New superintendent: Strength of district is in relationships

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 17, 2018

At the Vashon public schools, Slade McSheehy is settling into his new superintendent role, overseeing the district’s schools and educational programs that serve more than 1,500 students.

McSheehy began on July 1, after Michael Soltman retired. At his office last week, with the sounds of Chautauqua recess filtering in from the playground beyond his windows, he talked about his history, goals and navigating some of the challenges ahead.

McSheehy grew up in Florida, but his professional life has been split between California and Washington. His resume — one side in English and one side in Spanish — traces his career path from elementary school teacher to assistant superintendent, and in between school counselor, assistant principal and principal. Along the way, he obtained his master’s degree in school counseling and a doctorate in educational leadership.

“If there is another level to do something, I lean in that direction because I love learning so much,” he said, while noting he once flunked out of college.

He has worked in school districts ranging from Compton, California, to most recently the Hockinson School District in southern Washington. It is a professional background, he said, that has laid a strong foundation for his current role.

“It feels like all 25 or 26 of my years have put me in the perfect spot to thrive here on Vashon. That is how good a fit it is,” he said, adding that he likes a steep learning curve. “There is still just enough new … enough understanding all the relationships and developing those key partnerships that really are new that make this job exciting.”

School Board Chair Zabette Macomber likened the superintendent position to that of a CEO of a large organization overseeing several departments, in this case the three schools and all other components of the school district, from food service to transportation. McSheehy, whose annual base salary is $175,000, said about 80 percent of his time is spent on “activities and experiences that grow and develop relationships,” and 20 percent devoted to policy and procedure work central to educating students.

New to Vashon, he said he is still building those relationships across the district and the community; indeed, the word “relationships” figured prominently in the conversation.

“The best way that this district runs is on strong relationships,” he said. “I have made a commitment to be in every classroom, to shake every paraeducator’s hand, smile and say ‘hi’ to every teacher, go into every kitchen and ride every bus. That is part of knowing your people.”

Asked about priorities, McSheehy pointed to a school district poster hanging prominently in his office: “Engage by loving, thrive by learning, contribute by leading,” it states.

“As a counselor, I have always thought we will never get to the learning if we do not get to the loving — that relationship with kids — first,” he said.

He added that he has always told teachers to take the time necessary in the first few weeks of school to develop strong relationships with their students.

“You cannot get to the learning part unless those kids know you care about them,” he said.

The school district’s mission is not just to care about students, but to educate, and to optimize that, McSheehy said it is important that the school system be aligned — something that has not always been true from building to building in terms of accountability and expectations.

To that end, written on a white board in his office is a question he said he asks of all the district’s principals: “Is your building better because you lead it?” It is a question that he expects them to ask teachers in their schools: “Is your classroom better because you lead it?”

“That is the question I started with, and at the end of the year, that is the question I am going to end with, and every month that I meet with them (the principals), that is the question that I ask them,” he said, noting that there is considerable work they do in between to keep that question in focus — and accountability inherent in the process.

“I have put a big ask on my leadership, but it is the same ask I have given myself,” he said. “Is my district better because I lead it?”

School Board Chair Macomber noted that the board has established six priorities for this school year: racial equity, budget, student safety, communication, special education services and “career connected learning,” providing pathways for non-college bound students. With the school year underway for such a short time, this year’s work on the priorities is in the beginning stages, she said, speaking positively about McSheehy’s time with the district so far.

“We are really lucky to have him here,” she said. “He is optimistic, he is a great communicator, and he has a great network with other superintendents.”

She also addressed the budget item on the priority list. It is a byproduct of the McCleary funding plan, which was intended to fully fund basic education, but instead has created challenges in many districts, including Vashon. All the ramifications are not yet clear for this year, as the Legislature may address and change education funding after it convenes in January. However, as it is now, district officials project a substantial budget shortfall for next year. Macomber expressed compassion for superintendents across the state contending with the new funding model, including McSheehy.

“To come in at this moment as a new superintendent would be very, very challenging,” she said.

For his part, McSheehy, like Macomber, said the district is moving toward a scarcity model. Additionally, he said one of his concerns for the district is just how much — from curriculum to its partnership with Vashon Youth & Family Services — comes from donations or grants, sources that are not sustainable.

While there is budget work to do and hard choices ahead, McSheehy said he believes the district is up to the task.

“If we are foucused on relationships and work together as a family … and keep our eye on maintaing trust, then we are going to work through whatever problems come our way,” he said.

On a lighter note, he said that one of the surprises of his new job is the extent to which islanders want to partner with the district in some way for a range of good causes and projects, but not all are possible. He attributed those many conversations and invitations to his newness — and to the nature of the island.

“Vashon is a very active and engaged community,” he said.

Those who are active and engaged, as well as those who are not, are all welcome at conversation times he intends to hold monthly, called Cookie for your Thoughts. They will be informal, with no presentations on his part. Simply a time to talk.

“The only thing I will present are delicious, golden brown chocolate chip cookies,” he said.

McSheehy moved to the island with his wife Kelli — a teacher librarian in the Highline School District, and his two sons, Hank and Gus, both now students at McMurray. His family has felt welcomed to the island, and he is pleased to be here, serving in his new position, he said.

He recounted a story from this summer about how he went home after a long day and joined his wife outside at the home they are renting. She asked him if she liked his new job.

“It is the best job I ever had,” he said he told her that day. “And it is still true.”