Comments on: Let’s Talk About My New Position http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/ Superintendent of Schools writes about learning and school management in rural Western New York. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:30:25 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: Kimberly http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4963 Kimberly Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:53:55 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4963 This post certainly generated more conversation than I anticipated and that's probably more because of Thomas' comment than my original post. Thank you to the readers who responded and entered into the conversation. My reason for writing is the same as it often is, I want to add my voice to the conversation in the community. Sometimes in a school community, members have concerns or questions about a decision and they talk and talk about it without going to the source. Jonathan's right, it was awkward for me to write this but it didn't feel right to remain silent either. Not when I talk about so much here. And since no one was asking me directly, I figured my blog was a place to answer much of what I was hearing. I asked the hard questions of our BOE too and they stepped right up, prepared to answer any and all concerns. My positive remarks about our school leadership, from the superintendent to the BOE, are as genuine and transparent as the rest of my blog. If I didn't agree with Thomas' right to ask the hard questions, I would have simply moderated his comment. But that wouldn't be genuine and transparent, would it? I hope that allowing all comments, provided they aren't salacious or inappropriate, will speak to my integrity as much as what I write. Sort of the "proof in the pudding", isn't it? This post certainly generated more conversation than I anticipated and that’s probably more because of Thomas’ comment than my original post. Thank you to the readers who responded and entered into the conversation. My reason for writing is the same as it often is, I want to add my voice to the conversation in the community. Sometimes in a school community, members have concerns or questions about a decision and they talk and talk about it without going to the source. Jonathan’s right, it was awkward for me to write this but it didn’t feel right to remain silent either. Not when I talk about so much here. And since no one was asking me directly, I figured my blog was a place to answer much of what I was hearing. I asked the hard questions of our BOE too and they stepped right up, prepared to answer any and all concerns. My positive remarks about our school leadership, from the superintendent to the BOE, are as genuine and transparent as the rest of my blog.

If I didn’t agree with Thomas’ right to ask the hard questions, I would have simply moderated his comment. But that wouldn’t be genuine and transparent, would it? I hope that allowing all comments, provided they aren’t salacious or inappropriate, will speak to my integrity as much as what I write. Sort of the “proof in the pudding”, isn’t it?

]]> By: Jonathan http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4962 Jonathan Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:13:49 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4962 From the first I've liked your blog, and yet I think Thomas raises important points (though not in the most appropriate way). Your district added a new administrative line. That's money. It could be two teachers, some supplies - it's money that could be used elsewhere. The district explained why it's chosen to spend the money in this way, for a new administrative position. Honestly, their reason is fine. And if you're half as good as it would appear from your writing, well-warranted. But it really should fall on the district to make the case. There is something forthright and commendable about you stepping forward here. But there is also something awkward about defending your own promotion. This good-faith post might appear self-serving, especially in regards to the praise you direct to your employer. I can understand Thomas' cynicism at your attempt to explain the district's action, and I hope you do as well. I think your community is lucky to have you. And this does seem to have been a good move for all. But it is entirely appropriate to ask the hard questions. From the first I’ve liked your blog, and yet I think Thomas raises important points (though not in the most appropriate way).

Your district added a new administrative line. That’s money. It could be two teachers, some supplies – it’s money that could be used elsewhere. The district explained why it’s chosen to spend the money in this way, for a new administrative position.

Honestly, their reason is fine. And if you’re half as good as it would appear from your writing, well-warranted. But it really should fall on the district to make the case.

There is something forthright and commendable about you stepping forward here. But there is also something awkward about defending your own promotion. This good-faith post might appear self-serving, especially in regards to the praise you direct to your employer. I can understand Thomas’ cynicism at your attempt to explain the district’s action, and I hope you do as well.

I think your community is lucky to have you. And this does seem to have been a good move for all. But it is entirely appropriate to ask the hard questions.

]]> By: Sharon http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4958 Sharon Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:56:37 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4958 Kim, It is without hesitation that I add my comment to your new position. I have worked as support staff at the school for many years now. Never, have I felt so encorporated into the position I hold, in a positive way; "thanks to you." The students have always been first with you, however; you also show support and an attitude of caring to your workers. For me, I am sad that you won't be my immediate supervisor anymore. For the students, I am truly thankful that your ideals will continue to be a positive learning tool! I have observed you many times helping the kids that need you so much. Only in a comfortable environment, can a person truly learn. The day has come for all of us to realize that school is an extension of the childs family. Many of us in Gowanda care about our kids' everyday problems. this makes it possible for us to help them, in return it helps them concentrate on their work and improves their studies. The knowledge you have acquired through your education, coupled with your leadership skills make you an asset to our childrens' future learning. Keep up the great work, and I'm proud to see you promoted. Soon the tax payers in this community will see evidence of this statement, "that was the right thing to do"! Kim,
It is without hesitation that I add my comment to your new position. I have worked as support staff at the school for many years now. Never, have I felt so encorporated into the position I hold, in a positive way; “thanks to you.” The students have always been first with you, however; you also show support and an attitude of caring to your workers. For me, I am sad that you won’t be my immediate supervisor anymore. For the students, I am truly thankful that your ideals will continue to be a positive learning tool! I have observed you many times helping the kids that need you so much. Only in a comfortable environment, can a person truly learn. The day has come for all of us to realize that school is an extension of the childs family. Many of us in Gowanda care about our kids’ everyday problems. this makes it possible for us to help them, in return it helps them concentrate on their work and improves their studies.

The knowledge you have acquired through your education, coupled with your leadership skills make you an asset to our childrens’ future learning.

Keep up the great work, and I’m proud to see you promoted. Soon the tax payers in this community will see evidence of this statement, “that was the right thing to do”!

]]> By: Leadership in a networked environment « Educational Discourse http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4956 Leadership in a networked environment « Educational Discourse Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:41:36 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4956 [...] across as he explains his vision and where he wants to go. In another great set of posts,Kim at  G-Town Talks focuses on her move from being a principal to an assistant-superintendent. Her posts deal with how [...] [...] across as he explains his vision and where he wants to go. In another great set of posts,Kim at  G-Town Talks focuses on her move from being a principal to an assistant-superintendent. Her posts deal with how [...]

]]> By: » Leadership in a networked environment Educational Discourse http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4955 » Leadership in a networked environment Educational Discourse Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:40:02 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4955 [...] across as he explains his vision and where he wants to go. In another great set of posts,Kim at  G-Town Talks focuses on her move from being a principal to an assistant-superintendent. Her posts deal with how [...] [...] across as he explains his vision and where he wants to go. In another great set of posts,Kim at  G-Town Talks focuses on her move from being a principal to an assistant-superintendent. Her posts deal with how [...]

]]> By: Will Richardson http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4943 Will Richardson Sun, 29 Jul 2007 18:03:34 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4943 Kim...congratulations! Your promotion is not only well deserved, it's a great opportunity for the students and teachers in the entire district to learn from your vision and your own learning practice. That's what is so important about your work, that you engage and model in what you feel is powerful learning. And you make it transparent for everyone to see, even those who disagree. What is unfortunate is not that Thomas has reacted negatively. What is unfortunate is that he is unable or unwilling to seize the chance to model respectful disagreement in a public format. I'm guessing that's because he never saw the need or was taught to do so. But your students need models of substantive, meaningful dialogue carried out in open spaces. They need to see the ways in which tone and sarcasm diminish the argument. And they need to see people in positions of authority struggle with their own practices as well. Thanks for being such a great model, sincere best wishes on your new post, and, most importantly, happy 1st blog birthday. Will Kim…congratulations! Your promotion is not only well deserved, it’s a great opportunity for the students and teachers in the entire district to learn from your vision and your own learning practice. That’s what is so important about your work, that you engage and model in what you feel is powerful learning. And you make it transparent for everyone to see, even those who disagree. What is unfortunate is not that Thomas has reacted negatively. What is unfortunate is that he is unable or unwilling to seize the chance to model respectful disagreement in a public format. I’m guessing that’s because he never saw the need or was taught to do so. But your students need models of substantive, meaningful dialogue carried out in open spaces. They need to see the ways in which tone and sarcasm diminish the argument. And they need to see people in positions of authority struggle with their own practices as well.

Thanks for being such a great model, sincere best wishes on your new post, and, most importantly, happy 1st blog birthday.

Will

]]> By: Cindy K. http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4941 Cindy K. Fri, 27 Jul 2007 16:44:10 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4941 Kim, You have many more supporters than people like "Thomas". My only regret is that you will not be my daughter's principal anymore, but I am looking forward to the changes you can make for Gowanda in your new position. Congratulations to you and always remember you have many people behind you! Kim,

You have many more supporters than people like “Thomas”. My only regret is that you will not be my daughter’s principal anymore, but I am looking forward to the changes you can make for Gowanda in your new position.

Congratulations to you and always remember you have many people behind you!

]]> By: Christian Long http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4939 Christian Long Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:41:20 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4939 Kimberly -- 9 of the 10 previous comments spoke in great detail in response to your post and new position, and I'm not sure I can add anything more substantive than what already has been shared. Instead, I will say the following: If I had a child who was fortunate enough to attend your district, I would consider it an honor. Not only because of your involvement, but because the overall leadership team thinks with wisdom and acts with strategic consideration. Positioning for "sustained leadership" in a day and age where superintendents have a "3 year" tenure on average is vital. And rare. Additionally: If I were a teacher/principal who was fortunate enough to work for your district, I would consider it a privilege and pleasure. Period. Re: Thomas and his comment/tone, I am not too dismayed by hit. In the political spectrum of public school education, it is rather tame for a detractor actually. And as they say, it is better to have the criticism made public than to have it fester silently beneath the surface. Public voices can be brought into the conversation; silent voices never can. Congratulations to the district for making a fine choice; congratulations to you for the opportunity; congratulations to your colleagues and kids for having leadership that makes innovative decisions with an eye on the future. Cheers, Christian Kimberly — 9 of the 10 previous comments spoke in great detail in response to your post and new position, and I’m not sure I can add anything more substantive than what already has been shared.

Instead, I will say the following:

If I had a child who was fortunate enough to attend your district, I would consider it an honor. Not only because of your involvement, but because the overall leadership team thinks with wisdom and acts with strategic consideration. Positioning for “sustained leadership” in a day and age where superintendents have a “3 year” tenure on average is vital. And rare.

Additionally:

If I were a teacher/principal who was fortunate enough to work for your district, I would consider it a privilege and pleasure. Period.

Re: Thomas and his comment/tone, I am not too dismayed by hit. In the political spectrum of public school education, it is rather tame for a detractor actually. And as they say, it is better to have the criticism made public than to have it fester silently beneath the surface. Public voices can be brought into the conversation; silent voices never can.

Congratulations to the district for making a fine choice; congratulations to you for the opportunity; congratulations to your colleagues and kids for having leadership that makes innovative decisions with an eye on the future.

Cheers,
Christian

]]> By: Crystal http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4937 Crystal Wed, 25 Jul 2007 16:16:20 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4937 Kim, Obviously you have a lot of supporters in Gowanda. And where there is support there are critics. I think that someone calling you greedy, as Thomas did, is so far off base, I don't even know how to start to address it. Mostly because he has already developed an opinion based on 1/2 truths, and there will be no changing his perspective, but partly because, I think it needs to be said, that you didn't go seeking this new position, <b>it sought you.</b> Just as you didn't seek to leave Gowanda, <b>other schools brought these opportunities to you.</b> The other thing that bothers me is the impression that because we are educators who care about the students and the community, that we should be bleeding hearts and do this for free. HELLO... community servants or not, we all have the right to further our careers!! As I've said many times, Gowanda is just lucky that your idea of furthering your career, is to further the success of Gowanda (or whatever school is lucky enough to have you as an employee). Crystal Furman Kim,
Obviously you have a lot of supporters in Gowanda. And where there is support there are critics. I think that someone calling you greedy, as Thomas did, is so far off base, I don’t even know how to start to address it. Mostly because he has already developed an opinion based on 1/2 truths, and there will be no changing his perspective, but partly because, I think it needs to be said, that you didn’t go seeking this new position, <b>it sought you.</b> Just as you didn’t seek to leave Gowanda, <b>other schools brought these opportunities to you.</b>
The other thing that bothers me is the impression that because we are educators who care about the students and the community, that we should be bleeding hearts and do this for free. HELLO… community servants or not, we all have the right to further our careers!! As I’ve said many times, Gowanda is just lucky that your idea of furthering your career, is to further the success of Gowanda (or whatever school is lucky enough to have you as an employee).
Crystal Furman

]]> By: Garry Stone http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/comment-page-1/#comment-4936 Garry Stone Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:58:32 +0000 http://ghsprincipal.edublogs.org/2007/07/21/lets-talk-about-my-new-position/#comment-4936 Kim, I read the post by Thomas and was most dismayed by the lack of respect in the tone of the writer. The salaries of all of the administrators in a district are such a small percentage of the total budget and the research is very clear on leadership and how it makes such a difference in all organizations. Succession planning makes a lot of sense, also, and I applaud the Gowanda Board for taking the necessary steps to keep such a highly qualified individual as you interested in staying at Gowanda. Too few quality candidates are even considering the Superintendency anymore due to the long hours and lack of respect given the position, anymore. Thank you for stepping up to the plate; we desperately need quality people like you to continue in the profession for the sake of our children. Lastly, I wonder if you were Thomas' child if he would be blogging negatively about your salary or bragging to his friends about how hard you have worked to get to this point in your career and what an asset you will be to the district. I think the latter. Keep the faith. Kim,

I read the post by Thomas and was most dismayed by the lack of respect in the tone of the writer. The salaries of all of the administrators in a district are such a small percentage of the total budget and the research is very clear on leadership and how it makes such a difference in all organizations. Succession planning makes a lot of sense, also, and I applaud the Gowanda Board for taking the necessary steps to keep such a highly qualified individual as you interested in staying at Gowanda.

Too few quality candidates are even considering the Superintendency anymore due to the long hours and lack of respect given the position, anymore. Thank you for stepping up to the plate; we desperately need quality people like you to continue in the profession for the sake of our children.

Lastly, I wonder if you were Thomas’ child if he would be blogging negatively about your salary or bragging to his friends about how hard you have worked to get to this point in your career and what an asset you will be to the district. I think the latter.

Keep the faith.

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