It was interesting that we were privileged to meet both Dr. Elizabeth Garza of Edgewood and Supt. Linda McAnelly of Devine. Thanks to Scott and Gloria for arranging these meetings. Each identified interesting areas of the superintendency.
Ms. McAnelly was very specific about balancing family and school -- one reason why she became a superintendent later in life. She reported the importance of taking care not to raise discussion with one board member but not another without sending blast emails of the information to all board members containing the same information. Her closest circle of friends knew not to ask her about school. These are some key things that came out in her leadership style as well as the unique challenges of being a woman in the superintendent's role. Also of a local superintendent who has no intention of moving on, and who loves her community deeply. I was impressed that she did not sweat the politics or her own future. She set boundaries with her board and held them accountable. Didn't you love the fact that there is a Shakespearean scholar at the helm of this district. Quite a fascinating look at the modern day school setting through the eyes of William Shakespeare.
Dr. Garza was quick to point out that she had made tough decisions early in her superintendency which resulted in political consequences that she has dealt with as a matter course. Her HR experience grounded her to know that she was safe to do some of the things that she had to do. Ironically, though there were few harms that came from her approach, there were political forces that made her pay for making the unpopular choices. Like Ms. McAnelly, a contemporary only miles away, I was impressed that she also did not sweat the politics nor her own future. She noted that superintendents are always looking two or three years down the road. Her experience as a teacher of young children greatly informed her own vision of what she wanted within her own district.
Thank you to both superintendents for insights regarding the modern day school, career paths to the superintendency, and challenges of working with the board while directing the vision of the school campus. Please add your own thoughts or observations. Each must be a unique perspective or thought that you had during these presentations.
In Robert Marzano's book, School Leadership That Works, Marzano quotes the proverb, "A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world." Marzano states that for any school leader to articulate and realize a powerful vision for the achievement of students, they must first analyze the situation and then organize the findings and conclusions into a plan of action. Dr. Garza and Mrs. McAnnelly, through their decisions in reducing staff and pursuing a bond election, created plans of action that were beneficial to not only the students, but all the stakeholders in their respective districts. Decisions like these may be turning points in a career, but in my opinion, a good leader can make such decisions and know that they were always made in the best interest of the students...our future.
ReplyDeleteI agree; both of the superintendents that we listened to were dynamic, had a vision, and were very driven. Both took risks and made difficult decisions in the best interest of students with different outcomes. I could imagine how difficult it is to be looking ahead 2 to 3 years while a large number of the people around you, staff and board members, are focused on the current school year.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that stood out from what Mrs. McAnnelly said was the importance to give the school board a "job". People gain much satisfaction from doing work that they deem is important. While some board members may have a definite "agenda", many are wanting to make a difference in their community.
Both ladies had some tough decisions to make.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mc Anelly had to get a bond package ready to go in a very short period of time. She had to do the legwork and present the information to the board. One thing I liked was, she invited all of the people who had served on the previous bond committee to be on her committee, even though the bond had failed. I feel that having their help showed the community that she was willing to work with them and not just come in and run the show the way she wanted.
Dr. Garza had to do the task that no one wants to do, fire people. I think that as a superintendent that would have to be one of the hardest choices to make. Generally speaking people who are in the teaching profession want to help people and telling someone they are no longer employed is not easy. The fact is that by her doing what needed to be done and having a RIF she cut short her time as the district leader. After hearing her talk you could tell she did what she did because it needed to be done, even though it was not the popular choice.
I do think that both ladies did a good job in their districts, but would have a hard time if the roles were reversed. I think that the experience each one had led them to the places they were. I do not think Dr. Garza would be a good fit for the small town school district after having spent her entire career in a large city district. I also feel that Mrs. McAnelly would have a harder time in the larger district. I am not saying they could not do it I just think they both are in their proper places.
In response to Jeff's posting, both individuals arrived at the superintendency later in their careers. Both had specific passions in their teaching, but time and circumstances brought them to forefront and when it was time, they were ready, largely because they were in touch with themselves as individuals. That, to me, was the most impressive thing of all.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Debbie's posting, that was a great observation that I had forgotten -- giving everyone something to do. She demonstrated as did Dr. Garza a unique appreciation of the value of delegation and follow-through.
The McAllisterd response was connected with some independent reading which always makes a great impression to the reader. The view that an indivicual is more committed to principle than to personal survival is a true sign of courage and self-actualization. To make a difficult sacrifice for the greater good of the whole community is admirable. This often is the part of the story that does not get much play. Wont the Edgewood board election be interesting this time around? dh
As I continue to reflect on what I took away from listening to both of those wonderful people, who happen to be superintendents, it occurs to me that both woman were very clear about their purpose and vision in their current roles. Mrs. McAnelly made it very clear that she wanted to bring trust and stability to the Superintendency in Devine and "make sure that, like Hondo, would only have 8 superintendents in the next 100 yrs". She believes that doing so will eliminate the political turmoil that has inhibited the DISD from becoming the great school district that the community expects. On the other hand, Dr. Garza is clear that her purpose is to ensure equitable resources and opportunities for historically under served students in a poor school district. She is passionate, as was Dr. Cardenas, about the impact of early childhood education and headstart programs. Their professional and life experiences have helped both of them gain clarity about their purpose. Because both are so aware of who they are, they are able to make very difficult, often unpopular, decisions without regard for themselves or their careers. Inspirational...
ReplyDeleteBoth ladies are strong leaders and have thoroughly demonstrated their professionalism in dealing with critics and Monday morning quarterbacks. I was very impressed with Dr. Garza in that she remained in her position to finish out the school year. I believe many people would have left immediately leaving the district to finish the year with a current assistant superintendent or consultant. While all of us know that politics is a factor we will always contend with, there is still some hurt involved in these situations, especially with someone who has committed the majority of her career to one school district. It is a true testament to Dr. Garza's commitment to students and her district. To put other's needs before yours and continue in a position, even when you have been notified that your services are no longer needed is truly another mark of a great leader.
ReplyDeleteI will exempt Gloria from commenting on this one posting unless there is something she can share that is removed from the political commentary with all the risks that carries...definitely all of us got to where we are by being careful in spoken and written word.
ReplyDeleteFirst I'm just trying to see if I can get this to work! I'll try to post again in a minute.
ReplyDeleteI was duly impressed by the incredible tenacity of the two superintendents that we were fortunate enough to meet over the last month. Both showed an unwavering determination to move their districts into the future.
ReplyDeleteMrs. McAnelly is an entertaining public speaker, with the ability to sway the school board and community towards her vision. She also mastered the art of school bond promotion and pushed two bonds through within her first five years on the job. I expect that she will continue to guide the board into good decision making well into the future.
Dr. Garza, as the soon-to-be former superintendentof Edgewood ISD, has a lifetime of experience under her belt. She is at the helm of an historical district and yet, still struggling with the politics of an ever-changing school board. I thought it showed a lot of gumption that she came in and 'cleaned house' upon taking over; surely she made few friends by going that route. She explained that tough decisions have to be made for the future success of a district, and that it takes a strong will to stand up to the pressure of the community and board that may not understand all of the implications of continuing with the same old, same old.
I was pleased to take away several nuggets of advice from each of these dynamic leaders.
There were many thoughts I had while listening to Ms. McAnelly speak. I believe that she has accomplished so much because of who she is in the community. She has been in the community many years and is a very trusted woman. I loved the fact that she kept an open line of communication between all board members and kept politics out of it. I do think that part of her keeping politics out of it has to do with her being on her way out; this will be her one and only superintendent job. I think that the way you handle yourself or act during your superintendency depends where you are at in your career. Dr. Garza at this point in her career doesn’t have to worry about politics either because by her resigning, she has taken all of the politics out of it. I do believe that her brave decisions early in her superintendency have ultimately lead her to where she is at now. But like she said, you are always looking two to three years down the road so she knew what she was doing when she made her difficult decision to fire people.
ReplyDeleteBoth Mrs. Mcanelly and Dr. Garza showed great resolve and conviction in doing what needed to be done. Kudos to them for doing what was right when others wouldn't have. Dr. Garza did make crucial decisions that were not popular but the positive impact of those decisions will be felt long after she is gone. In listening to both these women, I admired not what they do or how they did but who they are more than anything else. Their character brought them to where they are and compelled them to do what they did. Whether it was doing what is right albeit unpopular or creating the atmosphere of transparency the board and balance between work and a social, this is not accomplished accidentally, These ladies work ethic is a reflection of who they are. Their leadership will be remembered long after they are gone because of their character.
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