Curmudgeon's Corner

Village Buzz - May7th

Posted by Al Campbell on May 7, 2010

Education, Germantown, Quality of Life, School Board, Village Buzz

New Superintendent…

I had the opportunity yesterday to visit briefly with our newly-signed district superintendent.  Sue Borden, currently a principal in the Muskego – Norway District, will assume her new duties on July 1^st.

She is an impressive person who is very much engaged and engaging.  In talking with members of the interview team, it became immediately apparent that they were quick to decide that she brought the necessary skills and energy to be the front-runner amongst all the candidates.

Among the things she discussed was the need to establish expectations for her and those in leadership roles in the district.  She knows this is a significant leap for her, professionally, and she is not shy about saying she’ll have a lot to learn.  She is willing to expose herself to the same standards that her team will be expected to sustain, and that, to me, is the sign of a good leader.

I suspect that there will be noticeable change in areas that have heretofore been somewhat resistant to change. I am doubtful that people will be permitted to plateau unless and until they have reached the highest levels of performance, and then they’ll continue to be challenged to deliver at high levels.

As you can see, I am a fan, and I doubt that I’ll have to eat any of my words as her tour of duty unfolds.  Might there be a few bumps in the road?  Certainly.  One doesn’t walk into a district of this size with the myriad personalities that exist, and not find a few problems that will take time to resolve.  She has said that she wants the input of the parents and citizens of the district.  I think she meant that.

Kennedy Middle School “Parent Night”…

School Principal Steve Bold has sent me a copy of the flyer announcing “A Parent Night” that will be held at Kennedy Middle from 7:00PM to 8:30PM on Tuesday, May 18^th.  This is for adults only, by the way.

That will be followed by a presentation to each grade the following day by former students, ages 16-25, who will speak of their own experiences involving alcohol, drugs, bullying and peer pressure.

I was never fond of the Clinton phrase, “it takes a village” but that is apparent so far as drugs and alcohol.  This is an important issue for us all and we are invited to attend.