Let me tell you a funny story. I have to start that way, or I might just cry. On March 2nd, 2020 I officially became the Superintendent of Salem Community Schools in Salem Indiana. (Note that start date) This was a career and a position I never dreamed I would pursue.
Like many teenagers, I knew more then my parents. My parents were career educators, mom an elementary teacher and dad a high school administrator. They were hard working, well respected and the all time favorites for too many students, parents and colleagues to count. The life I knew growing up was always centered around schools and the never ending demands of my parents careers. I saw first hand the sacrifices and work beyond the contracted school hours. However, I was going to be different. I was going to work smarter not harder. I was going to make more money and work less hours. I was not going to live by school bells, thirty minute lunches, twelve to fourteen hour days and wages substantially lower then what was deserved. I was going to be a radio or tv star, name in lights, sign autographs, big salary…the new Here’s….. Jonny! I was wrong.
It was humbling learning life lessons as a radio disc jockey at 3 a.m. in Terre Haute Indiana. It was humbling sitting alone in a broadcast studio, knowing that more cows were listening to my voice then actual humans. It was painfully humbling, hearing my parents voices inside my head that I should have become a teacher.
Fast forward the admission my parents were correct, several laps around the sun, a few more degrees, lots of student loans, experiences as a teacher, coach and administrator in small, large, rural, suburban and urban schools, multiple grey hairs, and Ta Da….now I am a Superintendent. Beginning on March 2nd, 2020.
I will explain why March 2nd, 2020 is important shortly. First let me confirm a statement I heard multiple times during Ed.S classes and from current and former Superintendents, “Being a new Superintendent is like drinking from a firehose.” I had outstanding preparation, an amazing professor/mentor and a an ever expanding professional support network that positioned me to take on the Superintendent role. I had taken the appropriate classes, obtained the correct degrees, had multiple leadership positions along the way…I was ready. Then the firehose was turned on full blast.
I was told there would be a “Honeymoon” period as as new Superintendent and to use that time to listen, learn and establish relationships with all stakeholders. Use that time to get to know the students, staff and broad needs of the district. Use that time to begin executing all those wonderful visions, goals and plans you laid out during your interviews. I was hoping to stretch that “honeymoon” period as long as possible. Looking back, I am not sure how long a time period I expected, but I do know I had nine blissfully glorious days of the “honeymoon” period.
On Friday March 13th…Yes, Friday the 13th (I can’t make that up) I announced that our school corporation, along with all others across Indiana would be closing for two weeks. This was due to a new virus called Corona or Covid or something with a 19 at the end. Two weeks to “flatten the curve.” Two weeks for everyone to be “all in.”
At the time it didn’t register that the “Honeymoon” period was officially over. (Cue the ominous music) The second firehose was now open at full blast……
More to come….:)
