Game - Why this workshop is important

The Great Game

Why This Workshop is Important

The balance of educational, economic, productive and innovative power, long held by the United States, is being challenged by an awakening in the great population centers of the world. The legislation of action is not working - while lifting some it simultaneously depresses others - leveling towards the average. Educational leaders must respond or loose the Great Game. The only points of light are coming for those local school districts that understand what’s happening, accept the reality, and confront the challenge. Accepting that challenge requires community-district-parent-educator-student support.

This workshop presents this challenge and discusses what can be done. We will review the major factors affecting the future of our country in a global economy and share insights gained from a recent trip to China. We will share successful leadership strategies for raising awareness and building consensus among staff, parents and community members to raise academic achievement through continuous improvement and community involvement. We will share practical strategies and activities for creating pride and sustaining a positive school culture that supports the long-term vision of your district.

* The name of this workshop has a historical origin. In a phrase coined by Captain Arthur Connolly of the East India Company before he was beheaded in Bokhara for spying in 1842, a "Great Game" was played between Tsarist Russia and Victorian England for supremacy in Central Asia. At stake was the security of India, key to the wealth of the British Empire. When play began early in the 19th century, the frontiers of the two imperial powers lay two thousand miles apart, across vast deserts and almost impassable mountain ranges; by the end, only 20 miles separated the two rivals. - Publisher Notes
Then Russia v. England - Now China/India v. U.S.

Workshop Faculty

Timothy McElheran, Superintendent
Victor Central Schools

Tim McElheran has been Superintendent of the Victor Central Schools since 1996. He counts among his accomplishments the successful implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the nationally recognized pre-engineering program Project Lead The Way. He is currently implementing a School of the Arts in the district. In addition to eight years of successful classroom teaching experience, Tim’s resume’ includes positions as Assistant to the Superintendent in the Webster Central School District, and nine years as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and three years as Interim Superintendent of the Fairport Central School District. For the past three years Tim has been a faculty member in the Superintendent Development Program.

Dawn Santiago-Marullo, Director
Victor Central Schools

Dawn Santiago-Marullo is Director of Special Projects and Programs for the Victor Central Schools. She supervises seven district programs (International Baccalaureate Diploma, Advanced Placement, K-8 enrichment, 6-12 foreign language, K-12 instructional technology, school and community relations, and the College and Career Counseling Center). Her special projects include research on global competitiveness and coordinating the Chinese sister school program.

Workshop Administrator
James M. Merrins, Ed.D.

Dr. Merrins is Executive Program Administrator for the Steuben-Allegany. He administers the statewide Superintendent Development Program, and numerous fiscal workshops for superintendents and senior school administrators, including Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents, Everything is Negotiable, At the Table Negotiating Skills, Total Executive School Leadership, and the School Business Officials Training and Support Program. Jim has 32 years experience in school administration, including 16 years as a Superintendent in Fredonia and Honeoye, New York. Dr. Merrins is NYS certified as a School Business Administrator. Dr. Merrins taught school finance and school law at SUNY colleges for several years.

Workshop Sponsors

sponsored by
Oswego State University - Department of Educational Administration
Superintendent Support Programs - Greater Southern Tier BOCES (LEA)