Superintendent: Year 1 (Entry Plan)

Last month I had the opportunity to share an overview of my first semester in the role of superintendent. Thank you to everyone who read and shared their thoughts and the impact of sharing my experience. I have a list of topics that I have been writing down that I want to ensure I share about this journey. One item that I think is essential to share is the work of the entry plan.

Over my almost twenty years in education I had never had to build or implement an entry plan. I always made time to meet, interview and listen to stakeholders but it was never a written exhaustive plan required or recommended for other positions. As you move up through the ranks of the education world this is an expectation (I also include it in leadership positions that we interview for as well). I will share a few items to consider when preparing, implementing the work, and the findings I shared with my board at the conclusion of the plan.

Preparation.

As you research and prepare for your interview you will also work on your entry plan. For me, I had several mentors share their artifacts. I was able to create my own outline of what I believed to be important upon entry into a new community and district. As I conducted research on the district I was able to see financial reports, TAPR reports, departments, as well as all of their social media sites. I used this information to create a personalized plan for my district. For me, I wanted substance and only items I knew I could realistically complete and impact change in the time allotted. My belief is that if you say it or write it then make sure you do it (even when hiccups or life happen - be a woman (or man) of your word. So the plan had meetings with board members, faculty, staff, department leaders, elected officials, pastors and more. I also had campus visits with focus groups including paraprofessionals, teachers, parents and students. I concluded by sharing I would present my findings and recommendations on our next steps to the board at the end of the 90 days, which was my December board meeting.

Implementation.

Now. I told you all last month I am a planner! I had the 90 day plan laid out. I shared it with the board and I had events planned on the calendar…then life happened. I shared the personnel matter I addressed but I also had two bus accidents in those 90 days (neither were the fault of our drivers) but they did happen. So three major events, I’m interacting with media (yes they will call and yes be ready to speak on behalf of the district). Side note: In both instances the vehicles that hit us did not stop for the flashing lights and the red sign that says stop. I went to the scene both times. The second one was worse (no injuries) but holding some of my babies and they are crying in our arms broke my heart. You always show up and you do whatever is needed at the time. Yes it is vulnerable, yes it’s a lot of work and yes you still have to send communication. You are all things to all people. Also, make sure you keep socials updated and communicate. Due to our size I (and my team) wear multiple hats but it can be done. Last thing I will add is when you write your letters thank the people who responded. For us, we have volunteer fire departments, ambulance service, state troopers and our staff who responded. I always try to include them and recognize them in our communication because we could not do anything without them. 💙

Back to the entry plan. For me the first month consisted of simply LISTENING. To me that was crucial, I needed to take the time to hear the stories of our community, our schools, our staff and our students. I was told I made some people nervous because they were waiting for me to respond (affirm or otherwise). I had to remind people that I truly said I would listen and observe. I did not want people to change for me or respond and make adjustments based on my response. I just wanted to watch and learn. After listening sessions with various groups I transitioned to LISTEN and LEARN. I had already made campus visits but I wanted to meet with focus groups at each campus. I had the opportunity to meet with our students, paraprofessionals, teachers and parents. This was interesting as I let the principals pick all of the individuals but they were not included. In these sessions I asked some challenging questions but I wanted to get to the essence of who we were and what we believed about ourselves as a school system and community. People shared in the groups and some even shared after the meetings privately. These sessions opened my eyes to the perceptions versus the realities and it also affirmed some of the work we were leading. Priceless moments…especially with our students. The third phase was LISTENING LEARNING and LEADING. This was towards the end of the plan. Here I was examining systems, procedures and historical data on the district as well as looking ahead to what actions need to take place to ensure we excel. During this time I had multiple meetings…like multiple! Was it a lot? Yes! But was it the right investment? Absolutely! I learned so much about our ‘Small Town with a Big Heart’ 💙 I also made connections with our food service teams, transportation department, maintenance and grounds crew. I met with almost every single person in our district. That was important for me and our size made that possible.

Conclusion.

Here is where I felt like I went back to graduate school. I had to disaggregate the data and make sense of it for our board and our staff. A few things you need to note; this was not the only thing I was doing I still had to run the district and make decisions. During all of this there was a grievance, an appointment of a campus leader, and November board elections. There was a LOT going on but we made it through because we (the team and I) were doing the right work. (Don’t get distracted- Keep the main thing the main thing. Students!). At our December board meeting I shared my findings with the board (also swore in three new board members that night) then I shared it with my entire staff in January. I had spoke at each of the board meetings since September but this was my first major presentation and I had three new trustees. That was the first time they had truly met me and heard my heart, they were not on my interview panel. Remember: You are always Interviewing even when you have the job. My new trustees had not had the opportunity to meet me yet or hear my perspective or just get to know me so that was their first glimpse into me.

I was told everyone appreciated hearing the findings (Relationships & Morale; Academic Pathways; Strong Leadership; Communication; Partnerships), the varying thoughts and perspectives, as well as where we are headed as a system. This was my way to show I was accountable to them and the work I shared I would lead to learn our district. This set the bar and laid out our work to ensure we meet the goals established by our board. Please be reminded, that although you will complete your plan you must still continue to do the work of Listening, Learning and Leading throughout your time as superintendent.

One last note: Work on your brand! I did not know I needed one but as I started this journey I had marketing and branding assistance. This website was made a few years ago as I was in the process of applying for jobs. I had help with my resume, portfolio, entry plan layout and more. I know me. I am not a creative person (not as creative as some) so I had to get creative help, headshots and more. Be willing to invest as you prepare for your role. (Let me know if you need referrals).

As I shared, please note that these are my experiences that worked for me. Know what is important to you and the community you will serve and work from there. ;)

#InspireExcellence