BLOG: Change is a Positive Force

Over the years, I have found that my love of winter is a fading one. So when spring rolls around, as it did very early this year, I look to have my spirits renewed.  My outlook seems to improve overnight, I see the world through a new lens, and everything looks quite good.  This change is good and positive.

In much the same way, a change in leadership is an opportunity for a renewal in an organization. This spring, the School Board, staff and community of District 197 were involved in the process for a planned change in leadership.  In late March, the Board selected a new superintendent to lead our schools starting in July.

As I observed the superintendent selection process, I could easily see this is a time of change that is good and positive.  The questions asked of each of the candidates were centered on the future and how the new leader would take an already good school district and help to make it even better.  Spirits were lifted and people were energized.

Now the new leader, Dr. Nancy Allen-Mastro, has been chosen and we are all excited and focused on the talents and energy she will bring to District 197.  She is extremely well prepared for the job and has demonstrated success in every step of her educational career.

We all need to commit our time, talent and energy in an effort to make our new leader successful.  If she is successful, we are successful.  Too many times we welcome a new leader into the group, but at the same time we do not want things to change.  But we must remember, change is a constant.  We need to view this period of time with great optimism and look forward to new ideas and new directions.

I have enjoyed my time here in District 197 and hope that it has been a productive, albeit brief, tenure. I am now directing my work toward a very positive, smooth transition.  Thank you for allowing me to spend this past school year with you in District 197. I wish you all the best.

Tom Nelson
Interim Superintendent