Name: Brian Hukel

Title: Superintendent of Schools

Organisation: Scott County Central Schools

My wife, Holley, and I currently reside in Marble Hill, MO. We have four daughters aged from 18- 24 who are out carving their path in the world. I'm currently serving in my sixth year as the Superintendent of Schools at Scott County Central Schools and my twenty-sixth overall in elementary and secondary education in the state of Missouri.

During my time in education I've served in a variety of roles, including an ELA instructor, athletic director, building principal, and now, superintendent. My current district is a small rural school with just over 50 staff members and approximately 300 students. In a small school, a superintendent gets to wear many hats, but our overall success is built on strong community support and internal teams focused on the common goal of serving our students each and every day.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Brian's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

The most challenging part of serving as an educational leader would be the external distractions that steadily interrupt the ultimate mission of serving our students. These create new variables that must be factored into decisions that would otherwise be much more straightforward. Usually, these come in the form of legislative mandates, but in 2020, the pandemic brought challenges that spanned both health concerns and political agendas. This was by far the most challenging period that I've experienced while serving in an educational leadership role.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became an educational leader after serving for seven years as a coach and classroom instructor for grades 5-12. These years on the "frontlines" of education helped me develop a better understanding of educational systems and what it takes for a district to run efficiently. I was awarded my first role as a building principal in 2006, and I can say with confidence that I'm still learning and growing as a leader all these years later. While I've experienced highs and lows, each challenge has allowed me to learn, usually from my mistakes, and carry lessons forward to face the next obstacle.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My work days usually begin around 6 a.m. as I check for any pressing emails or messages from building staff that may have come in overnight. On occasion, problem-solving has to begin very early to meet the needs of the day. I then begin my morning commute around 6:45 and arrive at the office between 7:30 and 7:45 to "officially" begin my day. I normally make a quick stop in the office to check my agenda.

I have a daily work list on my desk that I always prepare the day before. This has proved to be an incredible tool in not only keeping me on task, but also on the "right" task in terms of priority. Depending on the day, I will normally then take a walk through the district to check in with building principals, directors, and maintenance crews. I like to make sure everyone is doing well and has what they need to tackle the day. This also gives me a chance to see many of our students and teachers as they start their classes. This is my favorite part of my day. I can see the buildings in action and check the pulse of our entire district in less than an hour.

My day from this point would be driven by my prepared agenda. This could include working on transportation needs, maintenance projects, stakeholder meetings, or managing district finances. Of course, plans for the day are frequently changed when an unexpected challenge arises. As much as I try to script my days, I have to accept the fact that flexibility is required. This also applies to the time I will be able to end my day. The job doesn't end until all activities for the day are complete and every student has arrived safely back home.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

I've recently been reminded that collaboration is the key to true problem solving. I don't believe problems are solved in a vacuum. Gathering alternate viewpoints is an absolute must before making consequential decisions.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

A book that had a profound impact on my journey as an educational leader would be The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Covey's work on leadership taught me skills that have transcended my role as an educational leader, but with regard to educational leadership, it has guided my efforts to build effective teams, buildings, and districts. For me personally, the 5th habit has been foundational... seek first to understand- then to be understood.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

My advice to an aspiring educational leader would be to first lead where you are. Leadership doesn't have to come with a title. We're all leaders in one capacity or another... don't wait to begin leading! And secondly, learn who you are as a leader. Stand firm in your leadership style and stay true to yourself and your instincts.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

There are honestly too many to tell, but I can say that education is a life-changing endeavour. For those considering, our world needs more good educators. If you have a heart to serve others, you'll never regret choosing to serve the students in your community!