Leadership Lite
School Administrator, April 2020


A Good Sport at Trivia
Francisco Escobedo, superintendent of the Chula Vista Elementary School District in southern California, put his trivia knowledge to the test when he agreed to appear on live radio for an FM station’s $1,000 Minute. Ten questions answered correctly within 60 seconds earns a trivia player the full prize.

Escobedo was advancing nicely before he stumbled when asked “What does the acronym ‘SMH’ mean in text messaging?” (It stands for “shaking my head.”) The superintendent answered six of 10, so the radio hosts awarded him $10 for each correct response. He pledged to use the funds for food and clothing for homeless students who attend one of his schools.

Source: EdCal, Association of California School Administrators

Knowhow for Newbies

Chris Kennedy, a prolific blogger as superintendent in West Vancouver, British Columbia, loves to compile Top 3 lists. A new one he created at the start of 2020 was titled “Top 3 somewhat odd lessons I have for any new superintendent.” Here’s what he recommends:

If you are asking people to give their time to come to workshop — no sandwiches. Everyone loves pizza or sushi.

Never let yourself win any competition. I know we are competitive people, but nobody wants the superintendent to win the Halloween costume contest.

Always have a $5 bill in your pocket when you visit schools. There will often be a bake sale or something similar, and you have to make a purchase. And you can’t ask for change. Take this advice from someone who has bought several $20 brownies, Rice Krispie squares and chocolate chip cookies over his time.

Source: Chris Kennedy’s Culture of Yes blog

Dad’s Career Counsel

“My daughter (third grade) told me last night that when she grows up she has her career path narrowed down to bus driver, teacher or superintendent. I recommended doing all three — I have.” 
— A tweet by E. Scott England, superintendent, Fairfield, Ill.

Short, humorous anecdotes, quips, quotations and malapropisms for this column relating to school district administration should be addressed to: Editor, School Administrator, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Fax: 703-841-1543. E-mail: magazine@aasa.org. Upon request, names may be withheld in print.