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1. The main problem in this case is that Principal Susan Potter’s group, “the visioning and planning committee”, that she appointed to serve on the advisory committee, do not agree with her inclusive process in the development of the school’s mission and vision statements. Principal Potter’s idea of developing the documents was to include the values and beliefs of the committee members because she was new in the area and was not familiar with the social conditions or the educational needs in that community. Principal Potter felt that the committee, which was made up of four teachers and four parents would have more knowledge of the conditions of the community because they were more familiar with the citizens there.

2. A visionary leader, in my opinion, is a person who has a vision or adopts a vision and a plan to manifest it. This is a person who is committed to bringing his/her vision in to reality. Visionary leaders move the energy to a higher level by offering a clear vision of what is possible.

3. It is important to develop a philosophy statement prior to shaping a vision statement because the philosophy statement is the framework for the entire school. It includes values and belief that are based on the current state; and is written in the present tense. From the philosophy statement, the vision statement, which includes the futuristic views are derived. The vision statement is a long-term view that is based on the principles and beliefs of the philosophy statement.

4. If I were the principle, yes I would honor the committee’s vote about the procedures. My reasoning would be that the guidelines state that the committee would operate democratically. Therefore, in this situation, I would want to follow all guidelines. Still further, I would still have the committee members to share their values and beliefs; but I would use them to study and learn about the citizens, and from that compile three different philosophy statements for the...