What I Learned This Week at the AASA Superintendent of the Year Forum

I was blessed this past week to be invited to attend the AASA Superintendent of the Year Forum in Washington D.C.   It was an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the nation’s best superintendents in addition to a number of high quality presenters providing information on topics from school finance to promoting equity in our schools.  In this week’s post I am outlining 10 takeaways I gleaned from this informative event.

1.  The difference between the top funded state based upon estimated per student state and local funding, after adjusting for cost of living, poverty and other factors and the lowest funded state is $12,442/pupil (Top state $18,719/pupil v. lowest state $6,277).

2.  The Department of Justice (DOJ) provides grant funding for schools to address school violence through the STOP School Violence Act.  Interestingly, the DOJ did not have enough school districts apply therefore funding is still available.  Districts can check the DOJ website for more details regarding the funding cycle and grant application process.

3.  To prevent violence in schools, among other things, we need to create connectedness to prevent students from being socially isolated.

4.  Interesting polling data.  Educators need to show transparency in providing information and promote a reform agenda, otherwise you are seen as a bureaucrat.  Another key finding is that the public is concerned about increasing class size.

5.  For the first time since 2004, adults are more satisfied with the quality of K-12 education than they are dissatisfied.

6.  13 behaviors of high-trust leaders.  Talk straight, demonstrate respect, show transparency, right the wrongs, show loyalty, deliver results, work to get better, confront reality, clarify expectations, practice accountability, listen first, keep commitments and extend trust.  The items are not listed in a particular order and we know that certain behaviors come before others as leaders (i.e. Listen first, prior to practicing straight talk).

7.  National Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Curtis Jones (Georgia), recommends reading “The Speed of Trust”.  I am personally committing to do so!

8.  Culturally relevant pedagogy is grounded and guided by three pillars:  Academic achievement, cultural competence and socio-political consciousness.

9.  On courageous leadership – Rather than spending a reasonable amount of time proactively acknowledging and addressing the fears and feelings that show up during change and upheaval, we spend an unreasonable amount of time managing problematic behaviors.

10.  Matt Utterback, 2017 National Superintendent of the Year (North Clackamas Schools – Oregon), shared his district’s equity policy and equity stance document (the why).  Both can be found on the district’s website.

As Arizona’s 2019 Superintendent of the Year I was honored to attend this event and the gala which occurred at the historic Mayflower Hotel.  We are very fortunate to have an organization in AASA which supports our profession and works hard to ensure our success as we serve our districts’ on a daily basis.

Please share any comments or questions you have in section below.  As always we all gain when we share the wisdom of our learning and experience with our colleagues.