It is hard to know how to close out such a wonderful chapter in my life and career. I beg your indulgence to allow me to repeat some things I’ve already said in the past, as important messages bear repeating.
First and foremost, I feel privileged to have served you and MSBO. Second, I feel proud of this organization, our members, and our mission. MSBO has a thoughtful and engaged Board of Directors; a hardworking, dedicated, and intelligent staff; and a membership that is second to none.
One of the most important things I’ve discovered in the past few years is the value and relevance of organizational culture. I’d hear the term, “culture” tossed around regularly when I was in graduate school. I have to admit I only paid enough attention to pass the class. I heard the words but given I had very little experience outside of school - I didn’t get it. Now I do.
My greatest pride at MSBO has been to build on the organizational culture that existed when I came here. Our culture is a result of the collective beliefs and actions of our members and staff. It is something that can be shaped by small groups like a board, the collective activities of our members as a group, and the actions of individuals within our membership and/or on our staff.
The cultural values of MSBO members are: dedication to duty; putting education and students first; going the extra mile to assist and support one another, even in “competing” districts; a belief in continuing education and professional development; and an unending willingness to keep taking on more responsibilities as resources are stretched. Quite simply, MSBO members are, “get things done,” people. You take pride in your work, help one another, and put students’ interests in front of your own. You are generally more comfortable not being in the spotlight, but work hard to provide the necessary research and behind-the-scenes efforts to make others look good, and get the job done.
The MSBO office also has a unique culture, based on the leadership of our board and staff. Our values are: putting the good of education in Michigan before all else; focusing our efforts on how we can help our members be valued by their districts, and more effective in their jobs; seeking out partnerships in which we can add value to products and services that help our members; doing whatever it takes to help inform and educate our members from the basic, “nuts and bolts” of school business to high level leadership. Anyone who has been close to the MSBO staff knows how hard they work and how member-focused they are. We have a lot of fun in our office, but we also know how to churn out an incredible amount of work for a small staff. It is a rare group of people.
The MSBO Board has been wonderful. They act the way a board is supposed to act! They keep their eye on the big issues and policy matters, but help on details when needed. They are often a sounding board or act as a focus group when we discuss and consider topics from new services to political issues. They do not rubber stamp the staff’s decisions, nor should they. Yet they are supportive and willing to help on details when needed. I can’t say enough good things about them. A good board is the foundation of a good organization and we have both.
I can’t come close to covering all the points I’d like to relative to MSBO, our culture and our people. But the nice part of this “culture” thing is that it transcends individuals…including executive directors. Individuals can shape or affect a culture, but culture comes from more than one person. It is a collective of all of you and the MSBO Board and staff.
I had a wonderful retirement party early in December. It was funny and touching and filled with good memories and good friends. I could not have asked for anything better. While I appreciated the kudos, I can honestly say that my reaction was that I have really just done my job, as all of you do yours. I have just been fortunate to be in a position where I could have a broad impact, and I work with and for people who are kind and appreciative. What a blessing.
I’ll still be around in education circles. I’m going to work with Dave in planning the MSBO Conference, and I’ll be there in a support role. I will also be working with MSU at the Confucius Institute where I can pursue my passion for connecting Michigan’s schools and students with China and other nations. I’ll also be working with Mike Flanagan at MDE on a project for “re-imagining” education in Michigan. I’m really excited about that. I’ll have a few other projects and relationships that will keep me involved with the people and endeavor – education – that I have come to love and value so much.
I really appreciate all MSBO has done for me, all the opportunities that came because of my involvement, all the good people I’ve met, and the opportunity to work on things that really mattered to me. Thank you.