This document discusses strategies for effective communication and transitioning to the role of superintendent. It emphasizes building trust with the board of education by communicating in a transparent manner. It also stresses engaging the board by participating meaningfully in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance monitoring. Additionally, the document outlines priorities like separating urgent and important tasks and creating buy-in from stakeholders. Essential skills for a superintendent are identified as clarity of thought, networking, communication, and empathy. Finally, it provides tips for transitioning such as meeting with stakeholders and designing efficient processes.

1. COMMUNICATION AND TRANSITIONING
TO THE SUPERINTENDENCY
A PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

2. PATHWAY TO SUCCESS
•TRUST- BUILD IT AND EARN IT
•COMMUNICATING BAD NEWS
•COMMUNICATING GOOD NEWS
•BEING PREPARED

3. BOARD MEMBER ENGAGMENT
CHIEF BOARD ENGAGEMENT BUILDER
Participate in a proactive, meaningful
way in such critical governing processes
such as strategic planning, operational
planning and budget development,
performance monitoring, and external
stakeholder relations.

4. Board-Superintendent Relations
Chief Governing Relationship Manager
Normal fragility of relationships who
populate a board and the complex
technical and political issues that school
boards and Superintendents must
grapple with on an ongoing basis.

5. Board Capacity Building
Chief Board Capacity Builder
By developing the board’s governing knowledge
and skills
By clarifying and updating the board’s governing
role
By mapping out ways for the board to play a
strong role in managing itself as a governing body
By ensuring that the board has put a well-designed
standing committee structure in place

6. PRIORITIES
• Separate what is important to what is urgent
• Spend at least one day a month disconnecting and
thinking about the big picture
• Create emotional buy in from all stakeholders
• Only open e-mail twice a day to create
opportunities for improvement projects

7. ESSENTIAL SKILLS
•CLARITY IN THINKING
•NETWORKING
•COMMUNICATION
•EMPATHY

8. CRISIS MANAGER
•Avoid over communication
•Listen and gather information
•Look and act in control
•Explain my actions

9. TRANSITIONING
TO THE
SUPERINTENDENCY
• Meet with focus groups of all stakeholders
• Time will come to create processes
• Design efficient processes
• Structure can create efficiency
• Think scalability
• When to be frugal
• Minimize fixed costs to be nimble
• The most important asset is your human resources