Review
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 )
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 & 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 )
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 )
About the Author
Dr. Robert Reeves, now retired after 48 years in public education, heads the Reeves Consulting Group. For nearly three decades, he served CEO/Superintendent of the Poway Unified School District in the San Diego area.