Growth in Shrinking Times

The North Iowa Conference (NIC) has lately been a leader in foward thinking.  With schools shrinking and merging, the NIC leaders have had the forethought to expand the conference or at least facilitate that growth.  In an approach of transparency and collaboration, the NIC has made affiliation available to schools that will benefit from a change of membership.  The schools of Belmond-Klemme, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura, Forest City, Lake Mills, Mason City Newman, North Iowa, Osage, and West Hancock have opened the doors successfully to North Union and Algona Bishop Garrigan.  Both schools have actively joined in the partnership which is the North Iowa Conference.  Additionally other schools have had similar conversations, including the entire Cornbowl Conference.  Collectively the Cornbowl Conference notified the NIC that complete merging of the conferences is not the current direction, but that future conversations are likely.  Although every school that has been involved in these conversations (upward of 20 directly) has an independent perception of what is best for their particular school, the conversation itself has created other conversations that have spun forward and created an impetus for change in thinking.  In the end it is all about serving students, so if the conversation creates that possibility, it is a victory for anyone that has taken the time to sit down and talk. 

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Letter to the Editor

It has been quite a while since I have posted a blog.  Shame on me, and slap my hand.  I wish it was different, but some scary events in Connecticut caused me to sit down and write again.  The below was also submitted to the local paper who graciously printed it, so I held off on putting it here on Bronco Bits until that paper was released.  Although this post is about a week after I wrote it, the value remains, if for nothing more than my opportunity to write it.

We live in an incomprehensible world.  That fact is not hard to support following the truly horrific events of this past Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  The loss of 26 lives – most of them young, innocent children – is something that we must now confront.  Although it is not sensible or logical to us, it is an inexplicable reality of our existence that these atrocities are possible.  At the Belmond-Klemme Community School District, it is imperative that we are not only aware that these potential threats exist but also that we maintain a preventative attitude and are prepared to move to action when necessary.  The remarkable educators in our buildings – including our teaching and associate staff, our custodial and food service department, and our transportation and leadership teams – all are part of keeping our students safe.  The simple phrase, “Plan for the worst, but hope for the best,” is a quick demonstration of our approach.  Our school has teamed with law enforcement, assessed our buildings and grounds, collaborated with our community, organized emergency provisions, and prepared a Crisis Plan that we want never to enact.  Today our school setting, both locally and nationally, looks much different than it did before the school attack at Columbine High School in April of 1999.  It is frequently less convenient and less accessible.  There are more routines and checks.  Additional procedures and practices are in place.  It is my belief that our community has come to understand these inconveniences and our individuals have adapted to these challenges.  Although we expect that our precautionary measures minimize the risk of many potential threats, we also continue to routinely plan, practice, and evaluate our processes in the event of an emergency.  Much like those individuals at Sandy Hook, our most effective response lies in those individuals within our buildings that care greatly for those around them.  As I feel sadness, horror, and empathy for the families and residents of Newtown, there is also a sense of pride for the educators that provided safety for their students.  Taking care of each other is both preventative and reactionary, and our Belmond-Klemme staff and students understand this and take it to heart.  On behalf of the outstanding educators of our district, I want to thank our community for your continued partnership in providing a quality education in a setting of safety and security for the students we serve.

Marshall Lewis, Superintendent

Belmond-Klemme CSD

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Updating Posts: Blogging and Negotiations

Recently I have posted a couple of blogs:  Does This Matter and Negotiations - Yay!

In doing so, this is my opportunity to do a little "followup" on these two topics.

First, I don't know if it matters!  My plan was to post a blog every 3-4 days in April to see if I had any more readers based on the frequency of the posts.  Well, I failed miserably on my end.  I posted 3-4 all month!  So essentially I have no clue whether it would have enhanced anything or not.  For those of you waiting on the edge of your seat for my doctoral data to emerge, I apologize, although I'm pretty sure there is safety in acknowledging there is nobody in that category.

Second, the Belmond-Klemme school and both associations have achieved tentative agreements this past week.  Although there are always difficult moments and it is a very personal and oppositional concept, the outcome of finishing in and of itself is rewarding.  Thanks to all who were involved in the process.

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Negotiations - Yay!

True - most people that are actually involved in annual negotiations are not probably kicking up their heels in celebration.  Whether it is in the school system (like I am) or in any other industry, negotiation of contracts does not typically elicit a positive, warm and fuzzy feeling.  Many people envision this conversation as a necessary evil of doing business - a distasteful aspect of the interaction of management and labor.

In all honesty, that is too bad.  What we really have is an opportunity for individuals representing different perspectives to get together and find solutions to what appears to be a problem:  "We want it" vs. "We don't want to give it."  Now, I'm not saying that the process should cause us to get all tingly and happy, because no matter how hard I try to envision that, I just don't see it happening.  I am, however, saying that it makes sense that reasonable people sitting around a table should be able to logically discuss and identify means to come together...if that is truly the goal.  If the goal is to "get as much as we can" or "give as little as we can" it isn't going to work.

With an open mind, I would believe that logically:

• Labor would like individuals to financially keep up with the cost of living and maybe a little bit more.
• Management would like to stabilize costs from one year to the next.
• Labor would prefer to enter each day with an ability for flexibility.
• Management would choose to have as much time dedicated to productivity as possible.
• Labor would like to have a sense of security in their jobs continuing.
• Management typically enjoys the ability to remove those not meeting expectations.
• Labor is supported when competent and capable individuals are working along side each other.
• Management weighs the number of competent employees against the level of compensation for each employee.

None of those concepts are (to my personal belief) beyond the scope of logic.  None are without reason.  The only part that becomes difficult is that, as you can see, they normally appear to be in conflict with each other (give and get). 

As a representative of the management side of the discussion, it is actually logical that we approach it in a manner of providing a competitive and attractive salary and benefit package to our employees while protecting the fiscal resources necessary to maintain our viability into the future.  Similarly the terms of the contract should promote security in doing those things necessary to make the job and life of each employee productive.  This includes leaves, procedures, and protocols intended to allow ownership and responsibility of those individuals that comprise the whole organization.  At the same time, it must provide a system to ensure that these trusts are not abused for the gain of one or some at the detriment to others. 

So there are clearly two paths that must be considered when approaching negotiations.  It may be, however, that the two paths are not actually in conflict but parallel in thinking.  It would be my belief that conversations with both management and labor would produce the above results.  Labor would want to provide a good living and work environment for employees, while maintaining the longevity and protection of the organization.  That means an employment that is fair and continuing.  Management would wish to provide the same with the concept of attracting and retaining the highest quality employees while sustaining a viable organization that provides a good or service to its customers.

The concepts are truly not that distant, and if all members of the conversation are able to focus on that aspect of the discussion, it should ultimately result in the positive determination of what is good and best for the organization and the individuals of which it is comprised.

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Finding the Roses

It has been my typical effort to find something relatively intellectual or at least conversational for my posts.  After all, my purpose for blogging has been based in a desire to learn from others.  I'm clearly leaving that arena this time, and my post is much more personal and less professional.

Recently, I had the opportunity to golf with one of my children.  We have done this before, and we always have a good time.  This time, however, was exceptional.  Because neither of us is good, we play best shot typically.  Usually we use 80-90 percent of my shots.  This time, it was about 70 percent his.  Essentially, this means he out played me.  In a normal situation, that would have frustrated me as I am very competitive and do not like to do anything less than my best every time.  Although I didn't do badly, he was simply "on" for this round.  Yes, I'm happy for his success, and we scored a + 4 for nine holes...not bad for what is typically a bogey golf team.

All of that said, the key here wasn't the golf.  We simply talked and enjoyed each other as father and son, two guys on a course, or a couple of friends.  With all of the things that seem to be important to us on a daily basis, it is hard to remember to make time for the simple opportunities afforded to us in life.  I'm not saying that what we do every day isn't important because it is.  What I am saying is that we don't consciously take the time to enjoy...at least I don't...at least not enough.

Stopping to smell the roses is nothing new.  We've been told to do that time and time again.  What I personally have a tough time doing is identifying which roses are the most fragrant.

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Does This Matter?

This morning I just did a little review of my blogging stats.  The final conclusion is this:  It really doesn't matter what I do.

I'm serious about that.  It appears that occasionally people happen across my blog and take a peek.  The statistics say that happens about 10 times a day or so.  The reason I believe this to be the phenomenon is that I haven't blogged since January 24th, and the numbers aren't really changing.  At one point I thought maybe a few people were interested in some of the topics and conversations that were being held here.  Some of that may be true, but it doesn't seem like that is the overwhelming majority.

Now, that being said, I did have almost 800 hits in one month (compared to the 300 or so recently), so there may still be some interest in at least something.  There were a few good articles and events happening that were the reference, so my interest has again been stimulated.  I'm wondering if this month (April) will show any more activity if I post a couple of items.  We'll give it a shot and find out.

With about 50 posts so far on this site, some have received a few comments and some none.  Hopefully a few people have even gotten an insight, been informed on a topic, or caught a phrase that made them think about something for a moment.  That is what I hope.  I have generally tried to post things that were somewhat thought provoking and had some level of importance.  Not always, but generally.  It is my intent to keep with that concept, but I also believe it may just be flat out fun to toss in some other items along the way.

So with no guarantees, no expectations, and at least some level of genuine determination...let's see what April brings.

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Snow Day!

Everyone loves a snow day!  At least it is my hope that you enjoyed the day doing something you like while Belmond-Klemme took a day of unplanned vacation due to winter weather.  Although it took some time to get here, North Iowa felt the snowy effect with a decisive Friday morning of the white stuff.  This time it looks like it will stay for a while, which means that roadways and travel become more unpredictable.  Keep your vehicle prepared and be wary of the wind, which can cause whiteouts and drifting even with no snow in the forecast.  This being the first day that BK has cancelled, we are on the third planned make-up day of the year.  February 20 will be used in order to keep the annual days of learning at 180.  This is Presidents' Day as well, and if needed (but we hope not) there are two other days during the school year that could be used as well - March 26th and April 9.  If we don't lose any more days, those will be days of vacation.

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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, December 14th, 7:00 PM in Rowan - Rowan Public Library (Main Street)

At this point, we believe that all three administrators will be able to attend.  Although we do know things may come up, we have intentionally avoided nights that would likely cause a conflict for both the administrators and the communities.  Hopefully we will be successful in that endeavor.  You will be able to hear from:

• Mr. Mike Thompson - Principal of Jacobson Elementary School
• Mr. Eric Dockstader - Principal of Belmond-Klemme Jr/Sr High School
• Mr. Marshall Lewis - Superintendent of Schools

The format of these conversations may vary based on the number in attendance in order to keep our thoughts on target and at a personal level.  Planning for these evenings is very simple - we have booked locations and advertised the activity.  From there we want to be responsive to the questions of the community, give our honest feedback, talk with people about what they perceive, clear up vague areas, take suggestions and ideas, and maybe meet some people that we haven't yet at this point. 

Another point that you will notice is that there is not a meeting scheduled in Belmond, the largest of the communities that also is the home of both school buildings and athletic fields.  This is a conscious decision that is intended to emphasize the communities that are more physically distant from the daily activities of the school.  Travelling to these communities allows us the opportunity to hear what is going well and not going well from the perspective of those that have different needs than the Belmond residents.  We hope that residents of Belmond will also attend these meetings, but it will cause them to understand first hand the difficulties of doing so in our other communities. 

We hope that you will join us at one of these evenings, and we look forward to sharing what is happening at Belmond-Klemme and hearing ideas that you may have.  We are all members of this extended community of learning, and we are all interested in doing the best we can on behalf of the students we serve.

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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, which is really good as it is not a typically logical system.  In addition to board governance, there were some very good sessions and speakers.  Headliners Doug Reeves and Jamie Vollmer both drove home the fact that decisions that are made nearest the student have the most effective impact.  Outside of the home, that means simply that our teachers have the most impact and our government has the least.  At all levels, we tend to think about this in terms of positive impact, but we can also have negative impact on our students as well. 

We also heard from Governor Branstad, Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, and Director of Education Glass.  All three spoke to the Educational Blueprint of which we have heard a great deal.  Although all three gave speeches during the final general session, it was in an earlier session that Director Glass fielded questions.  It was also an opportunity for me to leave a comfort zone and ultimately laugh at myself.
Essentially, we saw yet again that we need to move forward instead of sit still, waiting for something to happen.  Again we have heard that it is imperative for our schools and communities to work together and build trust and relationships on behalf of our students.  Again we have been asked to step out of line, out of the box, onto the ledge, or into the unknown.  Again we saw the direction to abolish the current system and create a new one that is not an overhaul but a new structure.  Again we heard that this can't be done without the community (either local or as a state or a nation) leading the charge.  So what will the outcome be this time around?

A opportunity clearly worth the time, effort, and expense, the IASB Annual Convention gave us the venue to share, reflect, interact, and grow as a team.  Thanks to the Belmond-Klemme School Board team for the continued effort to support the students we serve.

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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 to a previous speaker and a question that probably sounded like a dare.  Although not a direct quote, this would be close:  "So the first goal of the Blueprint is to put a great teacher in every classroom and a great principal in every building.  Why do you believe that we can't do that now?  Is it due to poor preparation, lack of training, lack of capacity, lack of direction, lack of support, incapable individuals, or unmotivated people?"  Yes, I had the list scrawled on a sheet in front of me.  The moderator asked me to repeat the options, referencing the fact that I must have had a list.  Instead, I responded, "What I'm saying is that we have thrown money at teachers thinking that will make a difference.  We've added rules and regulations to hold all accountable.  Yet we are here again.  Why will this be any different?  What quality in our people are we trying to address?"  A little bit of almost conversation allowed me to invite anyone on the stage to Belmond-Klemme (Yes! I at least remembered to say the name of the school!) to view hard working teachers and educators.  Why do we think that we don't have these people around (note that I'm not saying that every teacher in every classroom across the state is great) our students?  Essentially the answer was that we have good people, we need a good structure, and none of us involved in the blueprint would ever say otherwise.  Good, political answer that didn't really answer the question.  Not that I expected differently, but I was hoping.  It did allow me, however, to awkwardly face a fear I have and somewhat address it.  A few individuals found me to follow up with a question of their own or a comment that caused a conversation to ensue.  Most of these were actually based on the topic and caused me to again refine my thoughts...although forgetting to introduce myself did bring a few of my colleagues around primarily to remind me of my memory loss. 

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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 on the state reporting that is done by every school district in the state of Iowa.  Although I have never understood this bearcat of a system, it was something that I had come to grips with as a principal and now am starting to be able to comprehend at a minimum level as a superintendent.  To most of you that don't work with this system, it's OK that you don't know what it is or what it looks like, just understand that my learning curve has been steep, and I'm on those foothills of breakthrough that indicate I may have a chance.


Most recently, however, I have heard - and even seen to a degree - that the current format will be changing to adjust our approach into a more streamlined and simplified system.  Notice that I didn't say "easier" here as that is another oxymoron in the educational world - Project EASIER.  With the same intent, Project EASIER was created but has clearly not lived up to its name.  For this one, however, I do hold some level of expectation that it will improve what we do and how we do it.  The goal here is to combine several reports on which we enter the same information (now downloaded mostly, so it isn't even fair to say there are checks and balances being eliminated) into one.


Looking forward, I simply need to continue to remind myself that I need to adapt and that Change is Good.

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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 and thanks for doing the job they do.

Two other items are on the ballot, and both are aimed at maintaining a levy that has been in place for some time.  Although they are distinctly different, they are both aimed at supporting the overall educational effort.

NIACC is asking to maintain their Instructional Equipment Levy.  Due to the large amount of property encompassed by the NIACC district, the rate is very low, translating to just under $3 of annual tax for a residence with a valuation of $100,000.

Our local Belmond-Klemme Community School District is also asking to continue a long-standing levy.  The Instructional Support Levy (ISL) is locally generated and will again be placed on the ballot on the 13^th. 

To expand a little bit on the particulars:

This levy DIRECTLY IMPACTS our school and our community, including what we are able to do for students on a daily basis.  The funds generated from the ISL totaled $430,001 this past year, meaning it is a VERY SIGNIFICANT portion of our support.  Of this amount, $249,332 was generated in property tax, which translates to just under $100 of annual tax for a residence with a valuation of $100,000.  Another portion comes from a 3% surtax on our local incomes, which totaled $94,239.  In addition to this, the state has a portion that is supported from a formula of participating schools, which contributed $86,430 to our cause from non-local sources.  In other words, we support $343,571 locally, and the state kicks in the $86,430 to meet the $430,001 figure.  The BEST part for Belmond-Klemme, however, is that this money actually creates Spending Authority.  Losing Spending Authority is a greater threat to us than losing the actual cash.  As it can be somewhat complex, for the time being, let me explain it simply – Spending Authority is a formula driven limit on what we can spend regardless of our cash status.  Ours has been significantly declining every year since 2004, and we are attempting to turn that tide.  To make that progress, it is very important not to lose this funding stream.  As a community, I hope that we choose to continue to serve our students by voting “YES” on the Belmond-Klemme ISL on September 13^th. 

Belmond-Klemme is not alone in the need to vote on behalf of our students.  Other districts see similar items on the ballot this year.  Please take the time to understand the issues, ask questions from school officials, and most importantly go to your polling place to support the students of your district. 

Let me end this short post with an invitation, knowing full well the time crunch this may create:

I will be in the LMC at the Belmond-Klemme Jr/Sr High School Friday morning, Sept 9^th from 6AM to 8AM to try and answer questions that you may have.  Please feel free to attend and contribute to the conversation. 

Thanks for your continued support.  BRONCO PRIDE!

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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 liked, things they disliked, and maybe even a few items that they hadn't expected. 
One thing that I never really liked about this type of presentation is that it felt kind of like that - a presentation.  The discussion was "limited" to some degree, but the class had brainstormed a few questions that really did cover a lot.  What I prefer about the conversation style in this setting, however, is I didn't really know if we were able to answer the questions they were coming up with as we spoke.  There were a few, and the questions and scenarios were excellent. 
My thanks to Dr. Jan Beatty and Dr. Mike Book for inviting us to participate.  One of the best parts of the day was to re-connect with Cassandra Murra, one of the CAS 1 members, and talk about all of the awesome things that have been happening under her vigilant guidance as superintendent. 
Best of luck to all members of the CAS programs.

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