Thoughts From a Dysart Governing Board Member

Thoughts On The Future

Charles Otterman — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:53:21 GMT

My thoughts move to the future. I will not be seeking reelection for a third term.

For six years, I watched some board members not accept their status as representing a minority viewpoint on the big ideas discussed and voted on by our governing board. I believe every board member to be too ambitious, that is the nature of politics, but some board members became tempted by the prospect of becoming the sole leader of the governing board that they blinded themselves to recognizing the wolves in sheep’s clothing that you find lurking in the shadows of ambitious politicians.

It is an old adage, beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing, but in my stretch to find a metaphor that best describes the motivations of a few citizens in our school district, none seemed more appropriate. An aside here: let me warn anyone wanting to enter the political arena to beware those citizens eager to sing your praises as a wolf wearing sheep’s clothing. In other words, do not be eager for praise from incompetent judges as from competent ones. These wolves in sheep’s clothing will try to sing your praises to win you over to their selfish persuasions, but the wolf will be unmasked when you concern yourself with honoring what is in the best interest of children, by the baseless hostility, bullying, and political intimidation tactics attempted to sway your decision-making processes.

Now, back to my ambitions, and their aim. When elected to the governing board for the first time in November 2002, I quickly realized that there was a status quo mentality in our administrative, governing board, and teacher leadership cadres. Our academic achievement and expectations was dismal to any type of statewide or national correlating data. Our budgetary process was a mess, and even though leadership was discussing this problem, they were playing the blame game of inaction and in dire need of a change agent and doer to provide leadership on how to correct the problems with managing our school district’s budget. The district had a top down collaboration style where a small group of parents, teachers, and administrators held backroom meetings to make deals to decide the fate of the district without any regard for district governing board policy. Their belief was because we can do it, we will do it, with no thought to data driven decision-making or already ratified Governing Board Policy that carries the weight of state law.

Every thing was done with smoke and mirrors, the smoke being their own ambitions, the mirrors, their own egos. A change was needed, my vision born.

My vision for the district, since my election as Governing Board in 2002, became three fold: The raising of academic standards and expectations throughout the school district, a fiscal budgetary responsibility to manage the money inherit in super/hyper growth so as not to put the district in financial trouble when growth money stops, and to create a collaborative approach to our decision-making that builds a sense of community among all constituency groups; to provide an opportunity for each constituency group to educate the other about its interests and needs; and to reach consensus on shared interests among all self-interest groups and the Governing Board.

I acted on this vision for our school district with supreme determination, dignity, and ingenuity to accomplish these goals. I believe that after six years of this effort, when most of my political capital has been spent, I need to step aside.

Historical reflection will judge the merits of my success in this endeavor; however, I believe much has been accomplished over the past six years under my leadership. The reality of our school district is that the raising of academic standards and expectations is occurring at an astonishing rate. Our budget is strong and solvent, and we continue to increase the amount of money going into the classrooms. We continue to modify and improve our collaboration process to include more reliable and valid information to help drive our decision-making process.

I am looking forward to the contemplative relieving of my district leadership experiences to deepen them. I look forward to this as promising a more profound enjoyment than the original experiences themselves, and one less mixed with pain.

Ambassadorship Proclamation & PowerPoint

Charles Otterman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:34:57 GMT

District reputations are earned; not given. In the court of public opinion, when the Governing Board's reputation takes a hit, we are all losers.

The democratic process is inherently confrontational and slow moving. In our honest moments away from public scrutiny, surrounded by trusted intimacy, I believe each Governing Board member battles the human elements of mistrust and paranoia.

Each Board Member must maintain vigilance to strengthen the character and wisdom that respects all points of view that come attached with an emotional attachment. We must respect these emotional attachments with respect and dignity and not succumb to the temptations of attacking the messenger.

We must remember ourselves as good people doing our best to manage super-hyper growth and raise educational standards and expectations at the same time. Either task, by itself, is daunting and filled with land mines of mistake making opportunities.

I will continue to distance myself from leadership that plays the "gotcha" game of conspiracy theories and paranoia claims. Rhetoric, not based on reasoning and facts, but on unfettered impulses, leads to heightened drama, heightened language, and extreme thinking. These irrational thoughts hinder the building of teamwork and collaboration and deny good leadership practices and modeling.

On April 9, 2008 the Governing Board adopted an Ambassadorship Proclamation authored and submitted by me. This Proclamation is a mirror for us to look into; now it is up to every board member to look at that person in the mirror and make change to strengthen that which binds us together - service to our fellow man.

Go to the following link: Ambassador Proclamation PowerPoint created By Mr. Otterman For Board Study Session

Go to the following Link: Ambassadors: A Proclamation - Authored and submitted by Mr. Otterman. Adopted by the Governing Board on April 9, 2008

Academic Vision Powerpoint

Charles Otterman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:35:59 GMT

Wednesday night, March 26, 2008, during our Governing Board meeting, I led a study session focusing governing board member's attention on a vision to continue to raise academic standards and expectations in our school district. On April 9th, the powerpoint I used in making my presentation was adopted by the board as an official communication piece to further communicate the Governing Board's vision for academic excellence in our school district Here is a link to that powerpoint: Ottterman Academic Vision Powerpoint.ppt

I remember starting my service on the governing board in November of 2002 listening to conversations describing how many communities within our district boundaries did not support the efforts of the school district. It was an us against them mentality.

The conversations were driven by a "watchdog mentality", that offered up excuses and blame for the nonsupport of groups within our school district, but did not provide the leadership and vision necessary to bring diverse groups together.

Conversations were driven by budgetary matters, an important conversation to have, but not at the expense of a more important conversation of raising academic standards and expectations. The conversations at that time did not have the right priorities in the right order.

It has been difficult, but new leadership teams have worked hard to change the conversations within our district and communities to reflect the common bond that all the diverse interest groups have in our school communities - the raising of academic standards and expectations to a standard that everyone can be proud of.

An outcome of a new educational leadership team's desire to place academic achievement to the forefront of our thinking culminated with three recent events in our district history:

    1.    An academic statement letter ratified by the governing board that drives discussion in our school
           district to be centered on raising academic expectations and standards, and offers up no excuses for
           this failure.
    2.    Governing Board Vision, Mission, and Objectives, ratified this year that sets the vision and road map
           for how we raise our academic standards and expectations throughout our school district.
    3.    For the first time, four schools received a performance rating of a highly performing status. In addition,
           nine schools rated as performing plus schools and four received a performing label. Our two
           underperforming schools will receive additional support in terms of personnel and instructional best
           practices guidance.

It takes a village to support 21st century learning environments. The stakes are high. Let us exalt our present accomplishments, but rededicate ourselves to the idea of graduating 21st century learners, that will benefit and give example to, our community's humane political and economic freedom and happiness.

To lead, a great district must command a synergy between its vision, how it defines its vision, and the implementation of this relationship between vision and action. If we can live up to the idea that all students can learn, no exceptions, if we can live up to the idea that it is our duty to develop responsible complex thinkers that are effective communicators with a passion for life long learning, then we will continue to make historical improvements in academic achievement and excellence.

Introduction

Charles Otterman — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:35:45 GMT

Here is the dilemma: How does an elected official communicate his or her thoughts, feelings, and motivations to the constituency they serve, given the fact that they serve in an unpaid position with no budget for community outreach programs or a well-funded public relations department?

You answer e-mails, do some meet and greets, write some editorials, and speak out at sparsely attended board meetings. You worry that this is not enough, but knowing that many board member expenses come out of their own personal budgetary needs, you look at limited options.

Here is where technology can help. Setting up and maintaining a personal blog is not original, but it is a leap of technological faith for a fifty-one year old man who has trouble operating a now outdated VCR machine. Many politicians throughout the valley support personal blogs, and I am not above stealing a good idea or two.

The trick is not in the stealing, but in taking the idea and giving it your own personal touch. In other words, what is it that I offer that makes my blog presentation unique to my personality and thought processes?

I hope that my entries on this blog will provide insights into the thoughts, feelings, and motiviations that define my leadership style. One caveat needs mentioned as to the reading of my entries. Board Policy, and common decency, makes it clear that the thoughts expressed by any board member represent their own views and in no way attempt to represent the thinking of other board members or district leadership. I will adhere to this standard.

Recognizing that this may be your first introduction to me, I beg the reader's indulgence as I provide a short biographical sketch. I have over twenty years classroom teaching experienced tethered to a Master's Degree in Urban Education. My service on the Governing Board began in 2002.

For five of the past six years, Governing Board members voted me to carry out the duties of Board President. During this time, I worked with three different Superintendents and eleven different board members. During all this turmoil and turnover, one thing remainded constant: the people with the knowledge of my leadership capabilities recognized the importance of my leadership as Governing Board President to this school district. I wanted to bring this to your attention to speak to my leadership potential.

Since arriving on the board in November 2002, I stressed the raising of our academic expectations and standards as our school district's journey. This journey transcends the expectations and limitations of time, but marches forth daily, in the small educational miracles given and received by young and old hearts alike.

This journey started with a vision (higher academic standards and expectations) fueled by change and accountability. Accountablity and change create tensions that test personal relationships, group dynamics, and leadership skills. The journey moves not as the crow flies, but branches out in many directions. Some roads move us forward; others stop at a dead end. The compass of collaboration, the free exchange of ideas without fear of retribution or retaliation, allows us to learn from our mistakes and points us in the right direction.

Along the journey, it behooves us to take stock of where we have been and where we are. It is a quiet time of simple comtemplation; a smelling fo the roses that demand our attention. A fragance that drifts into the air carried on the wings of a thousand and one good deeds done well. It does well to acknowledge this wonderful new smell and to savor it.

My blog entries will speak to our journey of becoming one of the top academic school districts in the state. We travel this road together as "doers", risk takers, and agents of change. We move forward together in our strong resolve to take a path less taken, clear it, and pave it with the fruits of our labor: those opportunities that allow children to dream of future possiblities and feel good about their attemps to achieve those dreams.

Warm Regards,
Charles K. Otterman

Charles Otterman Speech Captured On Video

Charles Otterman — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:13:33 GMT

Mr. Otterman speech given at Sun City Grand Board Meeting - Nov. 29, 2007
http://charlesottermanblog.com/2008/03/12/charles_otterman_2008312164226flv.aspx

My Thoughts On Being An Elected Governing Board Member

Charles Otterman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:36:56 GMT

I was solicited by many friends and neighbors to run for a seat on the Governing Board. My politics is short and sweet like the kiss of a young girl friend. I am in favor of improved academic expectations and standards and a leadership style that engages with others in such a way that leaders and followers raise one another to higher levels of motivations and collaboration. These are my sentiments and my political principals.

In a representative democracy, elected officials listen to the input of the people, but are trusted to make decisions that are in the best interest of the common welfare. Public leadership demands separating oneself from the herd mentality and becoming proactive in standing up for honesty of thought and knowing that there are times for "risk-taking", and at other times, knowing when to stay the course. My vote must be rational, knowledgeable, and in response to a work ethic that is second to none.

As an elected official, I adhere to state law and governing board policy. Elected service humbles and demands treating diverse viewpoints with respect and dignity. My constituency expects me to mediate the various interests groups and personal interests concerns found throughout the school district with "fairness" to provide leadership in finding the general collective interest based on the common welfare needs of students and their academic achievement.

Warm Regards,
Charles Otterman

Your Governing Board Member at Work...

Charles Otterman — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:05:10 GMT

1.    Elected Governing Board President on January 9, 2008
2.    Elected Governing Board President on January 10, 2007
3.    Elected Governing Board President on January 6, 2005
3.    Elected Governing Board President on January 12, 2004,
4.    Elected Governing Board President on January 14, 2003

4.    Authored and submitted Academic Achievement Position PowerPoint to refocus Governing Board attention to
       the raising of Academic achievement and standards as the main goal. This was adopted by the Governing
       Board unanimously on April 9, 2008.

5.    Authored and submitted Ambassador Proclamation. This Proclamation was adopted by the Governing
       Board by a vote of 3 to 1 on April 9, 2008

5.    Wrote Action/Discussion Item to establish a study session on Boardmanship topics to be facilitated by the
       Arizona School Board Association. This motion passed unanimously on Feb. 13, 2008.

6.    Wrote and submitted motion regarding Open Meeting Law Inquiry: Approved cooperating with the office
       of the Attorney General through designated legal counsel. The action allows attorney/client privilege
       communication to be shared with the public. This motion passed unanimously on January 9, 2008.

7.    Authored and submitted a motion for the Governing Board members to collectively and individually
       commit to the sixteen (16) tenants of the board operating protocol and formally adopt the Dysart School
       BoardOperating Protocol document. This motion passed unanimously on Feb. 14, 2007

8.    Co-authored and submitted with Ms. Christine Pritchard the Academic Mission Statement which was
       passed unanimously on Feb. 14, 2007

9.    Authored and submitted Governing Board Policy BAA and AA-E - Evaluation of the School Board/Board Self-
       Evaluation. This motion passed unanimously on April 11, 2007.

10.  Authored and submitted revisions to Governing Board Policy-0600/CBI-Evaluation of Superintendent. This
       motion passed unanimously on April 11, 2007.

11.  Facilitated conversations regarding goals for the Superintendent. This was during a Governing Board
       Workshop on August 15, 2007

12.   Amended a proposed poll on K-8 school uniforms to make the poll a survey constructed to be both
        valid and reliable to gather data as part of the strategic planning process to drive school improvement
        planning that includes any purposeful and valid question concerning student dress/or violations. This
        motion passed unanimously on December 12, 2007

13.  Authored and submitted a Proclamation that supported the alignment of communication
       between employees and the Board with Board Policy and good governance. This motion passed
       unanimously on October 5, 2005

14.  Authored and submitted a revision to Governing Board Policy JICA - Student Dress. This motion failed on
       November 16, 2005 with two votes for and two votes against.

15.  Proposed amendment to Governing Board position paper on collaboration to include the definition of
       consensus; a decision in which all members of a group can agree on the results and work to support
       the results. This was passed unanimously on March 10, 2004

16.  Proposed for approval a revised Governing Board Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives. This was
       passed unanimously on October 6, 2004.

17.  Authored and Submitted Governing Board Position Paper on Meet and Confer Process. This was adopted
       unanimously by the Governing Board on February 11, 2003

18.  Proposed that the Governing Board approve that the Administration copy or printout the original questions
       received from a Board member and the answers given, and to include that copy or printout in each
       Board member's packet and the public packet for the next board meeting. This motion was passed
       unanimously on February 22, 2002

19.  Submitted a motion recommending the Governing Board direct the Administration to set up a committee to
       revise the Freshman Focus curriculum guide to include a unit pertaining to consumer math. This motion
       was passed unanimously on February 22, 2002.

20.  Authored and submitted a proposed new Student-at-Risk definition. This was passed unanimously on
       January 22, 2002

21.  Wrote and submitted a proposal to move the "Call to the Public" agenda item from the end of the agenda
       to a place on the agenda before information items and action items are heard. This was passed
       unanimously on December 10, 2002