We talk to school district patrons all the time, and one thing we consistently hear is districts do not share enough about the general status of the district. Districts tend to focus on student achievements and other feel-good stories. That’s all good and fine and gives people the impression everything…
When we talk to patrons about what they want from school districts, one of the topics that almost always comes up is transparency. Patrons want to know more about what’s going on in the district than they currently know. But here’s the problem. Our research also shows they are not digesting the information…
By Dr. Jaret Tomlinson As the work of leading school districts continues to grow in complexity, strong, collaborative relationships between superintendents and School Board members are more essential than ever. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few best practices for managing School Board relations in ways that…
If you are contemplating a bond or levy issue in the next 12 months, think about what kind of information would be helpful in formulating your ballot questions and running a successful information campaign. You might want to know: -Are your patrons happy with the current state of the district?-Where…
In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, understanding the climate and culture of your school district is more important than ever. A healthy, inclusive, and supportive school culture can significantly impact student engagement, staff satisfaction, and community involvement. However, conducting a meaningful Climate and Culture Study is no simple task. Why…
Guest column by Lonnie MoserSuperintendent, Hiawatha Schools USD 415 I’m not sure there is a better season than autumn. The fall colors in Hiawatha, known as the city of beautiful maples, is a sight to behold, and schools are fully engaged in their purpose. As we near the end of…
