Eight

"Some people try to find things in this game that don't exist, but football is only two things - blocking and tackling."

-Vince Lombardi

Twenty three Missouri schools play eight man football. 

At the fundamental level the game is not any different than the game I played, but the differences sure make a difference. Eight players on a field that is forty by eighty yards. The games are fast paced and can get lopsided early. In eleven man football having a fast kid who can get to the corner or behind the secondary is an advantage. In eight man, the corner is closer to the center and the secondary is usually two line backers who start the play a couple quick steps from behind the line of scrimmage. Tough, disciplined play from the line will win a game, but if it's combined with speed- look for a running clock. 

The game is a little different and so is the atmosphere. Bean and corn fields usually stretch to the horizon. There are chat tracks and trains within ear shot. The crowds, some watching from tailgates or utility vehicles, are small but passionate and knowledgable. Eight man is played in farm country, so you're as likely to see a McMansion driving to the game as a free safety or a team lining up to kick an extra point. 

“You must learn how to hold a team together. You must lift some men up, calm others down, until finally they’ve got one heartbeat. Then you’ve got yourself a team.”

-Bear Bryant

I spent most of this season watching the game on the same field that produced Max Lane, who played for the Patriots' 1996 Super Bowl Team. I watched some great athletes play this season, but I also watched young men of all abilities learn to support each other and overcome challenges. I watched communities support their kids, including the band and cheerleaders from the national anthem till the end of the fourth quarter. I also watched something that I didn't see as much in my own experience as a third string tight end who was small but really slow- one of over five hundred in my graduating class. All sports build camaraderie, but in eight man the platoon mentality is magnified.

What I saw in eight man football is a lot like what I see in the small schools that produce the teams. I see communities where each kid is known and valued.

That difference is valuable in itself. 

Completion Date: First Construction Project

In July when I began as superintendent, the district was entering the final stages of a building project. A bond issue had been passed to build a weight room/fitness center. Community access was an important aspect of the project. In October, the building opened to the public.

Watching the project reach completion was exciting, but it was not without challenges. Important features were not included in the contracted scope of the work: locks, key card systems, internet infrastructure, and security cameras. Outside the building, landscaping, particularly storm water drainage, needed attention.

I learned a great deal from the experience:

Collaboration:
The work demanded much coordination between and with contractors. Also, community members and board members played important roles in making sure the final result met or exceeded the original vision.

Questions:
Asking questions proved to be valuable. Why is this step needed? What alternatives are there? What additional costs will be incurred? After almost every conversation, I wished I asked more questions. And when I did ask questions, I always learned more than the information I originally sought.

Communication:
Answering emails, returning phone calls, gathering information: all these activities were important. Sharing information on costs and timelines (which sometimes were adjusted) took a great deal of time and effort.

Capital improvement projects are important events in the life of a school district. Watching the completion of this project will help me be prepared for the start of any future projects.

Notes From MARE 2016

I was fortunate to attend the 2016 Missouri Association of Rural Education conference. Below are a few takeaways I found valuable.

Address from DESE commissioner:
Dr. Vandeven addressed the group. I was impressed with her understanding of the challenges faced by small rural schools. Vandeven was willing to openly discuss the challenges presented by creating MSIP, and she solicited questions from the group. Her candor was appreciated.

Keynote:
Kent Stock coached Norway High School to an Iowa state championship in baseball during its final year of existence. His experience was made into a movie, The Final Season. His talk focused on the value of relationships and learning from failures.

Legal Issues:
A school attorney led a breakout session which focused on the legal issues surrounding communication with board members. She stressed that if a board member used "reply all" to an email the communication would be subject to sunshine law. She also cautioned that informal gatherings of four or more board members could be an "unposted" board meeting, which is a violation of state statute.

Address from Missouri Teacher of the Year:
Darbie Valenti shared her experience of growing up in an abusive environment and her journey to becoming a nationally recognized educator. Her message inspired the audience to cultivate environments where all students were supported and challenged to learn.

Finance:
A session was held on calculating the costs of salary schedule improvements. Participants worked through a scenario which included requests from teachers and limits from board members. One strategy which was explored was adding to the base, but not granting steps in the same year. Over the course of two years teachers gained their requested increase, but the district budget was stabilized in the first year.

Teacher Motivation:
A session on staff motivation reminded administrators of the importance of considering the perspective of teachers. Supporting teachers properly begins with seeing challenges from their perspective.

Fellowship:
While all the sessions were valuable, I found more value in the down time between sessions, visiting with other superintendents, especially those with more experience. The encouragement and advice was appreciated.