Leadership Matters May 2014 working doc

Dr. Schuler namedAASAPresident-Elect_____________________________________________

(Continued frompage 10)

board presidents. “Each of the board presidents was awesome, but they were different individuals with completely different styles. “The first one expectedme to facilitate the board meetings. The second onemade it clear that it was a meeting of the board, that shewould run themeeting andmy role would be to ask and answer questions. I have had board presidents who wanted time to process issues before making a decision and board presidents who didn’t want to hang up the phone without a completely developed plan. It is my responsibility to get to know the current board president’s style and ensure I act and communicate according to that style.” Schuler described his relationship with teachers, staff and other administrators as “open and approachable.” He sets aside several days each school year to spend the lunch hours in the faculty lounge at each of the six schools in his district to be available for teachers and staff to share their ideas and suggestions in a relaxed atmosphere on their turf. “I have learned so much from them sharing their thoughts, ideas and concerns. And we have made significant changes because of their input. For example, one of our technology rock star staff members mentioned to me that she was maxed out from other staff asking her to assist them in addition to preparing for her classes. As a result of that conversation, wemodified the staffing formula to give several of our technology rock stars one period a day off to offer support and coaching for their peers. Another examplewas when amember of our support staff told me about some forms they had to fill out every week, but there was no obvious need for the forms. Hewas right, andbeginning next year theywill no longer fill out those forms. Those are just two recent ideas that havebeen implemented.” The relationship with the at-large community is a critical part of Schuler’s approach. “Sometimes there is a misperception that the community that doesn’t have children in school is not supportive of public education. Often that’s because we don’t do a great job of celebrating, championing and communicating our successes,” he said. There are eight mayors within the boundaries of Schuler’s school district and he and the board president meet with each mayor annually to talk about what the schools mean to their communities and how the schools can help their communities. The

HarrisandMarenda elected toAASAGoverningBoard

Daniel F. Marenda, superintendent of La Salle District 122, and Dr. Brian Harris, superintendent of Wheaton District 200, were elected May 1 to the AASA Governing Board. Marenda was re-elected and will continue serving as the IASA Northcentral Super Region representative through June 30, 2017. Harris will represent the IASA Northeastern Super Region. His three-year termbegins July 1. IASA extends a special thank you for leadership and service to Dr. Sheila Harrison- Williams, superintendent of Hazel Crest District 152-5, and to Dr. David Schuler, superintendent of Township High School District 214, whose terms expire June 30. Harrison-Williams currently serves on the AASA Governing Board and Schuler on the AASA Executive Committee. Schuler recently became President-Elect of AASA. Illinois holds five seats on the AASA Governing Board. The representatives for each IASASuper Regionbeginning July 1 are: IASANorthcentral Super Region Daniel F. Marenda, Superintendent – LaSalle 122 (term expires 6/30/2017) IASANortheasternSuper Region Dr. Catherine M. Finger, Superintendent - Grayslake Comm 127 (term expires 6/30/2015) Dr. Brian Harris, Superintendent – Wheaton #200 (Termexpires 6/30/2017) Dr. Jane L. Westerhold, Superintendent - Des Plaines CC #2 (term expires 6/30/2016) IASASouthernSuper Region Dr. Gary Kelly, Superintendent – DuQuoin 300 (term expires 6/30/2016)

(Continuedonpage12)

11