First Six Months As Superintendent

A little over a year ago, our family made a choice to begin a new journey when I moved from a principalship where I was comfortable and successful to accept a superintendency in district two hours away. A busy, move filled, summer ended in July when my contract began. The six months since then have flown by.  I had been told that an advantage of being a superintendent is having thirty days to make decisions instead of thirty seconds- which is what it often feels like as a principal. Somehow I thought that might make the school year slow down a little. That hasn't been the case.

A frozen, then burst, water line and subsequent clean up interrupted Christmas break but I did want to take time to reflect on what I've learned so far.

DESE is extremely supportive. One of my biggest worries was missing a deadline or failing to complete a form correctly. What I've found is that our regional supervisor is great about helping with navigating reporting cycles. Also, folks in the various departments at DESE are only a phone call away and generously provide direct numbers.

School board members have important jobs. I've been fortunate to enjoy a relationship with board members that has been mutually supportive. An important ingredient in the relationship is communication. Texts, emails, conversations at ball games are always worth the effort. Board members want what is best for kids and teachers and they depend on accurate information to do that.

Running a district is a team effort. Seemingly simple tasks like repairing a door or putting tires on a bus often involve more than what is originally expected. Often a project impacts employees that seem to have little connection. Communication and a culture of team work are vital. You don't get into school administration unless you're passionate about student learning. Sometimes the details of transportation, facilities, and finance seem far removed from kids, but all the details impact the work of teachers and support staff. Learning and respecting the work of all district employees is important because most district accomplishments are only possible with the good work of many people.

The best resource is the community of superintendents. I've been blown away by how willing other superintendents have been to share advice, resources, and friendship. One of the things I miss most about being a classroom teacher is the fellowship of teachers in the building. Being a superintendent means giving up proximity to colleagues, but the emails, texts, and conversations at regional meetings help bridge the gap. I think the biggest mistake a new superintendent could make would be to choose to be isolated from more experienced mentors.

An incomplete list of new experiences in the last six months.
-Setting the tax rate
-Presenting a revised budget
-Purchasing a bus
-Completing a building project
-Preparing agendas for six school board meetings
-Advertising for roofing and HVAC bids
-Auctioning a district owned building
-Securing a tech support company
-Getting my bus drivers liscence
-Working with an insurance company and clean up contractor in response to a busted water line at Christmas break

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.

First Day As Superintendent

Seventeen years ago I had my first first day of school as an educator, teaching English at Simonsen 9th grade center in Jefferson City, a building with 700 ninth graders. I was excited about the challenges ahead of me, humbled by the responsibility I had been given, and a little nervous: halfway through my first class I spilled cofee on a student. 

This year I found myself in a new role as superintendent of Norborne RVIII, a district just shy of 200 students. In all honesty, I felt much more relaxed on this first day; however, it came on the heels of a six week ramp up that was anything but. When the kids got off the busses and headed to class it was satisfying moment and I took time to reflect on all the hard work I had witnessed from so many people that summer: coaches, principals, and teachers for sure, but also, and especially, custodians, secretaries, cooks, paras, and bus drivers. It takes so many folks to make a district go. Turns out, the superintendancy is the best seat in the house for watching all the activity.

Looking ahead at the year before me I am again excited about the challenges, humbled by the responsibility, and a little nervous. 

But at least I haven't spilled coffee on anyone, yet. 

(My first day was also my son's first day of kindergarten.)

Help Getting Started: DESE's New Superintendent Meeting

This week I attended DESE's workshop for new superintendents.  The experience was well worth the time. Presenters took time to explain the tool schools use to report data and apply for funding for federal programs.  An official took time to help me with my account to ensure I could access everything my district needs. The day also included information and guidance on budgets, teacher development, mentoring programs, and legislative changes that will affect schools this year. While the information was important, the connections I made that day were even more valuable. I sat at a table with five other first year superintendents in my area, as well as the regional DESE supervisor. The overall tone of the day was encouraging and supportive. Direct numbers to the folks who administer specific programs were made available, which was very helpful because the very next day I found myself calling an office for help with my first submission. I was relieved to find the same supportive approach on the other end of the line. The day before I lost track of how many times I heard the phrase, "We want you to be successful." After getting the support I needed, I believed the sentiment would be followed up with action.

This year I will be on a journey that will include many firsts, but I am much more confident after spending a day with the men and women who will be there to help.