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WSU superintendent program
Justice gives educators front-row perspective on ruling
Friday, Jan. 27, 2012
By Julie Titone, College of Education
WSU superintendent program participants in the state Senate chambers.
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The occasion was the yearly seminar held in Olympia for educators enrolled in Washington State University’s Superintendent Certification Program.
The seminar is a two-day immersion in state government and education issues, and participants give it high marks for timely, valuable information. This year, after a welcome from Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, they heard from lobbyists, state agency staffers and public school administrators.
Education cuts not off the table
Stephens’ talk was a huge hit. The justice provided insight on the state of public school funding, giving historical context as well as outlining the factors that shaped the McCleary v. Washington decision.
"What a treat,” wrote John Graf, vice principal at Ellensburg High School, in his evaluation of the seminar. "I have shared the key points of her presentation with the Ellensburg School District Leadership Team and broadened the understanding of school finance reform for our team members.”
The McCleary ruling was hailed by school administrators like those at the seminar, whose schools have been pounded by state budget cuts. But one of Stephens’ key points, as summarized by Jack Anderson, director of special programs for the Kennewick School District, was: "The McCleary decision does not mean that cuts to education will be stopped or off the table for 2012.”
WSU grads head half of school districts
Half of Washington school districts are led by graduates of the WSU superintendent program. The practical focus that makes the program so popular is reflected in the seminar evaluation questions: What concepts did you learn that can apply back home? What ideas will you share with colleagues? What concept do you want to learn more about?
 Justice Debra Stephens with Steve Barnes,
principal of Holmes Elementary in Spokane
and WSU superintendent program participant. |
- As we prepare to run our levy in February, it was helpful to learn about the resources the League of Education Voters has available online.—Russell Hill, principal of Marcus Whitman-Cowiche Elementary, regarding a presentation by Frank Ordway, the league’s director of governmental relations.
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The information shared with us in regard to the impending Legislative session and the updates regarding what may be happening in the next few weeks was so timely for us to be able to share with our administrative team. … Knowing that there is such a small portion of the budget that can even be touched compounds the problem and makes the future look somewhat bleak. I also appreciated, though, how quickly things can change and the importance of the clear message about the critical role that education plays in our democracy.—Jill Massa, director of teaching and learning for the Warden School District, regarding a talk by Dan Steele of the Washington Association of School Administrators.
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The superintendency is a lifestyle, not a job. That is a huge mind shift for me.—Mark Helm, principal at Pioneer Middle School, Wenatchee, in response to a talk by Renton’s superintendent, Mary Alice Heuschel.
Political involvement
Helm also echoed the take-home message that other participants mentioned: You can’t remain on the political sidelines and still be a successful school superintendent.
"I am not one who is very politically involved – I don’t email my legislators or write my congressmen,” he wrote. "But after listening to this weekend’s presenters, I need to start sharing with these folks.”
Contacts:
Gene Sharatt, WSU’s superintendent and principal certification programs, gsharratt@wsu.edu, 509-670-3222
Julie Titone, WSU College of Education, jtitone@wsu.edu, 509-335-6850
Gene Sharatt, WSU’s superintendent and principal certification programs, gsharratt@wsu.edu, 509-670-3222
Julie Titone, WSU College of Education, jtitone@wsu.edu, 509-335-6850
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