Superintendent: Year 1 (New Beginning)
Happy New Year!
My hope and prayer for all educators (teachers, custodians, administrators, food service members, paraprofessionals, etc) is that you had the opportunity to refresh and renew. I know we have all been under so much pressure to perform and meet the needs of those we serve but I have come to realize that we have to prioritize self in order to prioritize those we serve. In this blog post I want to share how the year ended but also began. As you may or may not remember I started my new role as superintendent in September. (Anniversary date on deck:). I started after the school year began so I had to catch up on what I knew and heard but on a lot I needed to listen, observe and learn. This past year was a great first year, but that does not mean I did not face some challenges.
Brene Brown has a quote that simply states, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind”. Such a simple thought but so powerfully true. Last spring we had a couple of incidents where communication was unclear. I know that was not the intention but it caused so much “unkindness”. Social media amplified it and I felt as if the behaviors and actions that came from the incident(s) led back to me. Now one thing you will find with me is communication is key. I truly pride myself in communicating and even over communicating so we, the team and all stakeholders, are all on the same page. Short version we had some breakdowns that led to misinformation and brought about confusion.
Remember it’s not about you! As the team and I worked to rectify the situations and clear up communication I had to remember it’s not about me. I made sure I took the hit and the heat for the miscommunication. The reason I felt that was necessary was because if there was misinformation or communication from my team it will be addressed privately but I will always take it publicly. (Personal belief, I am not saying everyone should that’s just a me thing). Anyway, the incidents caused some stirs on social media which was discouraging. However, I had to continue to remind myself that it’s not about me. We resolved the incidents and cleared up the communication but I knew there was a need to mend some bridges and continue to build our community and brand.
These experiences brought about resilience and it also tested the strength of our team and tested me as a leader. I truly believe every obstacle is an opportunity to get better. Fast forward to the start of school. We had an awesome leadership retreat where we refocused on our vision, mission and purpose. It was so powerful to reflect on our why and return back to our foundation. Then we brought our faculty and staff back for the new year. The professional learning sessions were aligned and you could feel the tinge of excitement coming as we worked and learned together. Then it got even better - Convocation! It was fire!!!! We had the drum line, cheer squad, a district Buna ISD Playlist (with some dancing), a launch by our board president, my first superintendent launch and our awesome special guest - Gerry Brooks! The day was phenomenal! There were smiles, tears of joy, laughs, excitement and so much more. I heard so many compliments that encouraged my soul! There was this spirit of pride, unity, solidarity and excellence in our space. I left that day full! I also left knowing we were on the right track. I had to be reminded that everyday will not be perfect or flawless because we are all people at the end of the day. I was also reminded that each experience that comes brings about vulnerability as a leader and it’s ok to walk in that with your staff, students and community. Even when you have those moments where you question your why, or you feel inadequate, know that you are going in the right direction as long as you keep students and your staff at the forefront.
This past week we had our community pep rally and we launched our fist week of school! It was amazing. This was my first day of school in my district as superintendent so it was extra special for me. To see our parents walking their students and entrusting them to us. Yes some of our parents cried as they left but we reassured them they were in good hands. Our student also came and gave hugs and expressed their excitement to be back in school. It was such a fulfilling week and such a wonderful way to start the new school year!
I am truly humbled and honored to lead our district. I truly believe God has appointed me for such a time as this. I know everyday will not be perfect but I hold steadfast to the promise that I was called and prepared to lead. For those who have started the school year or start this week, “You got this”. It’s going to be an amazing year. Just watch and see!
In many of my posts I try to encourage you all on your journey from whatever role you are leading from. Know that you are planted where you are supposed to be. Make sure you bloom there and as you bloom you will be preparing for what is to come.
#InspireExcellence