Voice of MN Education

MASA New & 2nd Yr member Update

This message contains information for the new and newer members of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) and is written by Charlie Kyte, MASA Executive Director.

This audio podcast is 5 1/2 minutes long.

SUPPORT EACH OTHERS WITH LEVY REFERENDUMS

If you have a referendum in your district be sure to stay on positive messages over this next two weeks.  Also attend to the mechanics of running your election such as polling officials, ballots and election sites.  If you don't have an election be ready to help other colleagues as the elections occur.  Remember that if an election fails there is considerable blame to go around and much often falls on the Superintendent.  This is a time when some positive support from colleagues is appreciated.

PAY ATTENTION TO STAFF AND LONG RANGE PLANNING

If you have a position that is a full time Superintendency, recognize that this is a time of year to make a special effort to be out and around your buildings meeting with staff and students.  If you share a Superintendent/ Principal position remember to take the time to also concentrqate on the longer term planning that is required of the superintendent portion of your position.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING FOR NEWER MEMBERS

The next Great Start Workshop is scheduled for November 9th.  The 2nd Year Cohort group is scheduled to meet on November 13th.

NOVEMBER 'TO DO' LIST

It is time to begin the budget planning cycle.  Your Board will be expecting Budget parameters soon and you should also be firming up the Budget/ Staffing cycle dates that you and your Board will follow over the next 6 months.

NEGOTIATIONS

It is easy to 'get down' on teachers during the negotiations cycle.  However it is better to work with an organized workforce than one that is totally unfocused.  Work to keep as positive a working relationship with the teacher negotiators as possible (not always easy to do) as the negotiations will eventually end and you will all need to work together for a common purpose.  Stay positive.

MASA "New Member" Update

A message to new MASA members from Charlie Kyte, Executive Director

This audio podcast is 5 minutes long.

SUMMER 'THANK YOU' MESSAGES:

There are a million things to do to get your schools opened.  It is equally important to take a bit of time to thank those that worked in the schools during the summer months.  A short note to summer secretaries, custodians and Community Ed workers goes a long way.  Often these people don't get much in the way of recognition or compliments.  A note will be very appreciated.

LEARN NAMES OF NEW STAFF:

No matter if you have only a few new staff members, or many dozens, the better you can learn names, the better you will be able to connect with the 'rank and file' in your District.  One way to help this occur is to have a secretary prepare a list of all new staff and their assignments.  If you have multiple buildings/ sites, have a list for each building.  I used to like putting the names on a 4X6 card and keep them in my car.  As I traveled between buildings, I would look over the list and try to find a couple of the new staff each time I visited and have a short conversation with them.  Be sure to include both teachers and all support staff.

KEY ELECTION DATES AND NOTICES:

There are a number of notices that must be published, and other tasks to do, all during late September and into October as you prepare for a November election.  Consult the 'Boardcaster' published by the MSBA and discuss what needs to be done with experienced support staff in your District.

LEADERSHIP TIPS:

Surround yourself with people who are strong where you are the weakest.

Individual teachers don't represent the Union, and the Union doesn't always speak for the individual teacher.

Employee organization leaders do not have much experience in carrying out a Districts strategic responsibilities.

Include employee organization leaders in helping to set the Districts strategic direction.  In this way, you will see more 'buy in'.

NEXT GREAT START WORKSHOP:

The second 'Great Start' Workshop is scheduled for September 20th at the MASA office building near the State Fair Grounds in St. Paul.  Watch for a mailing soon to get you signed up to attend.

QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS....CALL CHARLIE:

If you have a question or problem, give me a call.  My cell phone # is 651-247-6505.  No issue is too big or too small!

"New MASA Member Message"

This message contains vital information for  new MASA members as they begin their new positions leading Minnesota's Schools.   From Charlie Kyte, Executive Director, MASA

Listen to the audio podcast which gives you more detail on each of the subjects below.  The podcast is 8 minutes long.

WELCOME TO SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP

This year there wil be about 50 vacancies for Superintendents and 30 vacancies for Central Office Administators filled in Minesota.  Of these, about 30 Superintendent positions and 20 CO positions will be filled by persons new to those positions.  MASA will help you get off to a good start!

REMEMBER WHO YOU REALLY WORK FOR

Superintendents must serve many constituencies.  Howeever it is important to remember that it is the School Board that hired you and they act as your primary employer.  A significant part of your job is to help the Board be successful and for them to see you as their CEO.

QUOTES

" Be gentile with people, but tough as hell with the issues"

Advice to new Superintendents...."Quit being a Principal"

ENTRY PLAN

If you are looking for guidance on how to make a strategic entry into your new district, check out the Entry Plan on the MASA website.  Go to www.mnasa.org, click on 'Legal Support' and scroll down to 'Entry Plans' .

GREAT START WORKSHOPS....AUGUST 2 & 3

The first of several Great Start Workshops is scheduled for August 2 & 3.  These workshops are designed to help new MASA members and SUperintendents get off to a good start.  There is no cost to attend and you can register by calling the MASA Office at 651-645-6272.  Ask for Mary or Jeanna.

NEED HELP....CALL CHARLIE

If you need advice on operational issues, Board management, negotiations or how to solve a thorny personel issue, give Charlie a call.  You can call anytime including weekends or in the evening hours.  His phone numbers are:  651-645-6272 (o); 651-247-6505 (c...usually the best); 507-645-7838 (h).

LEADERSHIP TIPS FOR SUPERINTENDENTS

By: Charlie Kyte

The short article below was sent out to the MASA first year Superintendents yesterday.  We realized the 'tips' included apply for all of us, so we pass the article along to all who lead organizations.