding behavioral problems. The mother stated that she was a single parent when completing enrollment information, but she didn't offer additional insight into her child's life. The child was placed in one of five second grade classrooms. In late September, the child's father arrived with his attorney. The parent gave the principal a custody paper that stated that he had custody of the child and would like to take the child home. What do you do in this situation?.
Facts to Consider: When the principal was handed the custody paper, she noticed that the paper was dated two days prior to this visit to the school. Also, the principal was acquainted with the father's attorney who was from an adjoining town.