People Over Programs: Secrets to Successful School Management

💡 Key Takeaways

• People First, Programs Second: Investing in passionate, committed individuals leads to the development of successful and sustainable educational programs.

• Continuous Improvement: Engaging in regular, thoughtful feedback and improvement processes helps identify areas for growth and innovation.

• Value of Gratitude: Implementing a culture of gratitude through simple gestures like thank-you notes can significantly boost morale and interconnectedness within the district.

• Psychological Safety: Ensuring leaders feel safe to experiment and make mistakes fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Effective One-on-Ones: Structured, predictable one-on-one meetings focusing on four key questions ensure clear, open, and productive communication.

The Importance of People Over Programs in Education

In today's educational environment, creating a culture of excellence requires prioritizing people over programs. As Jim Shoemake, Superintendent of Rescue Union School District, emphasizes, "We invest in our people before we invest in the programs." This philosophy reflects the core of the Rescue Union School District's success in attracting and retaining passionate staff members.

Shoemake explains that investing in people inherently leads to deploying excellent programs. For example, the district's garden program thrived because it was led by an individual passionate about the outdoors and education. "If I had just dropped a garden program onto a site and said, 'Hey, we want you to start a garden program and run it,' I would imagine it would look like my garden. It wouldn't be very pretty," Shoemake notes. The enthusiasm of educators drives the effective implementation of programs, fostering a more engaging and successful educational environment.

The notion of grassroots initiatives leading to substantial projects is evident in the All-Abilities Playground project. It began with a principal's simple realization and belief that "we can do better for our kids" and evolved into a region-wide collaborative effort. This approach demonstrates the power of listening to and empowering staff, which in return, feeds into the broader mission of building a culture of excellence.

"We fund passion. So you find someone that's really excited about doing something and let them go."

 

The Power of Structured One-on-Ones in Leadership

Structured and regular one-on-one meetings are pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, psychological safety, and mutual success. Jim Shoemake's approach to one-on-ones involves four thoughtfully crafted questions:

1. What are you doing really well?

2. What's keeping you awake at night?

3. Who in the system has been most helpful to you?

4. What do you need from me?

These questions are designed to celebrate success, address concerns, acknowledge teamwork, and identify support needs, encapsulating the essence of supportive and responsive leadership. Shoemake emphasizes the significance of these meetings: "Oftentimes I felt like my career has been this evolution of learning and trying to do the job that was in front of me the best that I could."

Through this iterative process, leaders can pinpoint specific areas for improvement and ensure that staff feel heard and valued. The systematic approach to these conversations, including predictable scheduling and follow-ups, minimizes anxiety and maximizes productivity. "There's 400 employees, 10,000 parents, and a lot of organizations that we can be thankful for. And just reminding ourselves that we have a really great environment here and how do we just maintain that," Shoemake articulates.

Additionally, the direct and honest feedback from employees obtained through these structured meetings informs more strategic decision-making and supports a transparent and collaborative working culture.

"We're people over programs 100% of the time."

 

Principalship: Finding Relevance and Managing Modern Complexities

The role of principals has undeniably evolved over the years, becoming more complex and demanding. As Shoemake recounts from his experience, being a principal today involves far more than administrative duties; it encompasses safety management, community engagement, and creating a nurturing yet disciplined environment. This expanded role explains why fewer educators are stepping into leadership positions: "We have a principal that's retiring at the end of this year, and there's a lot of conversation about who's going to step up and apply for that job."

Shoemake believes that both changing workplace attitudes and increased job complexity contribute to this reluctance. The necessity for principals to manage unpredictable situations while remaining a stable, motivational figure adds layers of stress to the role. "You've got to be able to create a safe space. You've got to be comfortable in your own skin. Not everything's going to go well," he shares.

The essence of being a successful principal today is rooted in being predictable and providing a consistent leadership approach. Shoemake shares a personal evolution from a belief in top-down directives to understanding the importance of inclusivity and foresight in decision-making. "If you're unpredictable, you're unpleasant. And I don't know that I felt that when I was young," he reflects. Ensuring regular and transparent communication with staff fosters trust and a more cohesive school culture.

 

Recap and Insights

The strategies implemented in the Rescue Union School District offer profound insights into effective educational leadership:

1.  People Over Programs: Investing in passionate individuals creates a fertile ground for successful programs, leading to systemic excellence.

2.  Continuous Improvement Through Feedback: Regular, structured one-on-one meetings drive improvement, cement trust, and foster a culture of psychological safety.

3.  Navigating Modern Principalship: Understanding the expanded role of modern principals and supporting them through predictable and steady leadership can address today's educational leadership challenges.

Jim Shoemake's practical and intentional leadership approach is a testament to how strategic investments in people, combined with continuous improvement practices, can transform educational environments.

 

MEET OUR GUEST

Jim Shoemake

Jim Shoemake is the Superintendent of Rescue Union School District (RUSD) in El Dorado County, California, a role he assumed on July 1, 2021. A lifelong resident of the county and an alumnus of El Dorado High School, Jim has a deep connection to the community. He holds a teaching credential in social studies from California State University, Sacramento, and a master’s degree in education from the University of La Verne.

Jim began his education career as a social studies teacher before moving into administrative roles, including principal positions at Sylvan Middle School and Winston Churchill International Baccalaureate Middle School. Prior to joining RUSD, he served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Labor Relations at San Juan Unified School District.