Fitz’s Blog
In a period where resources can be scarce, how do superintendents and administrators work with Booster Clubs and support groups?
Booster clubs for athletics, band boosters, PTO’S and the like often provide great relief for schools and districts in raising money for equipment, band uniforms, elementary playgrounds and needs that really help programs, where school budgets are tight. However,...
Should a superintendent candidate accept a position that the Board does not unanimously approve?
This can be a tricky dilemma for a candidate anxious to accept a new position. The compensation and the prestige can be very alluring. Prior to accepting a position that is offered, a superintendent must reflect very thoughtfully about the landscape ahead which...
What are the Key steps a superintendent candidate should take in applying for a superintendency?
When becoming an active candidate for a superintendency, there are several key considerations a person should consider. This includes really doing one’s homework into the district, and having a good understanding of the issues it may be facing. It is important for...
When is it wise for Superintendent and a Board of Education to appoint a Community Task Force?
Board members are elected by the electorate to provide oversight of local school districts. Board Members are entrusted by citizens to be good stewards of the school district as it relates to providing quality education for students, while being prudent with taxpayer...
As a Superintendent, do you invest time in new Board members per training and induction?
Every year new Board Members are elected by local citizens. They may have any number of reasons for choosing to run for the Board. It is a missed opportunity when a superintendent does not take the time to induct a new board member who undoubtedly needs briefings...
In the hiring process, does the Superintendent or Principal make the final decision on hiring a candidate, or is it done through consensus of the interview team?
There are many processes that school districts and HR departments have in place when it comes to the interviewing and final selection of a hire. Who makes that choice? Is it the committee that interviews, or the administrator (Principal or Superintendent) who makes...
Do you go beyond background checks in developing a good scouting report in hiring great people in your schools?
Past performance is the best way to determine and predict how good a person will be in joining your learning community. There are no short cuts to a good hire. We must go beyond resumes’ and letters of recommendations to do a good scouting report. Digging deep with...
Why has the management role of the Principal almost been diminished in favor of the Instructional Leader role?
Principal candidates, when asked in an interview if they view themselves as an instructional leader or a manager know full well if they want to get the job, they better answer, Instructional Leader! In the last twenty years the role of the principal as a manager has...
As Principal, do you set the tone for the climate in your building?
The principal more than anyone else determines whether a building will flourish. This is largely dependent upon the Principal’s management and instructional skills. In Chapter 4 of Beyond Theories and Degrees: The Alley Smarts of Educational Leadership, by James E....
As a leader, are you good at Politics?
A lot of people say they “hate politics” but in its true sense it can be the art of compromise. Great leaders, must be able to influence and advocate for the communities they lead, if they are going to be successful. School leaders especially have to be champions...