Craig Verley

A little while ago, I saw a post on social media by Greg Turchetta (a Good Follow by the way) talking about the importance of being a part of the regular principals’ meetings that happen in you school district and the role that can play in helping you become a thought leader in their eyes and not just another task master. His quick video post resonated in a few ways, but it also got me to thinking more about the power of principals in what we do in our jobs in the communications departments.

Outside of the superintendent, no other position within a school district really deals with every aspect of school district operations at the point of service. Each and every day a principal is implementing the curriculum, human resources, building maintenance, child nutrition, transportation issues, technology, safety and security, communications, and also working with students and parents. Are you taking advantage of that in your own department?

Principals can you give you a very realistic point of view when it comes to district operations and the temperature of issues. Pay attention to what your principals say in various settings. How do they handle the various aspects of their jobs and the communities that they serve. Soon, you will develop a sense of who might offer some of the most important or impactful insights into issues, projects, ideas, etc.

Plus, I usually try to take at least a few minutes when at a campus for something to visit with the principal in their office and just listen to them. They need someone other than other principals to share joys and concerns with. Be that safe ear to bend. The trust building that comes in some of those moments can be critical in implementing new things or in emergency situations. This also allows you to develop your own network of problem solvers when you are trying to work out an idea of some sort. Knowing that you each have the other’s back is critical when urgent actions are required. Don’t just be another central office administrator adding to their to-do list.

Principals can make or break just about any promotional opportunity, strategic implementation, planning, etc. They are also a tremendous and often untapped resource. So while I agree with Greg Turchetta about becoming a regular part of your district’s principals’ meetings, I would take it a step further and make sure you are tapping into the true power of your principals outside of those meetings.