Always learning

I have spent the last 10 years yapping at Boards and Heads about governance. I knew it all. Based on my experiences in L&A, at Weston, and over sixty CESI reviews, I thought that there was little that you could tell me about the mechanics of good governance. Wrong, as usual!

Last night we had a Board retreat deep in the wilds of Hamilton Parish. Sitting on the porch of one of the most wonderful homes that I have ever visited, the Somersfield Board took its own spin on the nature of governance and schools. The meeting didn't run according to plan or schedule, it didn't specifically address its stated objectives and outcomes, but it was wonderful. 

My Chair, and friend, Tom Vesey takes a low-key, somewhat folksy and self-deprecating approach to leadership. But he is masterful at his task. There was a wealth of bright and creative minds around the table and they doggedly pursued tangents, got mired in "what ifs" and generally tried to stray as far from closure as possible on any topic. The result was a discussion that was rich and nuanced and full of surprises. And what did they discuss? Philosophy and vision and kids and learning and sustainability and legacy and everything that you would want a strategic board to talk about. What did they avoid? Nuts and bolts and day to day and niggling concerns. They are parents and community members, educators and business people, entrepreneurs and professionals of all stripes. 

What did I learn about governance? I learned that effective "management" of the Board process is not necessarily effective leadership. I learned that talented Boards trust their Head but don't necessarily believe them on any given issue. They challenge, they push and they question. An old colleague of mine, Willis Boston - Director of the Lennox and Addington County Board of Education - once said to me that Boards never make the wrong decision. If they don't do what you want, it either means that you were wrong or that you didn't make your case well enough. In either case, it is up to you to change not them. 

I feel fortunate to work for people who believe in the school and its mission and who are going to hold my feet to the fire to ensure that things happen the way that they should.

Life gives you what you need. I came to Bermuda to enjoy the daily company of my wonderful partner and beautiful young boys after spending years where I knew the Maple Leaf Lounge at Pearson better than my own living room. That has been beyond amazing!

But I have rediscovered something else en route. The joy of being part of a learning community. The energy and resilience of children. The amazing depth of commitment of teachers and staff to do everything they can for the families that trust in them. The amazing contribution of volunteers who could just as easily be sipping cocktails or playing tennis but instead give of themselves to ensure that everyone's child gets just that much more attention.

Mostly I have been reminded that I have been an "expert" for too long and that I really needed to go back to school.

I even pack a lunch - although most days I feel like I am eating crow!