Thursday, April 23, 2015

Reflections on Year One...

In August when I composed and published my first blog submission, I envisioned quarterly or even monthly updates. I begin this post (almost 9-months later) with this sentiment as a small insight into the extraordinarily busy and eclectic schedule of a Superintendent of Schools. In a job this complex, you are constantly prioritizing items on your list of things to accomplish. Effective management requires this ability, along with a proactive, innovative, and growth mindset to hopefully mitigate reactionary situations. With that said, I will endeavor to blog more frequently moving forward!

The purpose of this post is to provide a cursory look at some of my "biggest" learnings as I near the end of my first year.

  • It's about the Students...
    • Every decision we make impacts students. This isn't a new or groundbreaking revelation...it's a reminder that our districts, systems, and our schools are here to develop, provide opportunities for, and equip our students for successful futures!
  • Collaboration is Crucial...
    • Bringing various perspectives into the mix and focusing on solutions builds and fosters teamwork and develops leadership, understanding, and empathy in others.
  • Transparency is a Must...
    • My dad graduated high school in 1952. His quote in his high school yearbook read, "Deeds, not words." That is the way I look at transparency. Actions speak louder than words; if you say you're going to do something...do it. Be straightforward and present information and decisions accordingly. My hope is that by conducting myself and directing district operations in this manner, we (SAU #46) can engender trust with our constituencies. I've learned this year that trust is difficult to build. SAU #46 will continue to be transparent in our operations. Not everyone will always be a believer, but we'll attempt to gain trust on all fronts.
  • Assume Best Intentions...
    • Everyone perceives things through their own experiences and filters. With these assorted perspectives, come various values and beliefs. I am a believer that the vast majority of people have best intentions at their core. This assumption is tested occasionally; however, I feel it is important to remain true to this assertion!
  • It's all in the Details...
    • Attend to details and you're rarely caught off-guard. Planning with multiple lenses; understanding the "readiness" of your targets; anticipating and preparing for questions...all of this is necessary! I try to be as forward-thinking as possible. I attempt to consider the big picture as well as the minutiae. 
  • Support Others...
    • SAU #46 (Andover and MV) is fortunate to have so many dedicated professionals (boards, administrators, faculty, staff, support personnel...). Being part of and ultimately responsible for all the aspects of systems administration requires trust and confidence in administrators, directors, and department leaders. We have skilled, committed, and collaborative people leading our various systems and departments. We have people who work innumerable hours and devote their energies to SAU #46. One of my major responsibilities is to recognize, support, and celebrate their efforts.
I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. SAU #46 has good school districts. We have the ability, resources, students, and personnel to be great!