Just like Presidents and other elected officials publicly announce a plan for their first 100 days in office, school superintendents need one too. Whether you are new to the community or have been promoted from within, all new superintendents need a plan to introduce themselves to their community and set their vision for the school district.
Here’s how to start:
- Your Announcement – This is your opportunity to introduce yourself as the new leader to the community.
- Consider a video announcement that accompanies a press release. In the video, include interviews with one or two board members, teachers, parents or students who served on the interview committee.
- Update the website with your bio and interesting personal facts.
- Announce where to follow you on social media.
- Maximize the 1st day of school – You should be highly visible throughout the day with social media (consider Facebook Live, Instagram Stories). This is also a great way to gather photos that can be used in publications beyond the typical “mug shot.”
- Setting Your Vision – Embark on a listening tour to help set your vision.
- Identify 1:1 or small group meetings with key community stakeholders.
- Determine Key Questions to ask community and staff:
- What are the best qualities of our school district?
- Where do we need to improve?
- Where should we be in the next five years?
- Start community coffees – Connect with influential people or families in the district and their networks (goal = 2/month)
- Spend time in classrooms, focus groups with select students in the library (take pictures/video of each visit)
- Report results of the Listening Tour and your Action Plan at a future board meeting.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. A well-planned first 100 days of community engagement will help new leaders build credibility and relationships in the community.
Interested in learning more about how the Allerton Hill Communications team can help you with this transition? Contact us today.
