Superintendent Year 2 (Being the First)
Last month I had to apologize for missing February…again I have no idea where the time went but I missed it. When I blog I try to look through previous pictures, posts or my calendar to remember everything that has taken place. As I was preparing to write about some of the work we are leading in Buna I fell across some pictures from February that made me pause and reflect. I had originally planned to share out on some academic accomplishments for our students and our strategic planning but something is weighing on me so we are shifting this months blog. I am going to talk about being the first….
Whenever I chose to pursue education I stepped into the role for two reasons… First, I wanted to be with my girls as they matriculated through the education system and secondly, I wanted to make a difference for students and provide access and opportunity for all. Again, I had those two reasons to serve in education, however, on this journey I have had several firsts in my career that I want to speak to today.
Early in my career I knew I was going to pursue administration, I knew I wanted to lead and influence systems while educating not only students but adults as well. My first administrator role was in my first district where I served for 10 years. In that span of time I served as a teacher, assistant principal, associate principal and then principal. I was happy, content and I felt like I was thriving in my role and I knew I would stay there for a while.
Fast forward to 2014, I was named the principal of the flagship high school in a neighboring district. Before I applied I had no idea I would be the first African American principal, as a matter of fact I also learned I was the first person of color. I then found that I was the third woman high school principal ever in the district. Now some people were like oh cool, what an accomplishment! I was honored but at the same time I had a few thoughts. One, it was 2014 and two there is a lot of pressure to be the first. Here’s my perspective, when you are the first woman, man, person of color or anything else you have to set the standard, whether you want to or not. You do not get the choice. You must excel or there will not be another like you after you transition. I personally hold myself to a high standard and try my best to make sure the work I lead is exceptional because I do want to open the door (and leave it open) for other women (or men) who aspire to the role. One sidenote, since my time in that particularly district they have had a diverse pool of administrators and staff in the district.
In 2022, I was named superintendent of my district. I am the second woman of color and the first African American in the superintendent role. I am truly honored to serve and I do not take this responsibility lightly. When I was named I was so welcomed by the district and community. I was invited to so many events to meet and greet people; one particular interaction has stayed with me since that time. As part of my Listening & Learning tour I visited several of the local churches. Upon visiting one of the African American churches I received a warm welcome and was asked to say some words. In the welcome one of the pastors commented, I never thought I would see this day in my life time. That hit me! Hard! I was honored and more than that humbled. They did not know me but they had researched me and they knew I was going to be history in the making in their community. For me, that was a gentle but powerful reminder that the work is always bigger than me!
This past February I was invited to another church for Black History Month. During the service I was asked to share a word with the congregation. Also during the service moments of Black History were shared. The pastor of the church was the first Black board of trustee for the district, they highlighted the first Black valedictorian, the first coach, the first teacher and the first superintendent. To be displayed and listed in that group took my breath away. I had no words, I still have no words. I listened and learned so much about the rich history and the pride of the African American journey brought through the church and community.
I share all of this because it is important to my journey but also to those on this same path. It has never been my goal to be the first at anything but when it is you are definitely called to a higher standard and expectation. I feel as though I am a role model to not only my African American students and female students but for my white, hispanic, Asian, men, young and old students. I feel at times I have to be flawless to ensure the door stays open for other women and people of color who want to puruse this role. Yes, that is pressure and some may say I place that on myself but that is my reality. It is the reality that some do not have to think about but others at times must think through.
As I reflect all I can say is I am thankful to be chosen to lead this work and hopefully open doors for those who aspire to these leadership roles.
