Superintendent Interview - Progress

 My superintendent is Scott Campbell at East Chambers ISD.  He has been the superintendent there for fifteen years, a principal there for four years, and graduated from East Chambers High School.   I have had the pleasure of working for him for six years, two of which as a principal. We had to reschedule our interview because he has been out of town at a leadership conference in Austin and visiting his freshman daughter at UT.  While our relationship is very relaxed at times, I found myself very nervous to set up this formal interview.  Of course I was greeted with a warm laugh and a jab or two about how green I was.  We met in his office, where we hold our weekly administrators meetings.  I recorded the conversation so that I would not be frantically writing everything down.  I have so much admiration for Mr. Campbell and he has taught me everything that I know about how to be an administrator.  Anytime I have a question, concern, or need help with anything he is available and I respect and value his opinion on everything.  The meeting lasted almost forty-five minutes and I could have stayed longer, as I felt this was such a prime fireside opportunity to ask questions in the absence of the other administrators.  As one can guess, I am the youngest of the group and there are times when I do not want to let on that I do not know something or ask a “dumb” question. Even though my question may be dumb he never lets on that he feels that way.

I chose five responses that stood out to me as being something that I want to put in my hat and live by.  I have paraphrased all of his responses.

1.  What is your definition of leadership?

            Leadership is not something that you can teach, but instead something that is an innate ability to get others to follow you in a common goal.  The “it” factor if you will.  It is kind of like when we were searching for a new athletic director and you were in on the interviews.  When you meet someone and they walk into the room there is a certain way that they carry themselves, almost like an assurance. 

3.  What are the negative or difficult aspects of being in a leadership position?

            I would say that the most difficult aspect of being in a leadership position, especially in a small community, is combating all the bad public relations that miscommunication and misunderstandings cause.  Everyone interprets differently projects that we do or personnel that we hire or decisions that make and sometimes the reality and the perception are not one and the same. 

8.  How does the Superintendent build a good working relationship with the Board?

            In my opinion you do not deal with the Board any different then any good professional relationship.  By utilizing honesty, open communication, and mutual respect we are all able to move towards the common goal of ensuring success of all of our students.  We have one of best Boards in Texas and I have been so fortunate to work so successfully for them. 

12.  How should Superintendents approach management of everything from budgets to technology applications?

            Keeping yourself up to date with current trends and connected with what other districts are doing is essential.  Having good personnel on your team is also necessary.  Your team must share the same drive and goals to work as a unit.

14.  Please discuss the importance of organizational leadership, as well as decision-making and problem-solving skills addressing these compliance areas and maintaining positive change.

            Just the word change strikes a cord with almost everyone.  Change should be looked upon like progress.  If we continue teaching and operating like we always have, then when the standards are increased our students will not be able to compete.  My role requires that when I look for progress.  Progress is the idea that our district can be increasingly better in terms of everything that we do.