Good Bye to the Old Horse

After spending the last however long blogging on Bronco Bits, it is now time to close the door on my original blog:  Beating the Dead Horse.  Although the time I spent on that blog was equally enjoyable, and there were a few good discussions/arguments, it is just something that I have not kept current.  So, to that one reader somewhere in France that has checked in a couple of times in the last month, including today:  Farewell.  All of the articles that were written there have been uploaded (or is it downloaded in this case?) to Bronco Bits, so there is still a bit of the "Old Horse" in the "New Bronco" I guess.  If you are extremely bored and just are wondering how to spend those last few minutes of precious time this evening, feel free to look back at the...

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Role of K-12 Technology

Many of you know that I love the concept of using technology to overcome the shortfalls of what schools can offer.  With that in mind, I am about to offend many of you that think similarly to me.  So my caveat is simply this, "these are my thoughts, my beliefs, and you may not agree...get over it...or better yet, weigh in on the topic."  Yes, that's a challenge and a hope to get some energy going here on a topic that can really have an impact on the future of schools. I just read a pretty decent article in the Mason City Globe Gazette on how technology can play into the future of schools.  My concern is definitely not the use of on-line learning.  I believe this is essential in supporting the needs of our students.  I do not, however, have confidence in those...

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Return of the Snow

Yes, it is December in Iowa.  We have received a small amount of snow in Belmond, but it is that heavy, sticky, road icing stuff that makes three inches of the white stuff seem like a foot.  In my second year as a superintendent, I simply hope to get as lucky as I did last year.  There is no "victory" in making snow calls.  Each one is inevitibly "wrong" as this is clearly a place where safety and education are at odds.  In order to enhance education, I try my best to preserve as much time in a school day as possible.  On the other hand, I'm not even able to consider how I would feel if there was a loss of life on a snowy road.  In any of these circumstances, it is easy to see how every call is a "loss" in advance.  It is only after the fact that any...

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Administration On the Road

The Belmond-Klemme Administrative Team will be meeting with the community at various locations around the District.  Far too often, we create a meeting that is housed at one of the schools, invite people, and expect that they will miraculously appear to share their ideas.  Although this does happen, it is also our opportunity to demonstrate that we want to be available outside of the school buildings as well.  The reality of these meetings is that they are a starting point with which we hope to produce on-going conversations.  Here are the dates, times and locations that you can find us. Wednesday, November 30th, 7:00 PM in Klemme - Klemme Public Library Community Room (Main Street) Monday, December 5th, 7:30 PM in Goodell - Community Hall (East end of Broadway Street) Wednesday,...

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School Board Convention

This past week, the Belmond-Klemme Community School District sent a total of 6 Board members, one Business Manager, and one Superintendent to the Iowas Association of School Boards (IASB) State Convention.  First, that represents a wonderful turnout for our community.  Only one member was not able to attend, and one did have to leave early.  With all of the things that these people have on their plates on a daily basis, I want to express how much I appreciate each of them taking making the time to join their colleagues in learning, conversing, and networking. We heard a significant amount about the workings of a school board and what the expectations and responsibilities are of this governing body.  Also included were some basic explanations of how school finance works,...

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Public Speaking 101

For the first time in my career, I stood and asked a question in a room of that size.  Due to the layout of the room and my location, I was overlooked by the facilitator for quite some time, which both allowed me to jot a few notes and become more nervous as I looked out over the number of individuals in the room.  Believe it or not, given my long-windedness, public speaking is not something that I'm comfortable with at all.  So, of course I started by thanking Dr. Glass for being visible around the state and for asking the questions to those in the field of education...and then remembered that I forgot to follow protocol and introduce myself.  So from a darkened corner of the room (ok, maybe that's overly dramatic) came my unidentified voice with a compliment, a reference...

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Change is Good

In a world of exponential and aggressive adjustments to our way of life, it is with some embarrassment that I must confess that I too sometimes don't like change.  I like my routines.  I like to know what I'm doing.  I like to have a sense of comfort in my actions.  In all honesty, that seems to make sense, and it would be my belief that it would put me in a solid majority of people with similar thoughts. At the same time, it is imperative that I step out of that comfort zone and into the challenges that exist.  It isn't hard to imagine that if you don't keep up, you get run over.  At the same time, several of us would like to do just that - stay with our current pace and way of doing things. My most recent challenge comes after just getting a slight handle...

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The Man at the Scorebook

Yesterday I received a call that stopped me in my tracks.  After years and years of service to the Belmond and then the Belmond-Klemme School system, Doug Dana has passed away.  If any of you are familiar at all with BK athletics and activities, you know Doug.  He's been a staple of our family long before I joined in.  Doug's attributes are many, and this isn't the place to list or discuss all of those wonderful qualities.  It is my hope, however, to express what a positive impression he has made on me in a very short time.  In doing so, please note that Doug was the first person that I really remember meeting from Belmond-Klemme. During the 2009-2010 school year, I had the opportunity to instruct a handful of young men in the sport of basketball.  One...

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Elections for Board and ISL

This upcoming TUESDAY is an important day for Belmond-Klemme CSD, the communities and people of the district, and most importantly the students served.  We have five seats open for our seven member Board of Education.  As a summary, three are running uncontested (1, 3, and 4), one will be selected as a write-in as no candidate filed papers to be on the ballot (2), and one is a contested race of two individuals (5).  Our two returning Board Members were elected to fill the at-large positions, which continue for two more years.  These are volunteer positions that carry a great deal of responsibility and often times headaches, and I want to express my thanks to the members of the Board for their guidance, effort, and support of our school.  They deserve our appreciation...

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Bus Safety Is NOT an Optional Activity

In a very timely manner, the Iowa Department of Education released the August issue of School Leader Update, including some great information about how we ignore school busses.  This is directly from that publication (less the fancy layout), and my great thanks to Max Christian, who ok'd the use of this information as he continues to do a fabulous job of leading the school transportation of our state. The actual survey was backed by NASDPTS – National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services - and we thank them for their efforts. School bus stop arm violation survey Earlier this spring, Iowa school districts were urged to be part of a nationwide school bus stop arm violation survey. A school bus stop arm violation occurs when another motorist passes a stopped school...

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A Little Good Ink in The Globe Gazette Too

Earlier this year (June) I posted about a summer lunch program that Belmond-Klemme was kicking off.  Since then the community, families, and students have seen wonderful results from the dedicated work of many individuals.  The Mason City Globe Gazette has included this program in an article that incorporates similar fantastic efforts of other area schools.  This is worth a look for so many reasons, but one that I would like to point out is the statistic column beside the article.  We are fighting a losing battle with finance, economy, and basic needs.  Thanks to the MANY people that have done a great job of making this work for the kids in our area. ...

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What WE Do Affects Our KIDS

Moving forward isn't as easy as it may seem at times.  Especially when mired in the routines and expectations that we have grown up with, the status quo is a comfort zone that we can find in a quickly moving world.  The question is what that means for our kids.  After I am gone, what is the environment that my kids will find to be their comfort zone?  How about grandkids and generations after that?  Although I still love the concept of Iowa values of hard work and caring for others, there is clearly a global impact that has penetrated our corn fields.  We can either fight it or embrace it.  I fear the results of a fight.  This is the 5th video in a series that has explained some of the direction that technology has enabled us to access.  It is worth...

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What is a Milestone?

Last night we just happened to be in Busch Stadium in St. Louis when Albert Pujols got his 1999th and 2000th hits.  It was a bit like being there for "history in the making" but it also made me wonder what those milestones really mean.  Not taking a thing away from Pujols, one of the most positive representatives of the game of baseball, his 2000th hit was nothing overly electric or amazing in and of itself.  Bottom of the 8th, the Cardinals held a 9-2 lead and had played a very solid and error free game against the Cubs (yes, another “plus” for Cardinal fans).  As he strode to the plate you could feel the excitement and energy build.  The inning could have ended earlier with another strikeout, pop fly, or such, but it did not.  A brief meeting on the mound...

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School Counselors...Not needed?

An interesting and thought-provoking article, Katy Murphy from the Oakland Tribune questions both the effectiveness of School Counselors and the cost savings of reducing or eliminating the positions.  There is some fair support on both sides of this issue, but whichever camp you choose, an open mind is still going to be the best option.  That was my unbiased introduction.  Now here's the opinionated "real" me.  School Counselors can be the most positive or most negative impact on students than maybe anyone else in the district.  The simple difference is how they see their position and even the title.  I use the term School Counselor instead of Guidance Counselor because of what that person should be doing.  They are counseling a student through the process...

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Financing School 101 by Larry Sigel

Thanks to Mr. Larry Sigel for creating a very simple and effective way of looking at school finance in Iowa.  It isn't smoke and mirrors, and there's no magic, but it is an overall effective system. Talke a look at Larry's presentation, which is intended especially for potential Board Membe...

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BK Summer Lunch Rocks

KIMT made the trip to the Belmond-Klemme Community School District to share what is happening with the Summer Lunch Program that began earlier this summer.  I had hoped that we could serve around 50 kids on a daily basis, and when our first day was 200 kids and 22 adults, we had some adjustments to make.  Thanks to our kitchen staff, who were initially volunteers, for all of the hard work and positive attitudes that they bring to these students in the summer months.  Also thanks to Ann Murphy, who really did the legwork to make this happen, and was able to serve those 222 meals on day one due to some good thinking.  Check out the video and story about how BK's Summer Lunch Roc...

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What Truly Is Relaxation?

Today I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of excellent people, wonderful educators, and esteemed colleagues.  Three of us had the simple pleasure of sharing the pavement beneath our wheels as we traveled together yet independently through a few small towns and the countryside.  Along the way we talked with some others and renewed our friendships with them.  What a relaxing day.  Thanks Jeff & Christina and Mike & Sara for hosting us along the way...and to the half dozen new friends we made while out and abo...

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CAS 3

Another opportunity, another thank-you, another rewarding experience.  This past Friday, I was able to meet with a group of aspiring superintendents through the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) program at Iowa State University.  This is the same program that I completed a few years ago, and it is in its third cohort, thus CAS 3.  When we started, there was no preparation on my part (or I believe on the part of the others either) and we had an opportunity to simply speak plainly about our experiences.  They were varied and from all segments of the spectrum in so many ways.  Our approaches and philosophies were also representative of a wide thought process, so it is my belief that the group had a good chance to hear examples of things they could do, things they...

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Iowa Superintendent Pool Looking Strong

I had an opportunity to speak with a group of aspiring superintendents over the weekend.  What a chance to meet some excellent people and hear some of the same fears that I had at that time.  This is one of those positions that you really don't get the full appreciation for until you start the job.  The only thing that I wish is that we had more time.  I really enjoyed this group and they were thoughtful and insightful, but the part where I was involved was less than half an hour.  Not that I have all of the answers (or any even) but the exposure to the stories was something that I wish I could have had before taking my first position.  The one thing that I believe so much for any position, and we heard it over and over that day, is that the FIT is the key. That...

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Read (and Dance) Like a Bronco

One of the most interesting and exciting times for a student is when they begin to read.  One of the most powerful and useful times for a student is when they become a reader.  What other way to encourage this natural desire to learn than to get a bunch of elementary kids together in a gym, add some music and dancing, drop in an energized TV personality, and turn the Belmond-Klemme Broncos loose on KCCI's evening news.  Check out the ACTION HERE! Thanks to KCCI, "Mr. Bob" and Marcus Macintosh for the opportunity to showcase some of what BK has to offer, our strong and committed faculty and staff, and especially the students of whom we are so pro...

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Trying some Old Things as New Things

As some of you know, Bronco Bits is my second shot at a Blog.  I will say that both have been a lot of fun, and I have learned plenty.  Unfortunately in my desire to change the name of my blog - that is a story in itself - I should have moved some of the previous posts.  They were good and had some excellent conversation in them.  Not knowing how this is going, I'll try to do that over time.  If you see some "outdated" information appearing in the next little bit, that may help explain my step back in time.  Again, I dont' know how it will appear here (remember that we are all continually learning), so let's give it a try and see what happe...

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Post-P/T Conference Reflection

Parent/Teacher Conferences can be a source for stress for teachers, parents, and students.  Many look upon these days with at least some level of concern.  Each group has their own type of worry and question: Parent:  "What will the teacher say about my student that I don't want to hear?" Teacher:  "Is the parent upset by the grade his/her student is receiving and believes it to be something I need to do differently?" Student:  "Will my parent be upset when they see my grades?" These are normal and predictable feelings that each of us likely have in some manner.  If that is the case, why do we do this?  Why DO we go to hear about our children?  Why DO teachers prepare information to share?  Why DO we use hours of potential instruction...

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Negotiations Wrap-up

As a Superintendent, one thing you know is going to happen is the process of negotiating with local education associations.  It's not something that most people, on either side of the table, really look forward to starting.  As we near the last phases of the process here, however, I must say that it was a good process.  We laid the table effectively to start, planned our process, focused on "right" as opposed to "us vs. them" concepts, listened intently to each other, agreed/disagreed respectfully across the table, agreed/disagreed respectfully on the same side of the table, and generally communicated well.  Not that I am eager to start the process again, but if that is how we continue to approach a necessary step in the school year, you can count me in.  Much of this...

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Impressive View

Oh how I wish this image inspired such musical memories as, "Our house...in the middle of our street...our house..." or maybe "she's a Brick...House...she's mighty mighty..." or "Doo doo doo, lookin' out my back door."  But alas, it does not, dear friend.  It inspires me, however, to vacuum the house...the ENTIRE house in less than a day!...

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Our Loss at Belmond-Klemme

After not quite eight months of working with Diane Trampel, she has permanently left her position as the Business Manager of Belmond-Klemme CSD.  Diane worked for our schools for 23 years, originally for Klemme and then for BK when the schools merged.  In our short time together, we had the opportunity to share in many conversations of school, philosophy, family, and countless other topics.  In such a short time it was easy to realize that she was committed to family and friends, cared for her school, and knew that life was a gift.  Her family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances will grieve her absence in our lives, but we will also cherish and respect the time we were able to spend with h...

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Get it together...whatever "it" is

As I sit here following a cancellation of classes today and the same for tomorrow, the many scheduling issues that need to be addressed have accumulated.  It is hard to imagine that there is ever "time" for educational leadership among all of the duties that are continually happening in a district.  That's actually an easy copout...if someone is serious about their position, they find a way to do it.  Maybe what I'm concerned with is finding the right "system" to make it all work.  People's time is so valuable but they are also so needed for conversations and decision-making.  Finding the time to meet with small groups of people is as hard as making the decisions.  With so many things flying around and seeming somewhat random, how does a person organize them into...

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New or Old Leadership?

As of today, the state of Iowa has a New Governor...or an Old Governor...or a Recycled Governor...ok, so we have a Former Governor entering as a Newly Elected Current Governor.  Not that we need to make politics or legislation any more complicated, I just like the terminology game. What lies before us is again going to take turns and twists to adjust to the beliefs and philosophies of another individual and party taking "control" of the decisions our state has to make.  Although I have never been a very politically involved person, I am very aware of how it impacts our educational system and the students we serve.  With lots at stake for our schools and students, my hope is that we have upcoming years of common sense, communication, and concern coming from our state leaders. Best...

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