Two champions BY KERRY JACOBSON, SUPERINTENDENT
O
ne of my favorite stories comes from Alex Haley, the author of Roots. When asked why he kept a picture of a turtle sitting on a fence in his office, he responded, “If you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know he had some help.” I’ve thought of this line many times as I’ve reflected on all of the talented people who have helped me. In my case, at SAS, hundreds have had a hand in giving me a good place to observe the school. Two of the most helpful have been our deputy superintendents, Andy Torris and Alan Knobloch. Both of these men bring prodigious skills to SAS along with very personal commitments to the success of our school. Each is an insightful leader in his own right. Alan is the head of the Puxi campus. Daily, he provides clarity to this large institution and makes certain that each teacher and principal has the tools necessary to allow for the accomplishment of a myriad of goals for each student. He also works diligently throughout the year as the facilitator of the Human Resources Committee, leader of the budgeting process, and convener of a variety of educational groups. Andy has directed the Pudong campus since its infancy. He has made sure that the
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growth of campus programs is consistent with the mission of the school, caring for each inhabitant with an exceptional commitment to the success of others. In addition to this demanding role, Andy facilitates the SAS Finance Committee, leads the design and development of the Performing Arts Center, and organizes many of the educational undertakings of the faculty and administration on a daily basis. Both of them willingly jump into whatever task needs attention, and are particularly adept at handling those chores that are least desirable. This year, they have tackled one very difficult expectation of our strategic plan: “The school has instituted a transparent and efficient evaluation process of both capital and operational spending decisions, such as budgeting, educational resources, facilities, and staffing, in alignment with strategic objectives.” In their inimitable way, Andy and Alan shepherd all of us toward this goal with insight and wisdom. It could well turn out that, over the long haul, this result will have the biggest impact on the ability of SAS to deliver its promise. All of us have help in our roles in one way or another. These assistants often play the most critical role in promoting the accomplishment of goals. What could Winnie-the-Pooh have accomplished without Piglet? Don Quixote without Sancho Panza? Or Harry Potter without Hermione
Granger? So it is with Andy and Alan and SAS. Their deft recall, nearly encyclopedic knowledge of our operations, quick action, and sage advice guide nearly all of our daily undertakings. How does this happen? And, what relationship do their deeds have to the achievement levels of our children? My observation is that Andy and Alan are the best examples of one of the most important qualities of true leaders. They are champions — and they fit the descriptions perfectly. As a noun, both are certainly champions: winners and advocates of the young and the teachers who train them. As verbs, they are also the first to recognize the needs of each school, of each educator, of each child, and then to champion the solutions in meetings, hallways, and gatherings. I’ve witnessed Andy as he explains to parents the need to provide balance to our children’s lives and then offers ways to do just that. Alan, as he has brought clarity and accessibility to the budgeting process for all of us, has advocated for the right of all of our students to expect a world-class learning environment. They champion for others. Over time, Andy and Alan have become trusted. They have made and managed promises to all of us in professional ways that allow us to know that our needs will be cared for when they are in charge. For this, they have asked for no particular recognition. But, like all of us, appropriate acknowledgement is welcome when due. And, for those of us in the SAS community who know that nothing we accomplish is successful by itself, for those of us who recognize that we sit on fence posts only by the help of others, we give our deepest thanks and appreciation to our deputy superintendents. They are champions for us all.
“What could Winnie-the-Pooh have accomplished without Piglet? Don Quixote without Sancho Panza? Or Harry Potter without Hermione Granger?”
VOL 4, NUMBER 8: MAY 2013