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Comms & Chaos
Welcome to "Comms & Chaos," the educational podcast dedicated to navigating the wild world of K-12 public education. Let's zone in on the challenges and triumphs faced by school communicators, who work non-stop to bridge the gap between the school and community. In each episode, we'll dive into the art and science of school communications, shining a light on the vital role communication plays in turning chaos into clarity.
Comms & Chaos
Reflections on the Rural Superintendency: Insights from Tracy Bottoms
“Public education has always been important. But it’s never been as important as it is today.”
In this episode of "Comms & Chaos," Marci is joined by Dr. Tracy Bottoms, superintendent of the Montgomery County R-II School District, who is stepping into retirement after a 29-year career as a rural educator.
Dr. Bottoms reflects on his journey as a rural superintendent and educator, sharing insights on the countless hats a rural leader wears—from recruitment & retention efforts, like starting a staff daycare, to navigating major shifts in education over the past three decades, like social media!
We dive into onboarding board members, how leadership roles shape a superintendent’s approach, and why fostering connections and relationships is vital for success. Tracy offers invaluable advice for new rural superintendents.
If you make it to the end, you can even learn how retired superintendents are like soap opera villains!