There is often a lack of preparation of new superintendents by universities and professional associations. Meanwhile, new school superintendents are so focused on getting the job that little time is spent on what it takes to be successful. What Every Rookie Superintendent Should Know lays the foundation with a systematic mind-set, strategic thinking approach, and skills sets, which not only help the rookie survive, but decreases the learning-curve time.This book features a conversational approach between the rookie superintendent and the sage mentor and highlights real-life situations and survival strategies. The mentor provides time-tested building blocks upon which the rookie can build a strong 1st-year foundation. The mission is to improve learning for all students by pulling an organization out of chaos and creating a well-functioning school district.
Dr. Robert Reeves, now retired after 48 years in public education, heads the Reeves Consulting Group. For nearly three decades, he served CEO/Superintendent of the Poway Unified School District in the San Diego area.
Chapter 1 Introduction: What Every Rookie Superintendent Should KnowChapter 2 The Beginning: The Rookie Is HiredChapter 3 July: Gotta Know the TerritoryChapter 4 August: Problems in ParadiseChapter 5 September: Leadership and YouChapter 6 October: Do You Know the Principal Players?Chapter 7 November: Making Stylish DecisionsChapter 8 December: Let's Get PersonnelChapter 9 January: Should You Win-Win?Chapter 10 February: What Business Are You Really In? Does It Matter?Chapter 11 March: Measuring the MissionChapter 12 April: Do You Know How to Change? And Why Should You?Chapter 13 May: Is the Mission Possible?Chapter 14 June: Thank Goodness It's Nearly Over. Will I Survive?Chapter 15 Afterthoughts: Will Your Difference Make a Difference?Chapter 16 After, Afterthoughts for School Board Members: What is the Main Mission for the School Board?
Dr. Reeves brings a refreshing story that should be mandatory reading for all superintendents, new and old. In a time where school superintendents turn over every couple of years, it's time to listen to someone that over twenty-five years built a small urban, suburban, and rural district into some of the truly great ones.