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VandeWiele ... cont’d.

Gamesmanship for Women, by Betty Lehan Harragan (1978). Even though the copyright is 1978, the message is relevant and appropriate in 2021; stay the course; learn as much as you can about the past because it impacts the future; continue to reinvent yourself; always be receptive to opinions that might differ from your own; listen to seek understanding rather than to respond; don’t be afraid to try something new; remain your authentic self; lean on those who have walked the path that you are currently walking; make every decision with the impact on children at the forefront and NEVER, EVER GIVE UP. How much progress has been made to increase the overall number of female superintendents and what else can be done? Efforts to increase the overall number of female superintendents have increased in the following areas: accessibility and information that is available to access the superintendency. However, there are several equity issues that are unsettling and have not been addressed, including salary, duration of contracts, access to established systems as well as professional networks. In order to create a system that is fully inclusive and intentional, the planning must be consistent as well as systemic. There is no one-size-fits-all magic bullet to remediate a system that has been flawed since its inception. Until these critical issues are addressed, there will remain a status quo of the haves and have nots. It is egregious that those impacted by inequities in the aforementioned are not required to be included in the overall decision-making process for change.

superintendency and got the job. I continue to stay in touch with Rep. Bustos and made sure to thank her for her encouragement. What were the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced early on in your superintendency? Without a doubt, it was balancing the demands of family and work. Before accepting the position as superintendent of the Silvis School District, I sat down with my children and husband to discuss how things would change if I took the job. They all encouraged me to “go for it” and have supported me every step of the way. My husband in particular has been my biggest cheerleader and believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I did underestimate the stressors inherent in this job and the impact that it would have on me personally and consequently my family. At the IASA New Superintendents’ Conference, Dr. Tom Bertrand spoke about the importance of self-care and Sara Boucek talked about the importance of being present for your family. At the time, I appreciated what they said, but until I lived the day-to-day stressors of being a superintendent, I didn’t really get it. Over the years, I have learned that I don’t have to do it all alone and that I can’t be everything to everyone. In retrospect, it seems like a simple thing, but for me it was not. Mom guilt is a real thing, and thanks to the Illinois School for Advanced Leadership program, I was able to reframe my thinking around having to do it all. Thank you to my coach, Dr. John Ahlmeyer, Dr. Nancy Blair, Dr. Gary Zabilka and my ISAL V family for helping me grow personally and professionally. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the steep learning curve inherent with this job. When you walk in the office, you don’t know what you don’t know. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and every challenge is an opportunity to grow as a person. I have found that if I keep my eye on what is best for the students of my district, I can’t go wrong. What have been the biggest keys to your success as a superintendent? I believe the two biggest keys to being a successful superintendent are developing good working relationships and effectively communicating with all stakeholders. It might sound cliché, but it really is true. REALLY getting to know the people in your district and involving employees and families in solving problems is critical. If people feel you really continued on page 17...

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