Blog Post #11 Reflection on the Budget Funding Activity

First, I’d like to say how much I appreciate the activities that have been assigned to us during this class.  They are meaningful and I have learned a great deal from them.  The GIS at Alta Sierra is in charge of the categorical funding and she tells me this is the one responsibility that keeps her up at night.  I am sure there is a great deal of pressure in making sure the money is allocated correctly.  I have been a School Site Council member for two years which has given me the opportunity to vote on the approval of how and where the money is spent.  I never quite understood who determines how the money is spent.  So, my GIS walked me through the process up to when the SSC votes on it.  She also explained how the money is put into the different categories and why the money must be spent on particular things (aids, materials, interpreters, etc.) I feel that through this activity I have gained the knowledge and understanding of how school sites distribute categorical funds while keeping the needs of the students as their number one priority.   

Blog Post #10 Face to Face

The last two days of class has provided me with a tremendous amount of information that I know I will use immediately and information that I will refer back to when I am in an administrative position.  I appreciate the time the Human Resource Administrators spent with us.  I couldn’t take notes fast enough. 

Friday

• You are who you hire.  Take the time to paper screen, call references, and do my homework (Google their names)
• Teachers with the “Can’t vs. Won’t” attitude.  An administrator only has one and a half years to determine whether a teacher is “worth” keeping.
• When having those “difficult” conversations….Remember, they did it and I am the one holding them accountable. 
• The most important job that I will do is hire people.
• Put everything out on the table during interviews.  List the non-negotiable expectations.
• Do NOT sit in your office – Get out there….Get in the classrooms
• Once you set the expectations be willing and prepared to have the difficult conversations with those not performing.
• Give yourself time to reflect before making decisions.

I appreciate that all three HR Administrators took the time to discuss with us what we should expect in interviews.  They explained how casual conversations can be interviews and to make sure we are always representing ourselves in the most positive light. 

Saturday

Dr. Bradley was AMAZING.  I look forward to downloading his PowerPoint off of Blackboard.  His presentation was full of vital information.  I am glad he guided us through the process of determining State Aid and explained the details of categorical funding.  As future leaders there is an incredible amount of information that we need to know in order to be successful.  Of course most of the information will come with experience and I believe that it is crucial to surround yourself as a new administrator with knowledgeable people and people that can teach you. 

Thank you for a great two days.