Words of wisdom

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of articles marking the 50th Anniversary of Hartselle City Schools.

In our community and in our schools, we are sup ported by those around us. In my own career I have received words of wisdom over the years that have made a difference in my decision-making. Though I could not begin to list them all, here are a few. I once sought hiring advice from former HCS Superintendent Dr. Lee Hartsell who made clear his hiring philosophy: All things being equal, hire local. All things not being equal, hire the best. Hiring the best candidate who is the best fit for the available role has been an HCS priority for many years.

Hartselle High School’s Jerry Reeves gave me my first administrative job. He once gave me a little advice regarding addressing conflicts: I try to remind myself that unless I have to make an immediate decision, I should take a little time.

Few decisions have to be made immediately, and a little time allows emotions to subside and make room for the best decision. Good advice.

Former Crestline Principal and HCS Curriculum Director Bobbie Long once counseled me when I was accused of acting with a narrow and, to my way of thinking, hateful purpose. I knew that I had not acted with such a mindset, but my concern was that I was giving anyone the impression that I was even capable of such callousness. Long’s take was enlightening: You should always reflect on these interactions and make changes where they are needed. However, sometimes, if you cannot begin to determine what in your words or demeanor or prior actions could have given someone such an impression of you, consider that they may be showing you something about themselves. If they were in your shoes and charged with making the decision, that narrow and callous decision is the one they would make. They are accusing you of the thing they are guilty of. That’s why they understand so much about it.

Those words served me well over the course of my career.

Barkley Bridge teacher Cindy Hollingsworth, who once served as Reading Coach when I was Principal, had a way of expressing her concerns for the academic deficiencies students could face if we as a teaching staff did not commit to instructional practices that aligned with the science of reading. We know better, so we have to do better. We can’t ask students to pick up the tab. The idea of anyone having to pick up the tab for my actions or inactions stuck with me in many situations.

Hartselle City Schools is celebrating its 50th year as an independent school system, and we have enjoyed many successes over the years. But a successful past does not guarantee a successful future. What does? One piece of the puzzle is continuing to grow people. In order to grow them, you have to hire staff that are willing to mentor and willing to be mentored. And you have to do so year after year. Back to the words of Dr. Hartsell, hire the best.