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Be Patient – Real Change Takes Time
Posted: April 15th, 2012
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As we close out spring break and head into the last stretch of the school year, teachers are putting on the final push to get students ready for testing, students are counting the days and parents are putting the final touches on figuring out what to do with their children all summer., for my leadership [...]
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We Both Have Issues – So Let’s Stop the Fighting.
Posted: February 26th, 2012
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Next week, I am going to be attending the California Charter School Association‘s (CCSA) annual conference. I like to go because I do learn a little about the psyche of charter school leaders and to feel the passion that many of these people have for children. Many of these people are truly committed, caring, selfless [...]
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Can A Leader Push too Much?
Posted: February 20th, 2012
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The other day, something happened in our District. An employee made a great decision and did something that really helped get the word out about something going on in the District. So, I called and praised him and then I threw in something that would have put the message even better. Then I started thinking, [...]
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For Public Education – Competition is Good
Posted: January 28th, 2012
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This past week, I was at a conference for Public School Superintendents. During a lunch for retirees I couldn’t help noticing something curious; everyone – well, almost everyone was sitting by other superintendents either from adjoining districts or districts from the same county. Within the county, my colleagues are very cooperative. They really don’t do [...]
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School Principals are Special Leaders
Posted: January 21st, 2012
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I always tell principals about how after a couple of years, the school begins to take on their personality. I suppose that’s true with just about any organization. But, because I know schools, I can say that much with confidence. So, when we select principals, we select as much for their personality as we do [...]
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Time to Eat The Sacred Cows
Posted: January 16th, 2012
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This past week, we received word that our Governor has decided that unless the voters vote for a tax increase in November, school districts around the state will have to make cuts. In our case, that cut will be around a million dollars. Unfortunately, since he didn’t call for the election until November, we are [...]
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We Lead People – Not Programs
Posted: January 8th, 2012
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One of my biggest frustrations right now is getting one of my principals to understand that leadership is about people – not programs. The constant complaints from staff and the community have led me to give a rather unusual directive. For the next month, the principal is not allowed in the office, must smile and [...]
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The Best Job You Have is The One You Have
Posted: January 2nd, 2012
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Going into the New Year I know some of my managers are already lining up to get jobs they think they deserve… next year. That’s a mistake. I see it all the time. Bright young administrator starts thinking that the job they have is no longer challenging and that they are ready for bigger and [...]