A SUPERINTENDENT’S TEN COMMANDMENTS

THOU SHALT:

1. Treat all board members equally.

Regardless of personal feelings, all board members should receive the same information and be afforded the respect that their positions deserve.

2. Provide all board members with enough information to act on your recommendations.

This should be done in a timely fashion and must avoid any surprises for the board.

3. Carry out with enthusiasm any action or policy of the board even if the action or policy is in conflict with your recommendation.

After you have attempted to persuade the board about the wisdom of your position and have not been successful, you cannot attempt to obstruct the board’s decision.

4. Avoid treating or expecting the board to act as a rubber stamp for all your recommendations.

Full information and discussion must be made available to all board members before they are asked to act.

5. Inform the board of all the highlights (good or bad) of the school system on a regular basis and, in particular, between board meetings.

Board members should know the issues before being asked by the public.

6. Provide the board with a recommendation (even if unpopular) when dealing with a controversial issue.

7. Maintain a sense of humor and calm despite the stress of events.

The climate of decision-making needs to be relaxed and your disposition can set the tone.

8. Make all recommendations and decisions based on the answer to the question, "What is best for students?"

9. Be visible both in the schools and the community.

People should know who the superintendent is and what s/he believes is right for public education.

10. Continue to grow professionally by reading, attending conferences, and attending workshops - to be aware of research and proven practice.

Pre-Superintendency
 • Superintendent Development Program
    - New  Cohort starts in January 2009 - Statewide
 • Transition to Superintendency Program
  - Summer 2008 in Victor (Rochester area), NY
  - Fall 2008 in Wheatley Heights (LI), NY
New Superintendents
  • See "New and Experienced Superintendent" (below)
  • Cycles of Success
  • Transition to Superintendency Program
  - Summer 2008 in Victor (Rochester area), NY
  -Fall 2008 in Wheatley Heights (LI), NY
New and Experienced Superintendents
•  At the Table Negotiating Skills
   - Fall 2008 TBD
•  Effective Evaluation of the Problem Teacher
    - Fall 2008 TBD
•   Everything is Negotiable
    - TBD
•   Fiscal Navigation for Superintendents
     - Fall 2008 (Albany, Rochester, Syracuse)
•  Successful Administration of School Construction Projects
     - TBD
 •  Tenure - Developing a Culture of Quality and Accountability
    - Fall 2008 TBD
 •   The File Cabinet
Lead Superintendents
 • Mentoring and Faculty Work
Other Support Workshops and Programs
 •  Audit Committee Training 
    - Available on request
•  Best Practices for Extraclassroom Activity Funds
  - Summer 2008
•  Board Member Fiscal Training - Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability
     -  Spring 2008 TBD
     - and available on request
•  Business Management Advisory Service
  - Available on request
• Claims Auditor Training  
  - Summer 2008 Dates to be determined 
•  School Business Officials Training & Support Program
   - Ongoing (currently running in Central, Eastern, South Central, and Western NY)
•  Tenure Culture Management Services
  - Available on request