It has been quite awhile since I’ve put my words down, but I’ve thought about this next message since last week. Why? Well last week, a good friend of our son, committed suicide. While there is great sadness when anyone takes his or her own life, some suicides seem to be more uncharacteristic than others. …
Category: Educational Updates
May 03
Thanks to educators during this pandemic and beyond!
On March 29th, I wrote the following blog post, “A Personal Message to All Educators.” I’m not sure whether this is simply a follow up, or instead this next blog post is for the general public but regardless, I think it is an important piece to write. It is easy to recognize our health care …
Mar 29
A Personal Message to All Educators
January 3rd was my last day as Superintendent of Schools and the end to an almost 35 year career in education. It was the right time for many reasons and I have not regretted the decision. However, since the COVID 19 pandemic has hit, there has been a pit in my stomach, a certain uneasiness …
Mar 14
Results and Outcomes…What do they truly mean? Part II
In part I of this series, I spoke a little about how results and outcomes can be manipulated to prove one’s point. In this blog, I want to discuss how to start looking beyond simple results and outcomes and begin moving a culture towards learning and continuous improvement. While this is my journey, I believe …
Mar 09
Results and Outcomes…What do they truly mean? Part I
A number of years ago, one of my most respected principals made the following comment (paraphrased), “Why is it that when our results are good on a standardized test we applaud the work of our staff, but when our results are poor, we blame the exam?” This statement is becoming increasingly more important given the …
Mar 03
Integrity in leadership
It is a sad statement of our times, but I truly believe that the level of integrity of our leaders is depleting at a record rate. Some (not all) politicians, national or provincial/state reek with integrity flaws But, it seems that the crisis has crept into many areas of leadership that had one time, had …
Feb 07
Coaching kids- a message for adults!
This past week I enjoyed some great conversations with friends and colleagues about coaching. I also attended a high school basketball tournament where I watched some coaches in action and listened to the comments of fans/parents. SPECIAL NOTE FOR PARENTS- In all likelihood your child is not going to make his/her living as a professional …
Nov 29
Saying goodbye to my CASSIX colleagues
Last night, I was recognized at our annual CASSIX/ASBOA Christmas Dinner and Retirement Evening. Other than my own senior administrative team, these individuals (senior leaders from across zone 6) have been my closest colleagues. My relationship with this esteemed group goes back to 2001 when I entered senior leadership. During what I call my “retirement …
Nov 23
Supporting Principals as Instructional Leaders
In my work as a senior leader, I’ve long-held the belief, that the most influential person in a school division is the principal. Their ability to “lead from the middle” as explained by Andy Hargreaves is certainly influential but it also comes with some significant pressures from top and bottom. That simple fact should be …
Nov 13
Final Musings
Over the past number of years, the local paper, the Lethbridge Herald has provided superintendents in the area a chance to submit articles on a rotational basis. Although I’m not set to retire until January, the following article published on November 13th, will be my last. Enjoy! With my impending retirement in January, this will …