Canyons School District
Superintendent's Update
Between the Lines
October 16, 2009
As I have contemplated this month’s message, I have been reflecting on my first few weeks as Canyons School District superintendent, a job that I took just over a year ago. I didn’t have an office. I didn’t have any employees. But what I did have was a laptop and an energy motivated by the promise of the new school district. I made it my first order of business to meet the principals, faculty and staff at each of the schools — a delicate matter at the time, as the schools remained part of Jordan School District. Standing in front of employees at school after school, I noticed that the anxiety in the air was palpable.
Yet I found myself comforted by the positive attitudes of the outstanding professionals at the helm. I also found myself crossing my fingers that these fine leaders would have the courage to stay on board and give both me, and the new school district, a chance.
I can’t tell you how happy I am that they did. Nor can I express how much I appreciate the tenacity and flexibility each of the principals displayed throughout the process of assembling Utah’s first new school district in nearly a century. These professionals took up the challenge, on top of their already complex, nuanced jobs, with a grain of salt and a pound of grace. As we wrap up Utah School Principals Week, I want to take this
opportunity to publicly thank them.
So I say to our 44 Canyons principals, I’m honored to be your colleague. Long after most others have wrapped up the work day, turned off their classroom lights and gone home to friends and family, you remain under the buzz of fluorescent bulbs, be they in your office where you comfort a distraught parent, in the gym where you cheer your basketball team, or in the media center where you gather with your School Community
Council. For this, I thank you.
You diplomatically resolve sensitive issues with parents. You provide instructional leadership to your staff. You’re as willing to help custodians pick up the lunchroom as you are to make sure the child who forgot his lunch money – again – will find something to eat. You lift where you stand. For this, I admire you.
You create a space of safety and calm for children, for communities, for teachers and your staff. When challenges seem insurmountable, you’re the one to continue on, to tread a path for others. For this, I respect you.
Thank you for your efforts as CEOs, customer service representatives, sounding boards, foster parents, PR representatives, fund raisers, peace brokers, and resolution seekers. Thank you for focusing on children and families, student achievement and excellence. Thank you for your work behind the scenes, for making sure teachers and staff receive their kudos while too often going without accolades yourselves. You inspire those who work and learn in your buildings, communities, and here at the District Office. Your efforts lift all of us. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you.
Superintendent's Update
Between the Lines
October 16, 2009
As I have contemplated this month’s message, I have been reflecting on my first few weeks as Canyons School District superintendent, a job that I took just over a year ago. I didn’t have an office. I didn’t have any employees. But what I did have was a laptop and an energy motivated by the promise of the new school district. I made it my first order of business to meet the principals, faculty and staff at each of the schools — a delicate matter at the time, as the schools remained part of Jordan School District. Standing in front of employees at school after school, I noticed that the anxiety in the air was palpable.
Yet I found myself comforted by the positive attitudes of the outstanding professionals at the helm. I also found myself crossing my fingers that these fine leaders would have the courage to stay on board and give both me, and the new school district, a chance.
I can’t tell you how happy I am that they did. Nor can I express how much I appreciate the tenacity and flexibility each of the principals displayed throughout the process of assembling Utah’s first new school district in nearly a century. These professionals took up the challenge, on top of their already complex, nuanced jobs, with a grain of salt and a pound of grace. As we wrap up Utah School Principals Week, I want to take this
opportunity to publicly thank them.
So I say to our 44 Canyons principals, I’m honored to be your colleague. Long after most others have wrapped up the work day, turned off their classroom lights and gone home to friends and family, you remain under the buzz of fluorescent bulbs, be they in your office where you comfort a distraught parent, in the gym where you cheer your basketball team, or in the media center where you gather with your School Community
Council. For this, I thank you.
You diplomatically resolve sensitive issues with parents. You provide instructional leadership to your staff. You’re as willing to help custodians pick up the lunchroom as you are to make sure the child who forgot his lunch money – again – will find something to eat. You lift where you stand. For this, I admire you.
You create a space of safety and calm for children, for communities, for teachers and your staff. When challenges seem insurmountable, you’re the one to continue on, to tread a path for others. For this, I respect you.
Thank you for your efforts as CEOs, customer service representatives, sounding boards, foster parents, PR representatives, fund raisers, peace brokers, and resolution seekers. Thank you for focusing on children and families, student achievement and excellence. Thank you for your work behind the scenes, for making sure teachers and staff receive their kudos while too often going without accolades yourselves. You inspire those who work and learn in your buildings, communities, and here at the District Office. Your efforts lift all of us. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you.
