President's Corner
Investing in Improvement
By Christopher O. Gaines/School Administrator, March 2019


EARLIER THIS SCHOOL year, my school district began the search to replace a retiring high school principal who had enjoyed a long, distinguished career. Based on our belief that it was important to hear what students had to say about the replacement, we conducted a student survey.

One of the students described an ideal principal as someone who “is hard working and always trying to make the school better.” That’s a pretty on-point way to illustrate this month’s theme of continuous improvement: Always trying to make things better.

Successful companies, schools and individuals do not rest on their accomplishments but strive to get better each and every day. They know that regardless of how effective and efficient they seem to be, processes and systems can be improved.

Improvement almost always involves change — which people find difficult at times. Those who embrace continuous improvement and the change it demands may subscribe to the philosophy of Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, who said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘we’ve always done it this way.’” Or perhaps they favor the poster from Despair Inc. that admonishes: “Just because you’ve always done it that way doesn’t mean it’s not incredibly stupid.”

Successful organizations know that the same old thinking yields the same old results so they strive to continuously improve. In the education field, that can mean continuously improving in many different areas.

I once saw a school posting that described the school mission as “Continuously improving in every aspect of performance so students have the foundation to pursue their aspirations.” That doesn’t mean continuously improving just test scores. It means improving your processes and systems in school food and nutrition services, the business office, safety and security, transportation, human resources and building management. It means implementing the plan, do, study, act process across the district — from classrooms to departments to the front office to the district office.

It also means investing in people and ensuring they have the personal and professional development they need — and you are one of those people. I hope you were able to attend the National Conference on Education in Los Angeles last month. NCE offers great opportunities to visit with old friends, make new friends, learn from experts and colleagues and get ideas to implement in your school district.

At the breakout sessions you learn what districts are doing to tackle the challenges they face. If your district has similar challenges, you learn from their experience and are able to share your own. There is much give and take at the NCE.

One of my favorite parts of the conference is recognition of the state superintendents of the year. It’s heartwarming to hear the cheers when a home state superintendent is announced. We are happy for our colleagues and proud to be a part of this profession.

And when you talk to these talented school leaders — these state superintendents of the year — you hear the passion they have to better serve their students, their employees and their communities. These leaders are constantly learning and improving their practice because they know their leadership matters in their schools, their districts and their communities.

AASA’s national conference is an outstanding opportunity to engage with colleagues and learn together. We improve ourselves by attending and we support the continuous improvement of the profession by supporting our colleagues. I hope you start making plans now to attend next February’s event in San Diego, and that you will consider bringing others from your district as well. The investment in your professional development and in theirs will be worth it.


CHRIS GAINES is AASA president for 2018–19. Twitter: @paddlingsupt