Superintendent

Superintendent

Thursday, July 23, 2015

A Day in the Life of a Superintendent

"Just another day" I told myself as I left the office much later than expected once again. I had literally bounced into work that same day, hopeful and feeling great that so many things were falling into place in preparation for the new school year. But I left the office feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders, as only other school superintendents can fully understand.

Yes, it's July 23 and as of today our district is searching for two full-time instructors as well as a part-time cashier/cafeteria employee. We've had a "hiring season", replacing seven positions, most largely unexpected. Our district is certainly not facing the exodus of teachers and staff in the numbers which other districts have mentioned. But years ago I would have seen this late hiring scenario rarely.

Finding quality teachers is not necessarily more difficult, although today's college students have many options for careers which require less licensure and no complex evaluation procedures, and which offer more salary. Replacing career technical education (CTE) teachers brings with it some excitement, in anticipation of improvements that only a new teacher can bring, based on their unique work experience and enthusiasm. It also brings much stress, as I know how important the job is and the special qualities good teachers need to possess, in order to succeed and have a "win-win" for the teacher, students, and ultimately, our district.

And so I reminded myself, on the way home that day last week, it's "just another day in the life". It's what I signed up for. It's what I know is always possible in an administrator's day. It's what I've experienced, and dealt with, in the past. And Murphy's Law continues to prove true. The similarities in a school administrator's day to a game of Whack a Mole are not so far fetched. When it rains it pours.

I'm thankful for resilience. And determination. And a talented administrative staff to assist. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to lead--I wouldn't have it any other way. Today Matters.