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On May 27, 2021, Jen Schwanke, principal of Indian Run Elementary in Dublin, Ohio, and author of two books on school leadership, joined me for a conversation with two principals from the Principal Matters Mastermind community: Samantha Bartrom, Principal of Coastal Academy in Oceanside, California, and Erin Igoe, Assistant Principal at Piedmont High School in the San Francisco Bay Area.
This entire school year, Principal Matters Mastermind members have been joining together once a week for book discussions, collaboration and problem solving. This week, two members joined me to ask Jen questions and discuss a chapter of The Principal Reboot: 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership, by Jen Schwanke with the author herself.
Each principal discussed updates on closing out the school year as well as content from Jen’s book in Chapter 7: Revisit Operations.
First, efficiency matters. As Jen says on page 134, “…if we are spending our time addressing repercussions of inefficient operations, then we’re not doing things we should be doing.”
Next, consider the following issues that principals should examine for efficiency:
- Outdated practices
- Overseeing technology
- School safety and security
- Transportation
- Discipline referral systems and management
- Staff allocations, schedules, and responsibilities
In our discussion, we explored areas from the list where principals have been able to address and improve efficiency as well as areas on the list where your school experiences challenges and why.
At the end of this week’s episode, Jen Schwanke also shared surprising news of an upcoming position she has been asked to fill in the 2021-2022 school. Listen-in to find out the great news!
Now It’s Your Turn
As you step into the summer, I hope you are taking time to rest. As you think about the next school year, give yourself permission to dream about ways to make your work more efficient. You can check out other great recommendations in Jen’s book, The Principal Reboot: 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership. Thanks for doing what matters!
