Superintendent: Year 1 (First Semester)

If anyone knows me well they know I am a planner. I think through everything…and I even have the tendency to overthink things. :0 My plan was to blog each month of my first twelve months in the superintendency. I was going to journal my experiences, share the joys and revelations I experienced, and I was going to help those who aspire to become superintendents. So…have I journaled my experiences…. Yes and no. I have kept track of all the various experiences I have encountered throughout the first semester through my calendar and a work journal but not through blogging. Have I shared the joys and revelations I have encountered thus far; again, the answer is yes and no. I provide a Second Sunday with Spicer (SSWS) to the entire district and share it with the board but I haven’t blogged it. And last but not least, have I tried to help those who aspire to become superintendents learn from my journey. You guess it. Yes and no. I have met people though socials, people have literally found me and called the district to speak with me and I am even speaking at some conferences this month about my professional journey and lived experiences, but I had not blogged until TODAY!

I think I have had so many varied experiences in the first four months that I could literally write a book… I will first start off by saying I love where I was called to serve! When I was applying for positions I had certain areas I was looking to live and work as well as the size and the demographics of the district and community. (When you attend aspiring superintendent sessions they tell you to consider it all). So…I saw my district listed but I was not sure if I would be a fit for them so I asked some of my trusted sister supts (and brother supts) if they heard of it, good, bad, and ugly. I also did my homework as well. I learned a lot and started getting excited about the possibility. The students and their news cast sold me. There was just something that made me smile and say I could serve here. Fast forward I went through the interview process, named Lone Finalist, and began my new role the next month. It was FAST! My plan was to listen and learn; listen and learn Tiffany. Do not change or touch anything for 90 days! Yeah, that was the plan. Well, on my first day on the job I had to make a leadership change. Day 1. I was contacted by news outlets, received phone calls, and my education network (all over Texas) was blowing up my phone. I won’t go into details but I had to make a decision about students and staff. So…that was literally day one, really week one. The second week on the job one of our buses was rear ended. Our driver and staff did everything correctly but guess who had to write a letter to staff and speak with media. The first month was full of events that I had not planned for but I felt extremely prepared for as I had experienced similar incidents before. What I would say to those who aspire to the role of Superintendent? Every experience you have had prepares you…I promise; and, never say never. The 90 days of listening and learning did take place but always remember that if you need to make a decision in the best interest of students…you do it - Period!

Over my first semester I have experienced many joys and revelations. The biggest thing I have known but that’s been reiterated is we must communicate. What’s the quote…in the absence of knowledge people make up their own stories. (I think I butchered the quote..sorry). I pride myself in being transparent, some people agree with that and others may not, but that’s a “me” thing. Over the years it has helped me build trust, build my team, and build credibility. In our roles as superintendents we must do that quickly and continually. Once I was named I met with each of my trustees, my assistant superintendents, directors, principals and the team of ladies in our office. Yes, it took a lot of time but that is one of the best investments of time I made right up front. People learned that they were important regardless of their role or title and they learned that I wanted to learn from them. I also met with parents, students, cafeteria staff, elected officials, pastors, seniors and more. One of the most important communication tools that has helped with transparency is my monthly communication with staff. Every second Sunday (tomorrow I will send out January’s) I send a letter to the staff. In that letter I share my heart, celebrations about them, our students, personal experiences about me, anything that’s been on my heart. I have received so many emails and ‘thank you’s from staff for the words of encouragement. I know I could make it an update about events and calendars and scores but I choose to inspire and empower. My hope is that every team member across the district knows they are valued and appreciated. Even on the so-called ‘bad days’, they are all still great days filled with so much potential.

As I conclude my thoughts I would say to those who aspire to serve in this role…every day you are interviewing and everyday you are preparing. Do not quit. I got a call in the office from a name I didn’t know but the message left stated she wanted to talk about how I got the job and some of the hurdles she experienced. I could have ignored it, as I did not know her, but I felt like if she took the time to find me and call me, the least I could do was pour into her like others have done for me. I have had people reach out through socials, or people reach out through my colleagues; one thing I know is I will never be too busy to help someone else. We need great leaders and we have to build one another up. You may be the small nugget of encouragement someone needs to fulfill their calling…you never know.

I hope my words encourage, challenge, and even call someone to action. We have so much work to do for our students, staff and communities. If not you…who? If not now…when?

#InspireExcellence

Note: Excuse any typos;)