I will make this post short as most of us simply don’t have time to read much at this stage with all that we are facing due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. Clearly it is “all hands on deck” for our administrators and staff and I pray for wisdom and understanding as this issue unfolds.
Hear are a few thoughts to consider as we lead during this time of challenge.
Communication – During times of crisis staff, parents, and community are receiving numerous messages from a range of entities and individuals. A best practice for school districts is to have all updates coming from one source, the superintendent. Doing so ensures continuity of communication and ensures that all stakeholders know when they see a message from the superintendent it is “official” district news. So, whether it is an internal communication, or external, it comes from one source. The updates should direct people to an individual within your organization who can help if they have questions, but the communication itself should come from the superintendent.
External Team – Up to date information is vital for superintendents during a crisis. Establish a small team of trusted, in-the-know, individuals (or organizations) outside of your district who you can stay in touch with to get information on the regional, state and national levels in education. We need to be ahead of the curve to lead so that we are not relegated to constantly reacting to information.
Offers of Assistance – Many individuals and organizations within the community want to help during times of crisis and while this is commendable, it can become overwhelming and disruptive to the objectives we are attempting to accomplish. So, in advance of a crisis, or during the process if it was not established prior, assign an individual or individuals in the district to handle offers of assistance. Doing so keeps you, as superintendent, focused on the objectives to be accomplished while also providing your community an outlet for helping those in need.
Continued, Active Use of Social Media – It is important to take photos or videos of individuals cleaning classrooms and buses, distributing food and computers, and of teachers developing online lessons to post on social media. During a crisis parents and community need to see both helpful and positive messages coming out of the district. Photos and videos which can be posted hit people at an emotional level and provide reassurance that actions are being taken and that as a team we can make it through together.
Clearly there is much more which could be added, but these are a few items which quickly come to mind. If you have time, please share any suggestions you have regarding how to lead during the pandemic in the comments section below.
Stay safe and remember to not work this issue 24/7. To lead we must first take care of ourselves.
Updating the BOE: I have been sending an email to our BOE each day title COVID Update March X and now I have transitioned to Virtual Learning Update Day X. I give myself exactly 15 minutes to write it and I bullet it without much narrative–just the facts. I told the BOE I am not even proof reading it. I am addressing the core details: COVID Rumors vs. COVID facts, FRL Service, Special Education accommodations, Virtual Learning Plan/Approach, New State Executive Orders, etc. And I am quick to point out where we have changed our minds in approach X and why. The transparency is important. The daily QUICK updates has increased their confidence and trust in our team during this crisis. It has actually saved me a lot of time.
Excellent advice! I will start doing the same thing I greatly appreciate you sharing. It is very important that we keep the BOE involved and up to date. Thus far I have been sending along all communications going to the staff and community, but I really like your idea moving forward.
Thanks Howard, good as usual!
Thanks, Andy. We are all struggling to figure this out so the more we can share the better!
Hi- my communication specialist gave me an emergency transition to remote checklist. As the week moved fast, I used this outline and I individualized it as we moved through the week. At the end of the week, after much tweaking, it served as an accountability guide and folks appreciated it as it also included expectations, schedules and covered all areas. I sent that at the end of the week to my BoE too.I think the BoE was astonished at the heavy lift and the thank you’s came in. Best of luck and thank you for your leadership and collaboration – we got this !! Lake George NY
Thanks, Lynne. The checklist sounds like a great resource. Might you be willing to share it? If so you could email it to me and I will put a link to it under the Free Resources tab on the website (hcarlsonthesupt@gmail.com). Indeed we do have this!