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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How Do YOU Define Success?

Listening to several people talk recently about the successes and failures that they had been experiencing caused me to stop and assess the concept for a moment.  In these conversations, the concept of success was relatively definable based on some objective form.  The concept of money, wins, happiness, possessions, and/or fame are all somewhat tangible concepts that people often use to measure success.  Typically it comes in a comparison with someone else such as "more money" or "more famous" than another person.  What eluded all of these people in the conversations was the fact that each one had their own "bar" set for what is success.  The possessions of one person may seem like a failure, while the next may feel exceedingly successful in amassing the same or similar assets.  That in itself may be the reason that so many of us never seem to "achieve" or reach any level of satisfaction.  When we reach one plateau and feel rewarded or content, we either focus on another area or increase the level of our success in the same area.  For example, one that wants to become a millionaire will find a new status symbol (such as owning a business, finding a spouse, or helping disadvantaged kids) or will increase the definition of success in amassing wealth (such as having 10 Million Dollars). 

It is good to have goals, and I'm not saying we shouldn't, but since our goals don't really satisfy our desire for "more" of everything, maybe it is the path or the methodology that is actually the reward we seek.  Maybe, the meeting of the goal has less significance to our life than the effort, dedication, ethics, and passion put into reaching that goal.  The amassing of money, things, power, etc. may be a way to keep score in our lives, as many do, but is the real victory in the game of life the game itself.  OK, for those that are struggling with my concept here, let me elaborate with an example.

If you know me, you know one of my loves in life is, and always has been, basketball.  I enjoy the game - the strategy, the skill, the finesse, the contact, the force, the speed and power combined, and all that goes with this amazing game that began with a peach basket on a wall.  Another thing that you may know about me is that I'm very competitive - I don't like to lose, I don't like to make mistakes, I don't like to look bad to others or even more to myself.  I like to be "successful" every step of the way, and I'll work hard to make that happen.  So in this basketball analogy - missing a shot, being out of position, or letting someone drive by me to the basket simply frustrates me.  Each of those is a "loss" or a "failure" to me.  As I get older and slower, have less stamina, and can jump only inches for a rebound or to challenge a shot, these "failures" become more frequent.  I have to adjust my play to cover for my lack of athleticism (my mind sees what I should/could do, but my body isn't able to make it happen).  Now all of these are the realities of who I currently am, but none of them are an excuse or reason for not doing my best - sometimes by accommodating in less athletic manner, such as reading a rebound better than I did 15 years ago.  Learning about myself from each play is part of the joy of the game (I see another post coming on a spin-off of the topic here).

Although my prime for playing the game has long since departed, I still very much enjoy getting out on the court.  Not many years ago, I played among a combination of young high school athletes, a few college guys, and some of us that still thought we had "it" for some reason.  Almost everyone who played had greater skill than me, and some were quite passionate, so it was a very competitive venue for me to challenge myself.  I loved it!  Sometimes the four on the court with me won, and sometimes we lost the game to 15.  As we shot freethrows for teams, there were times, I didn't get a chance to fill the team because I missed.  The hardest part of missing that freethrow or losing the previous game was not the fact that I had failed (but I obviously did - the goal was to make the shot or win the game).  The most depressing part was that I didn't have the opportunity to play.  The ultimate goal was to keep ME on the court to enjoy playing the game.  The win was a step in that direction.  Making the freethrow to become a part of the next team was a piece of that puzzle.  Doing things right on the court contributed to the likeliness of keeping me on the court. 

With that analogy, it is easier to see (at least for me) that the ultimate goal of my few hours of open gym basketball wasn't to make a freethrow, win the game, block a shot, make 3 good passes, or any other tangible goal that we would typically set for ourselves.  The goal was to be a part of as much basketball as I could.  In doing so, I also unlocked another key piece of understanding for myself.  I could better appreciate the good play of others and recognize that they too were doing what it took to keep their playing time alive.  Although competitive, it was in a different way.  If I left it all on the court and my team lost, I could live with that much easier than I could deal with losing my opportunity to play because I fell short of doing the things that could help our team.  In other words, the means were more important than the end.

When we define success, maybe it is in those terms that we all have a little bit more to learn.  It's not the money, wins, things, fame, etc. that are the successes in life (or the failures).  True success comes from playing the game and being a contributing player in the life we lead.  Our goals in the process may change by those objective measures, but our approach to meeting those goals can be consistent.  Then, win or lose, we can determine our satisfaction with ourselves based on our own effort.

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Fiscal Responsibility and Rugby

The Belmond-Klemme Community School District has been working very hard in recent years to make financial progress in stabilizing the future for our schools, educators, and students.  The balance is a difficult one as we strive to provide the best possible experiences for ALL and yet maintain a tight rope on the expenditure line.  Some progress has been noted in certain areas, but we clearly have a long way to go and the road ahead does not appear to flatten, straighten, or smooth.

We will continue to be frugal and conscious in our efforts to provide for our students.  That means that we look at all of the expenses we amass at any time with the filter of "what is best for kids" and make appropriate determinations.  Not always does this mean there is an abundance of support for each decision - whether big or small.  In the last few years, there have been difficult decisions made, and some have come with understandably frustrated responses.  I don't anticipate that changing in the future.  At the same time, what is best for kids (and for the BK community) is that we are able to provide a strong education both now and in the future.

This is truly a battle.  Picture a rugby field with two massive teams engaged in a scrum.  By the way, I know very little about rugby, but I love the word "scrum" and the picture of power and grit that it portrays:

  

On one side:  student needs, government mandates, building improvements and updates, community performances, local support, the educators, school requirements, cost of living, learning opportunities, and technology advancements.

On the other:  negative cash balance, general declining enrollment, property tax, limited or nonexistent allowable growth, income surtax, unencumbered balance, spending authority, categorical funding, and across the board cuts.

For one team (or concept) to make progress, the other has to give ground. 

While it would be great to be able to provide everything that students want, that flies in direct opposition to the fact that we want to maintain or even lower taxes.  Now throw in the whole concept of Iowa's limitation on spending based on the number of students (which was originally effectively created as a method to be more equitable between districts of varying financial resources), and even the concept of constituents and voters willingly increasing taxes to support student learning is met with limitations beyond local control.

Unfortunately, the process in Iowa still appears to involve a lot of "voo-doo magic" to follow the funding stream and balance it all.  At this point, I'm still struggling with all of that and asking lots of questions of those experienced veterans that have so graciously allowed me to do so.

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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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Welcome to 2012

So the ball has dropped, the midnight kisses taken, the champagne toast given, and 2012 has begun.  To my east I saw a beautiful sunrise and the snow has stayed away from our Northern Iowa residence.  We have had time with family and friends, some time at the office allowed me to catch up on some (not all) outstanding items, and the Holiday Season, full of hustle, bustle, and stress has faded into the past.

All in all, a wonderful and productive few days.  Life is beautiful and things are going well...

So what?  (Insert sounds of screeching tires and crashing garbage cans here).  What can I possibly mean by, "So what?"

Seriously?!?  How in the world can I say such a thing after the near miracle of a Holiday Break filled with all of the above?  How can I think such a thing?

OK, this is what I'm thinking...satisfaction is something to be appreciated.  The good things of life should be recognized and enjoyed.  We absolutely need to do this.  Then we need to take the next step.  We are blessed, rewarded, and amazed with life on a daily basis.  In order to continue that enjoyment of life, we need to do our part as well.

Whether it is finding a better way to do something at work or making life a little better for someone else, it is our responsibility to move forward.  Kicking back and enjoying what live has given us is a temporary state of life that we get to enjoy.  Making that opportunity available to others is a constant state that enhances our own appreciation of life.

So what?  So, let's go make it happen.  Happy 2012!

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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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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 of the trips that we made was to Belmond, Iowa and the Belmond-Klemme Jr/Sr High School Gym.  To my belief, this was the first time I had been to this complex and specifically the gym.  As the girls team prepared to take the court, some of the boys players and I roamed the student center, bought a few treats and "supper" from the concession stand, and happened to gather near the trophy displays.  As we discussed the photos and awards in the case, we tried to determine the year that the Belmond and Klemme  schools officially joined into one school, or at least one team.  While we pointed and asked each other questions, an individual shuffled up behind us and joined the conversation.  Not only did he identify the answers to our questions, he proceeded to point to teams and individuals in the pictures and relay their team and individual statistics.  In all honesty, it was my initial belief that he was making up numbers and statistics on the fly, but then he actually repeated a few of them in the list he was giving us, and I realized that he really did have all of this information in his head.  It was probably close to 15 minutes that we talked, the athletes and myself standing in awe of the statistical capability we were seeing displayed.  Then with a simple, "Well, I better get going - got a job to do," the man quietly walked away with our thanks and basic best wishes. 

A few minutes later, the team and I went in to support our girls' team, and the starting lineups began.  With a clarity and confidence, the teams were introduced and I noticed that the person doing so was the same person from the hallway.  I now knew the job he was going to do when he left us by the trophy case.  What really hit me was after the National Anthem was sung, I wholeheartedly expected to see him leave the position he had taken to introduce the teams.  Instead, I realized that this same man was also keeping the scorebook.  I'll tell you that the boys' game came down to a final shot and that it was a tornado of activity from the beginning, meaning an intense time at the scorer's table.  I didn't talk to him after the game, but I did see him pack up and leave the gym - now knowing that in all likeliness he was heading to the office to call in scores and finalize stats for the coaches.

Is there anything flat out "amazing" in all of what he did on this evening?  Outside of the impressive statistical mind and memory, probably not.  But at the time I was impressed.  Now later I am even more impressed as I think about how he did this day in day out, night after night, activity after activity, year after year.  In just one night, I personally experienced a helpful ambassador, an announcer, a statistician, and a scorekeeper that did what was needed to make that particular evening work.  More than that, to me, he made it a memorable one, and I appreciate that very much.  I've always enjoyed experiencing someone doing a job well, whatever that job may be, and Doug Dana did just that.  I'll smile when remembering a lot about Doug, and he'll always be the "Man at the Scorebook" to me.

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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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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 bus while the bus is either loading or unloading students. This is illegal in all states, including Iowa, and is a very serious trend.
With that in mind, Iowa joined with 27 other states, and on May 11
conducted a statewide stop arm violation survey. The nationwide results were released recently by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), organizers of the nationwide survey. NASDPTS will be working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) to strengthen the pass-by laws across the nation and to bring some much-needed attention to this alarming issue.
Go to http://www.nasdpts.org/StopArm2011/index.html to view the nationwide survey results. For more information, contact Max Christensen at 515-281-4749 or max.christensen@iowa.gov. Survey results in Iowa: Number of buses participating: 2,295 (about 46% of the buses in Iowa) Number of violation incidents: 327 (the number of times a vehicle passed the stop sign of a stopped school bus) Number of violating vehicles: 393 (the number of vehicles that passed those stopped school buses – some incidents in-volved more than one violating vehicle) Percentage that occurred during a.m. routes: 46.2% Percentage that occurred during mid-day routes: 3.6% Percentage that occurred during p.m. routes: 50.3% Percentage that passed from the front of the bus: 63.9% Percentage that passed from the rear of the bus: 36.1% Percentage that passed on the left: 97% (the road side of the bus) Percentage that passed on the right: 3% (the side where the door is located)

Here is link to the NASDPTS website where you can find more info on the stop arm violation survey.

http://www.nasdpts.org/StopArm2011/index.html

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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 the look if you haven't seen it.  If you have, it's worth a second or third look. 

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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 of school.  They are NOT the "lay down on the couch and tell me about your life" counselor.  Schools have used them for that, and there is typically minimal training in that area, but it is for simple, quick issues or for additional referral when done right.  When done wrong, it is ineffective and even damaging to the student that is there for the wrong reasons.  School Counselors work a student through the process of registration, college selection, assessments, aligning coursework with goals, and similar events.  When they aren't doing this, they aren't doing their job.  In addition, they aren't the principal or nurse of the building either.  Working closely and positively with these people is imperative, and each should rely on the other, but the jobs, responsibilities, and authorities are significantly different.

Do I see School Counselors as important, even essential?  Yes.  Let's just let them know what the expectation is, what they are and are not, and how they fit into the team in order to work on behalf of the students that they are serving.

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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 Rocks!

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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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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 is even more true to the superintendency.  There are potential jobs our there, and sometimes things come together unplanned.  Getting into something that accentuates the strengths of an academic leader, however, is important because it affects so many people within the organization.  There was so much talent in that room that I just didn't want to leave.  Thanks to Troyce and Dan for the opportunity.

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It's All About the Benjamins

I'm sure that many people out there would agree that we really work hard in education to provide the best possible education for our students. I have believed this for a long time and still do. With the current status of economy across the nation, however, it is my observation that what I have long believed to be a staple belief is being eroded by another key belief...survival.
Survival is one of the initial instincts that we all have. It spans across the personal barriers of eating, reproduction, learning, loyalty, interdependence, and so many other concepts. As institutions or businesses, survival is key to being able to do anything positive for society. Look at mission statements and visions that promote the "grander thinking" of humanity in terms of what a company or organization can provide. Think about it...no survival, no anything. It suddenly becomes "all about the Benjamins" in order to finance our efforts.
So when the economy takes a dive, schools and educational supports are hard hit - not without an understanding of the long-term effects this will produce, but in a survival mode. Our government needs to survive too...keep that in mind...and without the government's survival, where do we all land? So education takes a 10% rap on the proverbial head, which is handed out at the district level. Seeing about 75-85% of all current funds for each district are tied to salaries, what is the natural response? Survive! Cut staff! Trim the fat! In order to "make it" the belt will again be tightened around the concept of doing more with less.
Now that we take a huge whack (again) at the individuals responsible for learning, what happens? Some leave the field, some become unemployed, some move to another position. Whatever they do, the hard part about reductions is that it is unlikely that the only individuals removed from their current positions will be those that are less effective with students. Due to contract language, we WILL be losing some of the most excellent educators across the nation. At the same time, there will be individuals that maintain their positions with less than stellar performances. That's the system, and there is a contract involved. For those that have the option to retain the correct people in the correct places, my hope is that they have the intestinal fortitude to make the calls on behalf of students. That can be a lonely place when it may involve a lot of battles, but it is necessary to place the students first if that is truly the cause in which we believe.
Now that we have eliminated a large part of our expenses and reduced the number of people working for the schools to do so, we face the next step of the spiral. With less local individuals making a salary, the tax base shrinks. Do the math, and yep, less money again. Less tax means less government ability to support anything, and I'm sure we'll look for another cut in the future. More spiraling.
There isn't an easy answer, but as a nation, we need to look at our most valuable resource - our kids - and think about them in our quest to survive financially. When we talk about the Benjamins, my hope is that our decisions reflect that it truly is "all about the Benjamins." But I hope that these Benjamins have a face and a last name and that they represent every child we touch, even those not named Benjamin.

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