NJASA

We Will Get Through This Together    

Dear Colleagues,

I’m not sure where to start.

It seems like light years ago that I wrote February’s On Target. So much has happened and so much has changed. It actually feels like two different worlds. In just two weeks, all New Jersey school districts went from traditional instruction and operation to total remote mode. With little, if any, experience with virtual snow days (although we have all wanted them) or remote learning in the past, every district across the state simultaneously shut down and transitioned to the current environment we are working within. It was not easy and not without challenges. But with great leadership, dedicated district employees, and sheer willpower we all got it done.

I have never been prouder of my school district, everyone who works in it, our students and our community. I know you feel the same about your school districts and all those who are part of it. And I’ve never been prouder to be a superintendent in New Jersey. To see the work that each of you has done to make your district successful in these difficult times is inspiring. But superintendents have gone beyond making the transition to a remote environment possible. It has also been uplifting to see our NJASA members rally behind each other in times of need, to provide a friendly ear to decompress, and to advocate at the local, county, and state levels for your districts and for the bigger educational needs across our state. If we work together …  we will get through this together.

Leadership has never been more important in difficult times than now, and what we have experienced and been called upon to do reminds me of a quote from the book Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALs Lead and Win:

“You can’t make people listen to you. You can’t make them execute. That might be a temporary solution for a simple task. But to implement real change, to drive people to accomplish something truly complex or difficult or dangerous—you can’t make people do those things. You have to lead them.”

What we are going through right now requires leadership. What you have accomplished in a short amount of time has demonstrated the leadership needed to motivate faculty and staff to get things done, implement real change, and accomplish the near impossible.

There’s much more work ahead. Tough work. Complex work. And real educational change that’s needed to reopen our schools in the future. Your leadership will continue to motivate those in your districts to make this all possible. I’m confident, through your efforts and leadership, the work that needs to be done can be done, and as a result, our school communities and our educational system will make it through this difficult time.

Thank you for your leadership.

I hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Scott R. Rocco, Ed.D.

2019-2020 NJASA President