Below you will find a selection of my writings.

So what is innovation?
A group of school districts are working with Peter Senge around schooling for systems thinking and sustainability. Recenty Peter asked us to think about how we define innovation and our views of Race to the Top. Here is my response to that.

Budget Message for 2009-2010
Our 2009-2010 budget is approved by the Board of Education and is now in place. Elsewhere on this site you can find the details, but I preface the document with a few thoughts about the state of our district's financial health.

Class of 2009 Graduation Speech
We saw 81 talented and inspiring students graduate from MRH High School, and I had the honor to say a few words at their ceremony on a lovely Friday evening in May. You'll find my speech attached here.

Metaphor and School Transformation
I wrote this chapter for the new book "Transformers: Creative Teachers for the 21st Century." The chapter explains how we developed the metaphors that are used in our schools to describe the teaching and learning that take place here. With reflections on my first days in the district, this chapter shows the great strides that MRH has made.

Displaying Student Work
When walking through the halls of an MRH school, you'll see student work displayed at every turn. Displaying students' work shows them that what they are doing is important and that they can accomplish what is asked of them. It also communicates to them that our staff is here to support them.

School Library Journal 'Administrator of the Year' Q & A
Our high school librarian, Laura Laramore, nominated me in the School Library Journal "Administrator of the Year" selection process. I was fortunate enough to be named the runner-up for this national award. Attached are the answers I submitted for the award selection process.

Opening Comments to 2008 Social Justice Cohort
In August 2008 we kicked off our second cohort of teachers, administrators and parents that is studying issues surrounding social justice. Attached are the opening comments I made to this group, which is doing some of the most important work happening here in MRH.

Speech to MRH High Class of 2008
One of the highlights of every year is making the commencement speech to our graduating seniors. The class of 2008 will always hold a special place in my heart, and I've included my words to them here.

Humpback Whale Sighting - MRH Fusion Project
In 2008 members of the MRH community embarked upon the "Fusion Project," which was a melding of art and literature. Writers and artists collaborated on projects that were displayed at a public reception. Students, staff members and community members were all involved. Attached is the writing I did for the project that was displayed with the graphic design artwork created by then-assistant superintendent Charles Pearson.