Superintendent Interview

Dr. Vickey M. Giles, Superintendent of Schools

Sheldon I. S.D.

As I reflect on my interview with our Superintendent, Dr. Vickey Giles, I am reminded of the importance of the superintendent position.  The impact that this position has on a school district is beyond measure. I have worked under seven different superintendents during my years in education. In the right hands a district can make amazing growth in student achievement. It can also develop long-lasting positive relationships with its stakeholders. As I spoke with our Superintendent a few themes came to the surface. The importance of communication and placing the right people in the right places were two of the greatest discussion points.

When asked about her definition of leadership she had no hesitation stating that a good leader places competent people in the right positions and lets them do their job.  She monitors their progress by being on the campuses and through our roundtable discussions.  This is our Superintendent’s fifth year in the position and she has always been very visible throughout the district.

As we continued our interview, we discussed both the positive and the difficult aspects of being a Superintendent. Dr. Giles smiled as she talked about the positive impact on student learning that she can have in her position. Her commitment to increased student achievement is easily identified anytime one talks with her. Dr. Giles also is well aware that being a Superintendent does not come without challenges. She discussed with me that dealing with the little things can keep you from focusing on what is important if you let it.  It is a challenge for the Superintendent to stay focused if they are not “out in the field” monitoring what is happening. During this discussion, I was reminded of a recent conversation in which she reminded us that Central Office’s role is to serve the campuses. We are to be servant leaders just as we expect our principals to practice servant leadership on the campus.

The next question focused on the attributes of a good superintendent. As we sat at her conference table she shared her experience. Dr. Giles stressed the importance of the superintendent being a good communicator. A good superintendent has a vision of where the district can go and is able to communicate why it should go there. A strong work ethic is also paramount to the success of a superintendent. The hours are long and the reward is not always immediate. The last thing that Dr. Giles shared with me was not expected. She said a good superintendent needs to be able to laugh. With everything that happens on a daily basis it would be easy to get overwhelmed. Sometimes being able to laugh might be the best medicine.

Our district has embarked on the development of a new strategic plan. With this in mind, I was looking forward to discussing how a leader develops a shared vision. I thought she would discuss the process of the strategic planning in answering this question. However, she went further. She discussed not only strategic planning but reiterated the importance of communication. It is not enough to have a vision it must be communicated. Dr. Giles said that it is important that the students and parents know her and understand that she is willing to listen to them. Whether it is a student in the hall on a campus or a community member at a football game she is ready to spend time listening what they have to say.

Although I asked many other questions, one other answer stood out. When asked about building a good working relationship with the Board of Trustees, Dr. Giles emphasized the importance of building a one on one relationship with each member of the board. Although the Board is a group, it is important that the superintendent understand the personality and vision of each member of the Board.  These individuals dedicate their time to the school district and it is imperative that a superintendent be willing to listen to each person.

I really enjoyed this assignment. It was beneficial to my own professional development to sit and discuss these questions and hear the answers from someone who has the experience that she has. As I continue on this journey it will be important to stop and listen to those who have trod the road before me.  Their knowledge is a resource that should not be squandered.