School Administrator: November 2020

A Conversation With Dan Heath: Problem Blindness
The second installment in our Thought Leadership Series features superintendent Joe Sanfelippo interviewing bestselling author Dan Heath about Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen.

• Other relevant books by Dan Heath

In the Midst of Pandemic: Starting a New Superintendency
BY KIMBERLY REEVES
The unusual experience of first-time superintendents being hired amidst a pandemic with their communities and colleagues operating in remote mode.

• Max McGee: Conducting searches remotely
• Robert Monson: Counseling leaders for uncertainty

The Act of Becoming
BY JILL A. BAKER
Long Beach, Calif.’s just-named superintendent on assuming her new role during a global pandemic. 

• Video messaging by a newcomer

Vigilance During the Superintendent Search
BY MARK D. BENIGNI, JAN PERRUCCIO AND FRAN RABINOWITZ
Three authorities on how to ensure your next job as a superintendent is the right decision.

Failing at Retirement
BY JAN IRONS HARRIS
How faith drew one superintendent back into district leadership after an early retirement wasn’t a satisfying fit.

• Additional resources 

From Superintendent to Professor
BY MERRI ROSENBERG
When the next career move leads to higher education, here are some considerations for what to be mindful of.

• David Hvidston: A first-person tale of transition
• A logical journal for publishing
• Jay Goldman: Administrative know-how plays big
• A support system for those transitioning to higher ed

STARTING POINT
The transfer of leadership could be immense owing to the pandemic, which prompts our attention to career transitions.
   
STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Keeping the Same Career
Would superintendents make the same career decision if they could retrace their steps?

BEST OF THE BLOGS
Four thought-provoking excerpts from members’ recent blog postings.
   
ETHICAL EDUCATOR
Grading on the Health Curve
Should a school district adjust grading during the pandemic for equity purposes even if it hurts college applicants?

Who Pays When the Superintendent Needs Legal Counsel?
BY V. WAYNE YOUNG
At times, superintendents need independent lawyer advice — but at whose cost?

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT
Your Board’s First Teacher, Nurturer and Guide
BY KAREN G. RUE
Educating your school board members on the rationale behind decisions is a smart move for superintendents.

A Bronze Bullet We Already Have: School Libraries
BY ANDREW MAXEY
A different way to think of the role of the school librarian.

Leading With Care and Compassion in Crisis Moments
BY DEBORAH S. PETERSON
The author’s lesson is drawn from her own abrupt job reassignment.

FOCUS
When To Communicate Publicly or Keep Quiet
BY NICOLE KIRBY
Determining when it’s better to share information for transparency despite the momentary discomfort.

Reading & Resources

• Book Reviews
• Abstract
• Bits & Pieces

 

  

PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Fulfilling My Responsibility
BY KRISTI WILSON
Delivering a consistent message and modeling action.

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
A Job They Weren’t Overtly Seeking
BY DANIEL A. DOMENECH
The pathway to the superintendency, satisfying yet also perilous.

PEOPLE WATCH
Our monthly record of career moves by the association’s members.

PROFILE: Shari L. Camhi
BY JOETTA SACK-MIN
A Long Island superintendent demonstrates creative thinking in school solutions.