Superintendent Interview

Interview with Superintendent

Interviewing my superintendent, Dr. Miller, was very beneficial in identifying what leadership at the highest level entails. To him, the definition of leadership means getting people to follow you and providing vision and examples of how to become better.  He believes there is a push- pull relationship which allows everyone to reach the highest expectations.  In discussing the positive aspects of being in the leadership role, he believes the superintendent sets the tone, the vision and the expectations.  He emphasizes the importance of celebrating the successes and enjoying the results of what your district has accomplished with all those involved.   Some of the most difficult aspects of being a superintendent to him are when things go wrong… you are the one to take the ultimate responsibility.  He suggests that sometimes it is a lonely position.  Politically, the position can be the target for all that is bad in the district…financial, employment, discipline, etc.  His advice is to use mentors, other superintendents, to help advice you in situations, both positive and difficult .He believes that focusing on the good, will help see you through the valleys and get you to the peaks.  Ethical leadership, to him, is making sure what you do and say is okay even when people aren’t looking.  His advice is to not only talk the talk…but walk the walk.  Servant leadership stands out in Dr. Miller’s style and it shows.  He sets examples by what he does and that makes is easy for others to follow.  Good attributes of a superintendent, to him, include listening to all, having a strong intrapersonal skills, being a good communicator both orally and written, having an open-mind, demonstrating patience and believing in education for all kids. As we discussed the importance of developing a shared vision he emphasized the need to gather input from all. Surveys are one tool that he uses to help gather the comprehensive needs and decide where his district is and where he wants it to go.  The vision is important for all to see and to buy into. The superintendent must paint the picture of where he wants his district to go and set the timeline of how to achieve the vision.  This tied right into how he evaluates the effectiveness of communication strategies in the school district and the importance of engaging the community to benefit all students.  Putting information out and asking individually for community feedback is important to identify the needs and wants and to tie those into the shared goals.  For example, he believes that it is important that all students graduate.  The community needs to understand why the graduate is important and to focus on those positives for the community as a whole.  In discussing the importance of building a good relationship with the board he believes that working together and sharing the same vision for the district is essential.  Cooperation, communication, time and energy are all important factors in a successful relationship between the board and the superintendent. In discussing wide –range strategic planning he believes it involves community, district, staff and students.  He acknowledges that a balanced approach of good staff and a strong leadership team help to manage and implement strategic planning.  As the superintendent, his job is to help everyone work together and see the big picture.  To be aware of the strategic plan, all can be involved and celebrate the successes along the way.  One area discussed focused on how a superintendent promotes and sustains a district culture that emphasizes student learning and professional development.  He believes that a superintendent has to be an example. He must first be a learner himself. Then he needs to share what he learns and model what he expects.  For students, the goal is to set your expectations of what you want them to do and the provide support for their success. In addressing the culture of complacency he states that it is difficult to overcome. He acknowledges that you must have enough people who want more for their kids and understand why education is meaningful…whether the student is preparing for college or career.   In the area of improving the performance of all staff members, Dr. Miller believes that all staff needs to understand their importance and their role for the district. He believes that all should know the expectations of the job and the goals necessary to reach those expectations.  Monitoring progress for the goals along the way is an important tool as well as adjusting when necessary. Each individual performance is important for all to be successful.   In discussing the management of the district his believes it is important to know how it all fits together.  The fiscal policy should be supporting the educational processes thus student achievement.  He believes that this district’s main goal is for all our kids to achieve their potential and be well rounded.   In discussing the management of the physical plants and support system to ensure a safe and effective learning environment Dr. Miller agreed that providing safe and healthy schools was the foundation of it all.  This is where it all starts to him.  He believes that if this does not occur, then no one can learn!  He suggests a comprehensive plan and a baseline for the district to analyze and execute the needs of each campus.  One tool he has implemented in our district is for work orders to be reported on line.  He believes that this has aided our district in faster fixes.  In discussing the emergency/safety plans he addressed several ways the practice of those drills and procedures were used this year.  He stressed the importance of having these procedures in place and for the entire district to be able to understand and implement the plan.  In discussing the importance of organizational leadership he believes that is it important for everyone to know who does what, who to go to, and who is responsible in those specific areas. It must also be organized clearly.  He wants to develop in house leaders and be sure that communication is used to help in the decision making and problem solving. He believes that as a team it is important to see perspectives from all sides.  Discussing and debating ideas will help develop consistency and inevitably allow all to see the big picture overall.  He wants all to first see your destination, set your goals and then work together to achieve your district success.  In concluding my interview Dr. Miller left me with this advice, he recommends to look out over the entire year and plan it all. He believes there is a balance between listening and taking action. He also believes that you must “Trust Your Gut”.   This opportunity to learn about the overall responsibilities of the leadership role as superintendent is very beneficial and has helped make the transfer of knowledge begin.