In the 1960s and ’70s, sales of 7-Up soared as it proclaimed itself “the Uncola,” a citrusy soft drink with no caffeine or artificial colors. Henrico County Public Schools followed a less-is-more approach with a contest for faculty and staff called the “Un-initiative.” Dr. Patrick Kinlaw, HCPS superintendent, contended that while school systems frequently add initiatives, they rarely retire the ones that are no longer relevant.
All employees – teachers, cafeteria workers, bus drivers – were asked to send their ideas on things that the school division was doing that they think can be stopped and still be an efficient and effective organization. The school system’s Division Leadership Team picked three ideas to receive $100, $75 and $50 cash prizes, from Kinlaw’s personal funds. The school division was a winner, too as there were many good suggestions beyond the three winners that could be considered/implemented. While the school division is moving forward with new initiative to support student success and innovation, the Un-Initiative frees up time for staff to focus on the division’s priorities.