1. Winning Strategies for New Superintendents Dr. Kevin Carl MoASBO Spring Conference 2012

2. Background Began as Superintendent July 1, 2011 – Hancock Place School District, Lemay, MO Previous Experience – Assistant Superintendent Funds and Facilities – Middle School Principal – Middle School Assistant Principal – Mathematics Teacher Administrative Preparation – St Louis University, UMSL

3. Establish Positive Board Relationships Have a written plan and share with the Board – Entry plans are beneficial and establish a common vision Meet with each Board member – Know their values, issues, strengths and reasons for being on the Board – Listen and set goals – Communicate frequently Meet with the Board as a team – Begin as soon as possible – Work sessions – PD training – Casual interactions are often helpful

4. Learn Your Community Community values are different from one area to the next Understand the level of engagement in decision making What is the best way to engage them in the educational process? Learn the sensitive areas

5. Build Community Relationships Visibility, engagement and accessibility – “Open Door” meetings Board, administrators, teachers, parents community leaders, legislators Teacher’s Association – Host a lunch – Meet regularly – Keep them informed

6. Listen, Learn, Assess, Act Take some time to get to know the District People provide more practical information than numerical analysis Establish yourself early and often Be deliberate in your decision making – Get information from the source – Learn the flow of communication within the District – Act on items which must be attended to – Be willing to answer tough questions

7. Utilize Colleagues The best mentoring is not formal Develop close relationships with Superintendents in similar situations to yours Administrators have a strong desire to assist one another We all learn from each other

8. Continuous Learning and Evaluation Leaders must continue to learn Share your PD plan with the Board Prioritize your professional development List of leadership books (Handout) Professional Development fits into your evaluation – Set goals with the Board – Use the CSIP

9. Don’t Assume There is a hidden agenda to almost every situation Understand the filters Make sure you know and understand the real issue Ask, ask and ask again Be sure you have all the information What should I know and haven’t asked?

10. Take the High Road Leadership is what you demonstrate when times are tough, anyone can lead during “easy” times Verbal sparring is a losing proposition – You can’t quote silence Take time, do the research, make the decision once….then stand by it Take the blame, not the praise – Mistakes happen

11. Find Balance Prioritize what is most important to you – Easier said than done – Do you “live to work” or “work to live”? – We usually are, but remember you can’t be everywhere all of the time – Prioritize what is important to you Don’t be too possessive or controlling – Delegate to build trust and leadership within

12. Questions/Comments Dr. Kevin C. Carl Superintendent of Schools 9417 S. Broadway 314-565-0662