Time Moves On

The older I get, the more I think about the past and those that have influenced me in my professional career and personal life. On Wednesday, I led a leadership seminar in Topeka on the Effective Superintendent and Board Relations. I spoke to about 30 principals who have the desire to some day become district administrators.

I remember as a building principal 20 years ago sitting through a seminar on the same topic. I thought I would never have to deal with the variety of subjects that were being presented on that day. Now I'm the old guy trying to encourage and pass a on few secrets that I have learned sometimes the hard way about working with a board of education, faculty, staff and community.

I have really been blessed over the years that I have had great boards. Not just good boards but great ones. Boards made up of individuals that have kept kids as the first priority.

I appreciate those lessons 20 years ago from my mentors about dealing with a board on a daily basis. It has helped me understand their viewpoints and hopefully have allowed me to become a better educational leader.