Superintendent Year 2 (Evaluate Me)
One topic that I do not believe we as superintendents talk enough about is the evaluation process. I think it is one of the most unique experiences a superintendent has in their career, as we are the only ones that have an evaluation such as this. I know many of us have different experiences but I’m going to share mine.
I was hired in September 2022. We had board elections in November 2022. My evaluation was scheduled for January 2023. I could have had my evaluation and contract reviewed that January but in my mind it did not make sense for a few reasons. First, I had just been hired and I was only on the job for five months. Secondly, due to the elections I had three new board members who had not been with me to see the work I was leading. I spoke with my president and shared that May would be a better time to be evaluated so the new board members had time with me and there was a length of time for me to do the work. This worked for me and our board, however, different districts and superintendents complete this process at the time that works best for them.
I am concluding my second year and have completed two evaluation/contract cycles. In talking with other colleagues in this role I think I can say the day of the evaluation is one of the most stressful days. Let me clarify, it is not stressful because I’m anticipating something negative, it is just the fact that there are seven (or nine depending on the number on the board) who are talking about you for hours. I do not stress, ok I do a little, but I know what I am walking in to. I meet with my trustees every other month for their one-on-one and they call me or meet as needed. In those meetings we discuss district business but that is also their time to give me individualized feedback. My belief is that if there is a problem they let me know when we meet and I am not surprised at my end of the year evaluation. I operate the same way with those I support. If there is a concern I make sure they know about it in real time. I do not like surprises and I do not want them to be surprised.
This years’ evaluation and contract discussion was interesting. We had reviewed the evaluation tool a few months before the evaluation. In April I sent my artifacts and other information necessary for them to make informed decisions about my evaluation and contract. Then in the month of May the evaluation is held. Welp! It was scheduled for the second Monday in May like regular, but we had a storm! We had to release early and delay the start the following day. It is ok though. Right. “We will get move it to Thursday.” Now mind you, it is May and every event that needs to happen before the end of the year is scheduled almost every night. We are set with a posted agenda and ready to go again for Thursday. But nope! Another storm, we had to cancel school and send everyone home. This started to become stressful, although I do not get “stressed” easy. We continued to monitor the weather and looked into dusted for the following week, the week of graduation. We moved to the following Tuesday. However, there were several events going on across the district. Oh, and the board recognizes students at the May board meeting too so we had to coordinate not only with the board members but with our families as well. It was one of those times to where we had to have the board meeting and all of the other events in one night. It turned out fine and everything was able to be completed.
Evaluation/Contract night. The first thing that you need to note is you have a board meeting before you get to the evaluation and closed session. So you still need to do your part and nerves cannot be an issue. After the first portion of the board meeting you head into closed session and you share what needs to be shared then you leave and they talk about you. (Sometimes for 1, 2, 3 or more hours). One thought, for me this is one of the hardest things I feel I have to do as a superintendent. In my role I love bragging on our students, staff, advocating, praising and celebrating. When you have your evaluation that is the one time you need to talk about you. You must talk about the work you lead, your successes, areas for improvement and compensation. What I learned from several of my mentors is it must be done. You are the one who advocates for your staff to get raises or incentives. However, you also have to do it for yourself and you are the only one who does that To me that’s hard but it is what we must do just as we do for those we serve.
The crazy thing about this process is it is in closed session. If you are not a superintendent yet, you will never know about the process until you get in the seat. Just you and the board.
I am truly blessed that I have a board who values and appreciates the work I get to lead on a daily basis. I am thankful and grateful everyday.
A couple things I have learned through this process over the last two years are as follows:
Write down the work you do weekly. Make notes so you don’t have to remember everything at evaluation time
Get support from your team. My leadership team (directors and assistant superintendents) help me remember items I may have forgot
TASB Salary Study - pull your region and similar size districts to see what the average salaries are for you to make an informed decision
Be confident and bold. Know your worth and do not be afraid to ask for what you believe you deserve.
Remember your worth and do not sell yourself short. I hope this helps someone as you head into your evaluation. I’m learning every year and getting better with time and experience.
Continue to #InspireExcellence
Have an awesome summer!
