Superintendent Networks

Superintendent Networks

Information - Advice - Support - Feedback

From the time you first enter the district it is necessary to build and maintain a full support network. It is necessary for your effectiveness as superintendent and may ultimately be critical to your survival. You need information, advice before you act, support for your ideas/initiatives, and honest feedback.

What are you looking for in the people in your network? My list includes: good people (always trying to do the right thing); grounded (understanding their world, your world, and the relationship between the two); confidential (can be trusted with information, can trust you with information), and brutally honest (will tell the truth). Remember, they are looking for the same from you.

I’ve noticed that some superintendents are naturally better at networking than others. If it is not natural to you it is something that you must cultivate in yourself. It is the people part of a public ("people") organization at the center of the democratic society. If you have a hard time accepting this role you should reflect on your personality, worldview of power/authority, and understanding of organization and take positive steps to adjust.

Personal Domain

Personal Life Advisor / Mentor (other than your spouse)
Career Mentor

District Domain

Board
Professional Advisers (school lawyer, auditor, business official, doctor)
Administration
Teachers
Support Staff

Community Domain

Education Community

Fellow Superintendents
District Superintendents
BOCES personnel
State Education Department

Local Community

Parent Community
General Community
Service Organization Community
Media Community
Religious Community
Any Special Communities (college, big business, small business,
local unions, firemen, police etc.)

Government Communities

Village / City Executive and Officials
Town Executive and Officials
County Executive and Officials
NYS Senator / NYS Assemblyperson
Federal Legislators