Dr. Reeves brings a refreshing story that should be mandatory reading for all superintendents, new and old. In a time where school superintendents turn over every couple of years, it's time to listen to someone that over twenty-five years built a small urban, suburban, and rural district into some of the truly great ones.
William Tudor, CEO of Parent Tutor Corporation and founder of EdVISION Corporation Reeves' passion for improved student outcomes drives all conversations of school issues toward a core value of what will be best for student learning. That passion for 'all students learning, whatever it takes' merges with his gift for strategic thinking and planning, making him a valuable resource for leaders. This book is excellent reading for the new as well as the seasoned school leader.
Dr. Stephen Halfaker, superintendent, Lakeside Union School District, Lakeside, CA Excellent read for superintendents, administrators and more importantly for teacher leaders, hungry to learn more about and understand the interface between the organization and themselves.
Ronarae Adams, assistant professor, National University, San Diego, CA This is an important subject because educators historically have done a poor job with sharing the wisdom of the practitioners. This creative way of passing along lessons learned is needed.
Dr. Lawrence W. Lezotte, educational consultant, Effective Schools Through a series of conversations between a fictional rookie superintendent and his mentor, Reeves outlines some of the issues and challenges these leaders typically face. The theme of working effectively with school boards is illustrated throughout.
Reference and Research Book News
Rarely does someone who has "been there, and done that" as a leader in a field take the time to organize and share their accumulated wisdom in such a systemic fashion as Robert Reeves has done... each page is chock full of the tacit knowledge and tips that are the result of the school of hard knocks.
Stephen Haines, CEO and founder, Haines Center International This book ... features a conversational approach between the rookie superintendent and the sage mentor. By highlighting real-life situations and survival strategies, the mentor provides time-tested building blocks upon which the rookie can build a strong first-year foundation.
District Administration
Written in a relaxed conversational style that makes it easy to follow.
School Administrator