Lou Steigerwald, Ed. S.
- School Superintendent in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Plant Wrangler/Gardener
- Middling Gamer
Technology, schools, and kids
Because students in our district are issued iPads between grades 3-12, we get a lot of questions about electronic devices in school. While individually issued technology is a new wrinkle in school for parents, for the generation of kids in school expect to live and work in tech rich environments, it is just the way the world is. Schools vary in their approaches to technology, here is what we have decided to do in our district and why.
…Flint, DPS, and the State of Schools in Michigan
Recent revelations about the Flint water crisis and conditions in Detroit Public School buildings are emblematic of the poor leadership of Governor Snyder and Senate and State Representatives in Lansing. Citizens throughout our state should take notice and offense at the terrible harm to our state’s reputation on the national and international stage. The Flint and Detroit tragedies will not be the end of poor outcomes if Michiganders do not demand more realistic and responsible governance from Lansing.
…Things to do and not to do during an interview
I am always happy to help folks who are new to the interview process. I am surprised at how rarely I am asked for insights into the process. Here are some things I would share if asked…
…Communicating with Your Child’s School
Schools are busy places. Sometimes it can be hard to determine how or with whom to communicate different concerns or questions. In our electronic culture today it is easy to find phone numbers and email addresses; however, that information alone does not tell a parent which questions to direct where.
…What does a school board do?
Public schools in the United States are overseen by school boards. Most everyone knows this, but very few folks know what school boards do or how they conduct their business. School boards are mainly responsible for creating school policy, approving the district budget, and hiring and evaluating the district superintendent. While this list may seem short, it covers a great deal of responsibility.
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