My Transition to a New School

This is my first year at Pleasantville Community Schools in Pleasantville, Iowa as their superintendent. It is, however, not my first superintendency. I had served in this capacity for the previous seven years in a district in northwest Iowa. In my previous district, it was my first job as a superintendent and I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I asked a lot of questions and I feel good about the fact that I left that district better than I found it.

Now that I am in Pleasantville, I feel more confident of how things should be run, at least in my opinion. Here is what I have found in my new district. I have found the teachers and staff to be very warm and welcoming. I did a little exercise this summer in that I spent 20-30 minutes with each teacher. I asked them to describe the district using three words, what two things we need to get better at, what is your biggest hope for the school year and what is your biggest fear. In visiting with the teachers, I truly believe that they feel, like I do, that teaching is a calling, not a job or even a career. They really want the best education for our kids and will be willing to do whatever it takes for them to be successful. That was so reassuring to me.

When asked to describe the district, many staff members used the word “traditional” but also used words like “innovative” and “progressive.” While it sounds a bit counter-intuitive, I understand where they are coming from with their answers. We have a veteran staff, many of which graduated from Pleasantville High School, and we have moved into a 1:1 environment and continue to try new things.

I have found that there is a difference between schools of different sizes. The staffing for a small school is, in my opinion, much more diverse. They are asked to do many more things, other than simply teach their classes. They have more duties, more variety of classes at the secondary level, and more personal relationships due to their added responsibilities.

I have found that certain people within this district have many more responsibilities than I think they should have. We are in the process of re-aligning who does what within our district. People rely on one or two people way too much in my opinion and we have to “spread the wealth” so it’s a bit more evenly distributed and it doesn’t take time away from their primary responsibilities.

Finally, I’m a list writer. The lists are electronic but are lists still the same. Actually, right now, I have three lists going. My first list is about complete and has immediate goals. My second list is a long-range plan but strictly for teaching and learning and my third list is strictly for facilities. I don’t know if my lists will ever be finished for as I cross things off, I also keep adding to them. But, as each list grows and shrinks, I know we are getting better as a district.

Long story short, I love it here in Pleasantville and I truly look forward to coming to work everyday. Thanks.