It's a warm June day and I am transitioning between two districts. I have to take the time to reflect what I've learned and where I'm going. It's been a rough few months but it's all perspective. In this entire life, these moments that seem so significant are only the tests before we reach our final destination. I've met many people that have also had significance in this moment of a journey that have helped this reflection. The one thing that I know is that character counts. It's that line that we tell all our kids in front of us, "do the right thing, even when no one is looking." It matters.
A few months back, during basketball season, I had a phone call from Stone's principal. You answer when the principal calls, no matter what you're doing. She announced her retirement at the board that night and was eager to help me find my way to Fayette Central. I will say I always thought I'd end up there, just not this early. I listened and reflected on an opportunity to bring me closer to home and to a high performing school with a lot of similarities to Charles. So, I applied.
Then the wait. You don't tell the people you love that you're leaving them unless it's 100%. So I carried on, for what seemed like an eternity, before the interview process began. Never in my mind did I doubt that I would attain the job. There is one thing that my dad taught me well; positivity in all that you do. So I went in with the mindset that the job was mine and every conversation I had I knew I would be moving. Then, I loved them through it.
Every day I greet staff and students by name. I've known the names of my 4th grade group for 5 years. This was going to be the hardest part of leaving. I needed them to help me through this time. I needed them to know this had nothing to do with them or the school or even the craziness that was going on in the district. (ok, maybe some of the craziness made it easier) I needed them to know this was about me. This was my growth. This was me knowing they were in great hands and everyone is replaceable. Read that again; EVERYONE is replaceable. So while I also knew those that respected my leadership would have a moment, I was fully aware there were others that would have no problem with moving to new leadership. That's ok; because I have never led the building to create friends, I led them with love and to build on their capacity. I cared for them all, but ultimately it has always been about student achievement/growth and culture. I'm leaving behind a high-functioning school with phenomenal people. Leaving is hard but I'm confident they need this change as much as I do.
Then the proposal. Well, let's just say an offer. My worth and character speak far to highly to go into detail, but I must say no money or title will ever define me. My character counts. I also know and understand that not everyone functions in that same capacity and some have to do what is needed, for the time. I highly respect my peers and will always support them. That is what you do; the right thing when no one is looking. You pray, put your faith that His blessings continue and you move on.
I remember my dad telling me he hated me driving to Richmond. My mom continues to tell me that yet is now sad I'm not right up the road. Richmond was my home. Richmond has been my career for 20 years. When the spirit says go, you must listen. I am a firm believer that our paths are presented to us and our free will takes us where we choose to go. If something is right and is His will, the transition is peaceful and down right easy.
