I want to give a shout out for my husband…I was standing at the copy machine making some copies for Andrew’s teacher, when the reading specialist poked her head into Steve’s office. As she stood at the door and expounded, I overheard the following conversation….
“I hope your ears were burning because, I just left a conversation between the high school teachers. They are so impressed by the work you are doing. You are doing the job of two positions. You are so organized. The staff is happy. The kids are behaving better. I just wanted to pass on the good things that are being said about you. You are doing a great job and everyone is thrilled.”
Steve’s reply was so like him (and probably why he’s not Superintendent of the year or in some cushy state job)….he said, “Thank you, but….” and humbly gave all the credit to his staff for taking the action. He is so not a self promoter and I love him for that.
People stop me in the school halls and along the sidewalks and tell me what a great job he is doing. He gets emails from his staff complimenting him on his communicativeness, positive behavior ideas and the logic in which he resolves a wide range of difficult problems. In two-and-a-half months he has saved the school money as well as brought in thousands of dollars for the district. Steve has effectively addressed some challenging discipline issues in the high school. He is breaking new ground by engaging parents in open and constructive conversations about their children’s success in school. In addition, he is making great strides on the Career and Technical Education Wood-burning program which helps the environment and gives high school students authentic, real-life learning experiences. He works hard and strives to make the system run itself through empowering his staff and establishing a clear operating system that is easy to execute.
Being a Superintendent/Principal is a tough job no matter where you live but some issues that Alaska administrators face are; the largest numbers of students affected by fetal alcohol syndrome in the country, race issues, high drug and alcohol use, high suicide rates, high staff turnovers and very limited budgets. Not to mention, guiding a school board to make crucial decisions, when they know nearly nothing about education or running a financially sound business. I do not envy Steve’s job in the least. I respect him for fighting the good fight in a sincere and ethical manner. He even bought a student and alarm clock, knowing there was no parent to help this student get up in the morning. He is a problem solver for difficult issues and a great leader that humbly credits others when success occurs. I knew Andrew and I was lucky when we met him. I know the town Hoonah thinks the same.
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