Site-based management arrives in many states with enormous promise and fanfare, but participants soon find that it is no miracle cure in itself. Participants attend many meetings and all members of the school community find that pressure for school improvement may lead to the learning of many new programs and skills. It is hard to rely upon past habits and worksheets. Coasting is nearly impossible. Change is inescapable.
Work expands to fill the afternoon and evening hours.
Administrators sometimes find a conflict between the instructional leadership aspect of their role and the committee facilitator role, devoting significant hours to supporting the work of the various committees. Teachers sometimes find that their preparation time is strained by the new system. Parents may find it difficult to leave work to meet with school councils during the teacher work day. A lack of good committee skills and behavior may painfully elongate discussion and decision time. Participants rarely receive additional compensation to reward them for their contribution of time outside the normal work day.