UNION PRESIDENTS SPEAK:
Ernest Logan — CSA
Welcome Back
By Ernest Logan
September is always an exciting time for school supervisors and administrators. New students, new curriculum, new parents–the opportunities to improve our classrooms seem unlimited. I know the calendar says that the New Year begins in January, but we who work in schools know that the year really begins after Labor Day when the children arrive with pristine notebooks and sharpened pencils.
We must now focus on this school year; a year that will surely hold challenges but also triumphs. By working together, school leaders, teachers, and parents can focus on student achievement as well as work to narrow the achievement gap. We will try to improve the educational climate for all students, especially for those struggling to remain among their peers. As school leaders, we are dedicated to educating every child that walks through our doors.
This year, thankfully, we have not been faced with another major reorganization. However, we will still face obstacles, many of which have arisen from recent budget cuts. Although we successfully fought the more drastic budget reductions, we are still struggling to fill vacancies, offer new programs, and maintain those that are in place. Even in this deteriorating economy, it is essential that education remain a priority. Remember: Our kids do not get a second chance.
The beginning of another school year also presents the opportunity to explore new educational initiatives. I encourage you to try different approaches; if you find what you’re doing is not yielding the results you’d like to see, it’s time to switch gears. As Albert Einstein said, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
I know that your community looks to you to provide direction and guidance when difficulties and conflicts emerge. I know I can count on each one of you to be caring and innovative when working collaboratively with others. We must never underestimate the importance of building relationships with staff and parents. With their support and your strong leadership, we can be assured that the city’s students will make significant progress this year.#
Ernest Logan is President of Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.
