School Boards and Relationships

Everything comes down to relationships. WSSDA really is about School Boards
and Superintendents being in an environment where they can get to know each
other in a place where there is plenty of conversation about education.

School Boards are about local politics and the members are regular folk who
have an interest in education. A Superintendent has the ability to create
an environment that either makes this manageable or chaotic for the board
members.

I appreciated the opportunity to talk with one SB member about his interest
in reform and why he originally ran for SB. He really saw the potential of
changing the school day, the calendar, the master schedule to more
creatively meet the needs for students. Over time, the WASL and assessments
have been a tidal wave that has made this kind of reform less likely.

WSSDA is about the time to get to know the thinking, dreams and priorities
of SB and Superintendent.

At dinner, Karen took the time to lay out the major issues that she sees
coming. They didn't talk about solutions. They seemed to start a peek at
the coming issues.