Dr. Anthony J. Perkins, superintendent of Gila Bend Unified School District, says if you can do the following five things at a high level, you'll be a strong visionary leader.
1. Have courage: It's OK to be vulnerable and acknowledge your fears.
2. Get out of the box: Try something new and different.
3. Show humility: Great leaders endure what their team is going through. Go up the leadership ladder the right way, so you can relate.
4. Be a nipper: Work hard to keep negativity out of your culture by nipping issues in the bud.
5. Teach: When you learn something new, teach it to someone else.
Attorneys specializing in school law led participants in scenario-based conversations surrounding real HR issues districts have faced. Through discussions, knowledge, and experience, attendees problem-solved and provided input on handling situations. This session was a sneak-peak into The Trust's Leadership Academy.
What is the constitutionality of a backpack search? Do you have to pay an employee the whole time they are "on call" or just when they are working? These are the types of tough issues that school officials face.
ASBA General Counsel/Director of Legal and Policy Services Chris Thomas shared the legal basis for school board service. His words of advice included: 1) Remember that your job is to support the teaching and learning that happens in the classroom; 2) Embrace your role as an advocate for public education in your district and beyond; and 3) Get trained -- ASBA can help!
"We want to change the way people perceive school nutrition?" said Joe Palmer, Director of Business Operations (fourth from left). Chef Jennifer Gomez did just that by providing attendees with fruit parfaits, while Palmer emphasized his company's unique themed menus, which included Cajun lunches and coffee bars.
The Governing Board and the New Superintendent...the first 100 days...da..da..da.. A discussion on best practices for establishing a positive and productive partnership to successfully serve a district.
NAU researcher Nick Clement says a recent study shows that board members who attend ASBA training leads to higher district effectiveness. "It makes a difference," he said.
Administration at Villago Middle School in the Casa Grande Elementary District have discovered the key to motivating students to become excellent students and citizens. The BEE Extraordinary Campaign focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, using grit as a noun and a verb, finding your "spark" and helping students accept change by turning abstract concepts into concretes.
