There’s a quote hanging in our offices: “Change is a process, not an event.” In the Twin Rivers Unified School District, it’s a moderating theme – reminding us that unification may have started with our community vote in November 2007, but it is a process that moves forward with a thousand different choices each day.
Now that we are more than four months into our new school year, we have had a chance to look back at a few themes that may assist any districts considering a similar approach to school reform.
Change is Difficult
Even when people support the big picture and ultimate goal, they are reluctant to change what they know. Each of the four unifying districts had a way of doing things that people were used to. When you change whom to call for a substitute, whom to call to get a facility permit, how to get a flyer translated and printed, and dozens of other operational procedures and/or contacts, it is one more challenge added to the day. While some people will enthusiastically embrace the change, others will need time. Creating acceptance for both groups is important.
Focus on Students and Standards
Despite the operational challenges many faced, from technology snags to changes to every form, process, and policy, the majority of Twin Rivers’ employees make a decision each day to focus on students. No matter how difficult this first year has proven to be, our classrooms continue to facilitate extraordinary learning, our buses run on time, our facilities are cleaned each day, and our people make sure students get through this transition smoothly.
Setting the standards for community involvement, academic achievement, ethical behavior, customer service, and fiscal integrity sets the stage. While we are all flexible about first-year operational challenges, there are certain non-negotiable values that create the foundation for Twin Rivers and uphold the commitment to our community.
Yes, It’s Work
Our office lights are rarely out before 7 p.m., our home internet connections and phones have never seen so much activity, and lazy weekends are a distant memory. But there are also days that lift us out of the everyday challenges and remind us why this is so important.
Our First Day Celebration and beginning-of-the-year Employee Rally reminded us of the hopes and aspirations of our community and staff. Our first day of school and first district-wide professional development day reminded us of the amazing potential that we have in front of us. The opening day celebration of our new elementary level soccer league brought sports to many of our students for the first time reminding us that even our small first steps have already had a positive impact on the lives of many of our families.
Watching most of our central office staff finally move into our new office space and begin to have those hallway conversations that spark innovation and collaboration reminds us that each day we are more unified.
And yes, many of us still get a small thrill from seeing a bus or maintenance truck go by with the new Twin Rivers name and logo. Hey, it can’t be all work.
For further updates, opportunities to get involved in our schools, and information about Twin Rivers Unified, I invite you to visit our website at www.twinriversusd.org.