Superintendent Year 2 (Board Relations)
I meant to write this blog a couple of times but kept putting it off. I think I’ve noticed that people, including myself, don’t like to talk about one of the most critical and crucial roles of being a superintendent - board relations. If you know me I’m very transparent and don’t mind sharing my experiences, good and bad, as I feel they have made me stronger as a superintendent, leader and person. Before becoming a superintendent I heard so many “horror” stories about boards and superintendents…the stuff they don’t teach you in your grad courses. So I will take this time to share my journey over the last 15 months building relationships with each of my trustees as individuals and as a team.
In the last 15 months I have had 10 board members which is uncommon to some but not everyone. In August 2022 I was named Lone Finalist in my district. The board was all younger than me, consisted of six men and one woman. They all wanted what was best for our district and they entrusted me to lead the charge. I was excited and ready to work! One thing I did not necessarily pay attention to until after being hired was the election rotation for board members. (Make note that you always pay attention to that calendar especially if you are applying and/or become the Lone Finalist). So, I sign my contract in September and start my new role and elections are in November. I have three seats up in the rotation. Was I nervous? Absolutely! Fast forward, November 2022 I received three new board members. I lost three of the individuals who hired me, including my president, and gained three new ones who became my new trustees the following December. I had my 1:1 meetings right away to work on relationships just like I did when I initially arrived. It’s as if I needed to start over because my new members were not on my interview, they had no direct contact with me and we just did not know each other. I think the initial meetings and the initial focus on building relationships helped with the transition. The addition of new members also guarantees a new dynamic on the board because there are new people, personalities and sometimes different goals and visions. I am blessed because I have a great board. I know that things could have went differently but my trustees genuinely want to make sure our district takes care of students, staff and the community. For our Team of 8 the work has not changed and that has been a blessing.
What key takeaways have I learned about boards and board relations:
The board that hired you may not be the board that keeps you. In my case my board changed but the work and vision has not.
Lead Up - citizens come to serve on the board to help lead their community. They are elected officials and want to serve. My job as superintendent is to help them by teaching them, leading them and making sure they get praised for the work we lead. I must bring out the best in each of them as individuals and a collective
Anyone in your community could become your boss/trustee, so be consistent and treat everyone right. You honestly never know be fair and consistent with everyone at all times.
Each member has their own reasons for choosing to serve. Get to know their why and what’s important to them. Yes, we have 7 bosses and yes they have different needs. Build relationships and get to know them and their hearts for their community.
Treat them with respect publicly and privately regardless of what you feel or think they feel about you. At the end of the day they supervise you. Never forget the Golden Rule.
It only takes 72 hours to post and it only take 4 votes for you to be removed as superintendent. I heard one of my brother superintendents present that fact and it scared me (I won’t lie). He did not say it to scare us he shared so we would remember that we are replaceable at any time and we must do the work we were called to do until it is time to transition.
It is their district. You serve at the pleasure of the board. Yes you are the superintendent but at the end of the day you answer to the board who answers to the community of stakeholders -period. It’s that simple.
If the vision or direction of the board changes you need to decide if your vision and goals still align.
I am extremely blessed as when the board changed I had doubts, concerns and all of the things. Now, I am not saying everything has been perfect, but I am saying it has worked out for my good. Even if the change occurred and I was asked to “transition “ I knew my life and career was (and is) only in God’s hands. My board has been awesome. They love, trust, respect and know my heart. I think that has been my saving grace with change. We don’t agree on everything and the votes are not always 7-0 but we have healthy dialogues and we try to keep the main thing the main thing - students first. I know that I have to work daily at leading the district I serve in but I also work diligently to build relationships with my trustees in the process.
I hope you are encouraged and continue to #InspireExcellence
