Being from Maine, I don't get a chance to get out to a Margaritaville Restaurant very often, let alone with a great group of colleagues.

When Andrew Boyle talked about “sunflowers” yesterday – this is the type of thing he meant. It isn't all about budgets or school board meetings or that next levy/bond for capital improvements that can take up so much of our professional lives. This job is much more about relationships – building relationships of all kinds including with your colleagues. Sitting around having a great lunch with fellow Superintendents from my state is as much a part of those “sunflowers” than some of the great learning sessions that are part of NCE.

Speaking of great learning sessions…WOW – what another great day, and it isn't even done! So far today, I've learned about Leading through a “Trust and Inspire” framework, understanding the challenges and strengths of being a woman in leadership, and how to sustain DEI&B. Here's a few pictures below…

We also got to hear from our two great candidates for AASA president this morning. If you haven't already voted – remember to do so – Good luck to both!

I hope you all had some great “cheeseburgers with colleagues” today as well!