"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents." -Brenda S. Dietrich, Superintendent Auburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents! Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership. Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include: Maintaining effective communication Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives Building relationships within the educational community Developing the budget Coaching and mentoring Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.
"I do not believe I have ever seen a guide that is so practical and current. I particularly liked the advice on communications, celebrations, board relationships, and community involvement. Those are the kinds of interpersonal gestures and activities that go beyond just following a checklist and are critical to the success of new and experienced superintendents." -Brenda S. Dietrich, Superintendent Auburn-Washburn School District, Topeka, KS A practical planning tool with concrete tasks and tips for new or experienced superintendents! Written by seven outstanding superintendents, this reflective calendar and planning journal helps superintendents address day-to-day concerns while keeping student achievement in perspective throughout the year. The authors give administrators a structured, goal-oriented look at the work ahead and highlight opportunities for organizational leadership. Practical and hands-on, this planner takes superintendents from July through June and provides checklists, activities, and templates to foster responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. The authors present issues for reflection and action that include: Maintaining effective communication Monitoring program, curriculum, and achievement objectives Building relationships within the educational community Developing the budget Coaching and mentoring Planning ahead, establishing new goals, and facing unexpected events and challenges The Superintendent's Planner offers beginning and veteran district leaders a fresh perspective and invaluable support for an increasingly complex and demanding role.
Strategies for Developing and Maintaining Good Relationships With Your Board
'The authors fill a gap in the literature by providing a practical, experience-based look at how superintendents should approach the most important relationship in their professional lives. Working effectively with school boards is what it is all about, and this book shows you how' - Paul D. Houston, Executive Director, American Association of School Administrators 'This book provides practical insights and useful ideas to help district leaders who are serious about keeping the educational interest of children first among their priorities' - Pedro A. Noguera, Professor, New York University Effective Superintendent-School Board Practices helps governors and school management team members develop an effective team that prioritizes quality teaching and learning. Designed for practising and aspiring governors and school management team members, this exceptional book relates the everyday experiences and challenges faced by this important team. Combining 84 years of service in urban, rural, and suburban school districts, the authors offer: * Real-life vignettes that highlight problems, successes, key points, and useful practices * Indispensable information on building relationships, creating a team, managing conflict, and staying focused on priorities * Reflective practice questions and self-assessments throughout This rich resource offers knowledge, skills, and strategies to teach and inspire current and future leaders, based on the experiences of practitioners who have learned what works and what doesn't, leaving valuable time to focus on student achievement.
* Unique focus on effective school board meetings * Hands-on applicability for chairpeople * Includes sample board meeting agendas, board packet cover pages, board agenda items, flow charts, and preparation activities If board meetings are something you simply "get through" so you can get on with your "real" work, this book is a must. As chair, you can turn board meetings into productive, result-getting events that help you focus on teaching and learning to achieve your school's goals with the support of this realistic, detailed, and entertaining book! Rene S Townsend, James R Brown and Walter L Buster, having chaired over 1,000 board meetings between them, discuss: * Creating clarity and building the team to increase effectiveness and support positive working relationships * Developing general operating procedures * Carrying out effective board meetings * Critical aspects of the meeting itself, as well as tips on conducting closed sessions * Post-meeting follow-up and how these activities affect and influence the culture of the district Chairpeople, board members, leadership staff and community members will find this guide invaluable for creating effective and meaningful board meetings.
