As I reported earlier this summer, it’s that time of year again.  The time when districts look at what their campuses are doing and then look at LYS campuses and decide that they need to make a run at those campus and district leaders.  In the course of the recruitment dance, the interested district always wants a to hear from a reference or two.  Do you want to know why the LYS Leader is different?  Here is an excerpt from a reference that I just completed.

Do you know her reason for wanting to leaving her current district? An interesting question, as you are aware (MASKED NAME) is not looking for a job.  Your district contacted her because she is one of the top five, large school principals in the state.

How does she get along with superiors, colleagues and subordinates? Again, an interesting question. If as a superintendent, you value a principal that outworks everyone and builds a campus that outperforms all rivals, then you will love (MASKED NAME). If, in your district, you have campus administrators that don’t want to work harder to keep up with her, then your district does not have a climate conducive to (MASKED NAME). How (MASKED NAME) is received has more to do with the attitude of you and your administrators than her. 

Describe her strengths. (MASKED NAME) is a data and observation geek.  She knows what is working and what isn’t before anyone else even knows that there might be an issue.  Her campuses make three self-adjustments before anyone else has finished reading their morning e-mails.

Any weakness? (MASKED NAME) has little time or sympathy for education leaders that worry more about adult comfort than student performance.

Is there anything else you would like to share about her? A district hires (MASKED NAME) because it wants its principals to be more like (MASKED NAME). Regardless of where your organization is currently positioned things will improve after (MASKED NAME) arrives.

Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5 
• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “Look at Me: A Cautionary School Leadership Tale” Individual copies available on Amazon.com!  http://tinyurl.com/lookatmebook 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Plans (Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Tool); PW Lite (Basic PowerWalks Tool); PW Pro (Mid-level PowerWalks Tool)
• Confirmed 2012 Presentations: Channelview ISD Leadership Team Kickoff, Bushland ISD Staff Kickoff, Canadian ISD Staff Kickoff, Highland Park ISD Staff Kickoff, Sunray ISD Staff Kickoff, Region 10 ESC Fall Leadership Conference (Keynote)
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