Category: Uncategorized

Leading this summer, and into the new school year, will be a challenge.  In fact, this is likely one of the toughest times to guide a school system in our nation’s history.  The problem is superintendents and their teams face several unknowns but must move forward and make the best decisions they can with the information which is available.  Health officials are providing guidelines regarding the new school year, but not mandates – Governors too.  Ultimately, decisions regarding how school districts will move forward with issues like social distancing, screening, and disinfecting will likely come down to the local level. …

As superintendents we are starting to receive questions about next school year.  When will it start?  How will it look for students and staff?  What if a student comes to school with the virus?  How will distancing look on school buses?  We know there are no clear answers to these questions so we do the best we can seeking ongoing guidance from local, state and national health experts.  In addition, we know we must determine how to communicate these issues with students, families, staff members and the community.  Not necessarily the forms of communication, but rather the tenor of the …

As we continue to guide our districts through this unprecedented time, we need to remember the words of Dr. John Maxwell on leadership.  Dr. Maxwell states that “leaders need to see more and before others”.   In other words, we need to reflect on not only what needs to occur right now, but also be thinking ahead to what must transpire in the weeks and months to come. Today, let’s think through 5 things which we should be doing now and in the future as we progress through this challenging time. Motivating Students, Staff and Parents: Most of us only have …

As superintendents and school leaders we need to begin asking the question: How will schools look when we reopen? Of course, no one knows at this stage and there are no models to follow.  Clearly, we will be guided by health experts, government leaders, and data, but the challenge will be the competing realities of student safety v. school budgets.  Why?  Because to follow many of the most promising practices, such as limiting class sizes so students sit 6’ apart, we will need additional teachers and facilities – two resources which will be difficult to procure. So, although we don’t …

As we continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak we are working 24/7 to take care of our students’ food, learning, and emotional needs.  We have also been attending to our staff; helping them cope without students, addressing their loss of personal connection with colleagues, and mitigating their worry about the unknown.  Digital connections help, but they lack that intangible human interaction which we all need in our lives.  Although as leaders we are working hard to address these issues in many cases we are forgetting one key element, which is fundamental to getting through this crisis. The one key …

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 …

It is the beginning of March and the school year will be concluding in a few months. Superintendents are currently focused on a continuum of issues ranging from budget development to hiring, and once we get into April the volume of year end activities will be upon us.  One item we often don’t clarify (and we should) is what is required of our principals prior to their departure for the summer?  Today, I want to briefly focus on that topic and also provide a checklist of items we should consider as part of this process. Every school has a teacher …

Likely the employee who most significantly impacts the superintendent’s performance is the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent (superintendent’s secretary).  A good one can broaden the scope and quality of your work, and alternatively a bad one can severely hinder your progress. Today, let’s discuss four qualities required in an effective administrative assistant, and how we can move individuals toward these ideals. To begin, it is essential the individual be trustworthy.  Superintendents must have the freedom to speak freely with, and around, their administrative assistant enjoying the strictest levels of confidentiality.  It is not just the sensitivity of the topics …

Harvard professor, Dr. Carolyn Hughes Chapman, led a study some years back on the superintendency which I believe is insightful for us as school district leaders.  The study included 12 professors and 18 superintendents.  It was an in depth view of the superintendency from various perspectives, and it sought to determine where district leaders face their greatest challenges on the job.  I believe the lessons learned here are not only applicable to superintendents, but in many cases other educational leaders as well.  Let’s take a look at some of Chapman’s findings. Below I outline eight findings from the study which …

Generation Z teachers are coming and I believe they will transform our school systems.  Is your district prepared for this shift?  To what extent has your leadership team, and especially your HR department, discussed what is coming?  Today I would like to discuss a few characteristics my analysis has uncovered regarding Generation Z, and also to offer a few “operational shifts” to start us thinking about this transition. First, Generation Z, per Pew Research, was born after 1997.  So, they are 22 years old this year and will soon be applying for jobs in our school districts.  Gen Z is …