SDP - Best Authentic Issues of 2003

Best Authentic Issues of 2003
as nominated by 2003 SDP graduates

"Should Menands Union Free School District explore the possibility of expanding the district to include a 9-12 secondary component?" >>> READ
The 2003 Hudson Mohawk fab five wrote -
This issue was our first of the year and encompassed every aspect of being a superintendent. We had the opportunity to meet with architects, lawyers, business officials, State Education representatives, board members, and school staff members. We were given access to blue prints of the present building, budget figures, and overviews of student achievement. Meeting with individuals who were intimately involved in the decision making at Menands made this issue realistic, exciting, and very motivating. Each member of the team had the opportunity to learn and teach each other as we progressed. This structure reinforced an effective leadership model for the Superintendency; building upon the individual strengths of your team to ensure thorough analysis and solid decision-making. We utilized technology to present the findings to members of the Menands' Board of Education as a culminating activity. Subsequent issues required us to draw on experiences from this first issue, making its relevancy that much more meaningful for us.

"What can the Waterville CSD do to attract more candidates to serve on the board of education?" >>> READ
Karen Donahue wrote –
This issue is faced by many superintendents and BOE and has a long term effect on the district...also as a team we learned about BOE organization, balloting, terms etc. We also learned a lot about the Waterville Schools. Finally our team conducted field based interviews and surveys that voiced local opinion about the school district and demographics of this area. We had the opportunity to give a team presentation to the Board of Education and had a brief discussion with members regarding our findings and suggestions. The Board did take action on some recommendations and as a result, their election process and Board membership was affected in a very positive way.

"Are Victor Central School District students being educated in out-of-district placements (special education) who could be educated on the Victor Central Campus?" >>> READ
Mike Chirco wrote -
I would nominate the Mid-West Team's Issue number one: the study of whether Special Education students should be brought back to the Victor CSD campus. The issue was huge, and required a strong team effort to gather data, interview a number of people within the District, and create a report that addressed the many elements to be considered. The political aspects both within the schools and in the community had to be balanced against the fiscal reality of rapidly rising costs. The fact that Tim McElheran acted upon our recommendations, and saved the District in excess of $100,000 indicates that it was a real issue he was confronting. The entire team gained many insights into the realities of the Superintendent's decision making and strategic planning.

"What is the current internal climate (work environment) in the McGraw Central Schools?" >>> READ
Craig Tice –
The school climate survey for the McGraw CSD provided many interesting plot twists during the design/development of the survey instrument itself. The political implications before, during and after data collection proved most intriguing. It was clearly a "hot button" topic for the district that required a great deal of care and team integrity (while the different constituencies jockeyed for position).

"How can the Hannibal Central School District open school on September 2, 2003 in the event that the current [aggressive summer] building project is not completed on time? What contingency plan is recommended for staff and students?" >>> READ
Gerry Hudson wrote –
Hustling to get ready to open school near the end of a building project was a very real issue for us all. It was one we really "rolled our sleeves up on".