Name: Richard Rhodes

Title: Superintendent/Principal

Organisation: South Fork Union Elementary School District

I started my career as a Superintendent at 29 years old. I am currently turning 58. I have served as a Superintendent at 6 school districts and one charter school over that time. I am a product of a small school system and have spent my career working in small rural isolated school districts in both California and Alaska. I have a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Southern California.

I served as a Board Member for the Small School District Association for 8 years. As well as a United States Department of Education Consultant for Race to the Top for 2 years and a 3rd year for Education Leadership grants. I spent two years under a cast and not walking due to a superbug bone infection. I had a below-the-knee amputation in February 2023 and returned to work in July 2023 with a prosthetic leg full time, where I serve as a Principal of two schools and District Superintendent.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

To connect with the culture of the community and school. To be accepted as the leader and drive decision-making towards a continual improvement model. To understand the relationships of the community and school members and navigate the negative relationships created over the years.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I started my first year as an Interim Superintendent with an overall general fund deficit of $85,000 dollars and had to take a County school loan. The County Grand Jury spent the first year with me. I spent 8 years in the School District.

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

I like to get up at 4:00 a.m. and am at the gym by 5:00 a.m. I leave the gym at 6:00 a.m. I am at work by 7:10. I do not take breaks and lunch. I usually leave around 5:30 p.m. I am in bed at 8 p.m. I like to think I play harder than I work. I am working my way back to competing in triathlons.

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

We are taking a downturn in the budget cycle for schools. The next few years are going to move from hiring employees to consolidating programs, staffing and hours. Especially here in California, USA. Searching for ways to fund the District's priorities will be prevalent.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

John Hattie Visible Learning.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Get an Executive Coach to help navigate your career. Put your own children first and provide the best education possible for them. Find quality time for your family and take mini weekend vacations and full vacations. Work hard, Play hard. Married for 32 years.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? I spent two years without walking from 2019 -2021. In and out of casts and surgeries due to a bone infection. Four and half months after losing my leg I flew into Los Angeles with a backpack and a wheelchair and a prosthetic leg from Florida, USA. I just completed my first year back as a Superintendent in 2023/24. Where there is a will, there is a way! Yours for kids.