---
title: "#Suptchat Recap:  Leadership Planning for the Fall"
description: "The final #suptchat of the school year happened last night, and the Paper team is here to highlight some of our favorite tweets! Hosts Michael Lubelfeld and Nick Polyak asked district leaders across the nation about their back-to-school plans."
---

[Driving Equity in Education Together ](https://paper.co/blog)

# [#Suptchat Recap:  Leadership Planning for the Fall](https://paper.co/blog/suptchat-recap-leadership-planning-for-the-fall)

 Written by [Paper](https://paper.co/blog/author/paper) | June 3, 2021

The final [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hashtag_click) of the school year happened last night, and the Paper team is here to highlight some of our favorite tweets! Hosts Michael Lubelfeld and Nick Polyak asked district leaders across the nation about their back-to-school plans.

As we move into a new school year full of opportunity in light of new funding, research, and state guidance, [join](https://pages.paper.co/discussion-driving-equitable-learning-renewal-for-every-student) [#suptchat ](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hashtag_click)host [Nick Polyak](https://pages.paper.co/discussion-driving-equitable-learning-renewal-for-every-student) and other influential district leaders to discuss maximizing equity and impact for all. 

                                       <https://pages.paper.co/discussion-driving-equitable-learning-renewal-for-every-student>

## Q1: What are you doing this summer to plan for the return to school this fall?

The priority for superintendents this summer is to carve out a path to full-day, in-person lessons, while still budgeting some time to recharge. 

> A1: Our teams have been planning for a return to in-person, full day schedules. As more information is shared about new health/safety guidance, communicating with staff & families will be so important - we want all to be comfortable with returning in the fall. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Mary Havis (@maryhavis) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/maryhavis/status/1400241319008690182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Q1: This summer we plan on doing a lot of planning. We are lucky enough to have had most of our sS's back for all of 20-21, so we will be focused on creating campus & district plans for academics as well as ESSER $$. We are also in the design phase for new campuses![#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Bill Chapman (@Dr_Chap_PISD) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Dr_Chap_PISD/status/1400241570503299075?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A1: First & foremost I am encouraging our admin team (and everyone) to really step away in June. Time to reset is important. 2nd-we are continully working at assessing our student and staff needs to be better prepared to move forward together. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dan_Cox (@Dan_Cox) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Dan_Cox/status/1400241570591526923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A1: First, I need to practice some self care and just recharge.   
>  That always comes with lots of reflection, asking myself, "Who is the leader I need to be in August?" I'll be thinking about instruction but also the important work of relationships & reuniting staff. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — MrJoeMcCauley (@CauleyMr) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/CauleyMr/status/1400241822392279040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q2: Please share an example of a leadership lesson you learned this year that will impact what you do next fall?

Overcoming hardship is always an opportunity to learn. These district leaders discovered that there's great value in being flexible in fluid situations and sometimes the best thing to do is say, "I don't know."

> A2: So many leadership lessons from this year. Believe in your team, know that things change rapidly, make the next best decision, over-communicate [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Ys2XojLLz2](https://t.co/Ys2XojLLz2)
> 
> — Brian J. Nichols (@bjnichols) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/bjnichols/status/1400243202326679553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A2 - Although this year was so challenging, some of the most important lessons were the same: the priorities should align with the values, take time to build relationships, provide access and opportunity to all students. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Lisa Leali (she, her, hers) (@LisaLeali) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/LisaLeali/status/1400243080138301442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A2: Last year, I learned that it is okay to sometimes not have all the answers. In fact, a great article from [@HarvardBiz](https://twitter.com/HarvardBiz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) nailed it when they pointed to the "power of a group discussion" [pic.twitter.com/ywAq39ZPfX](https://t.co/ywAq39ZPfX)
> 
> — Todd Dugan (@tdugan75) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/tdugan75/status/1400243080087834624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A2 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) "everything" - we learned, listened, led, learned some more and then listened more - we then led and learned more :) - cannot wait for this year to come to a safe close 6/11 and then rest/recharge and come back strong for summer and fall! Then Listen More :)
> 
> — Michael Lubelfeld (@mikelubelfeld) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/mikelubelfeld/status/1400242911581720578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q3: For our newer administrators, what wisdom can you share about navigating difficult situations?

Though the question was posed to benefit newer admins, the fact of the matter is we all can use a reminder to listen, see things from other's POV, and address challenges head-on.

> Q3  
> Write on a spreadsheet all job responsibilities. Every time you meet someone, write their contact info underneath their specialty (e.g. literacy, numeracy, bilingual ed, special education, tech, budgets, human relations). Have a Q? Reach out![#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/h12ZAiVJ3W](https://t.co/h12ZAiVJ3W)
> 
> — Dr. Efraín Martínez (@EMartinezEdD) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/EMartinezEdD/status/1400244087027027970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A3 don't let things fester. The most difficult conversations are the most satisfying when you have had them. Be honest and coach to improve behaviors in every conversation. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Randy Squier (@randysquier) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/randysquier/status/1400244529622622215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A3 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) - Walk alongside people and ask more questions than you answer. We can learn more about people and support them by listening to what they need then assuming we know.
> 
> — Kathy Hinz (she/her/ella) (@DrKathyHinz) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/DrKathyHinz/status/1400245009790779395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A3: well I still think of myself as new- but I think in every difficult conversation/situation it is important to try to view the situation as the other person is, 99.9% of people have a rationale for their viewpoint, even if it isn't completely accurate [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/6FLM2IMpH0](https://t.co/6FLM2IMpH0)
> 
> — Kristen Bordonaro 🌟 (@Kmbordonaro) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Kmbordonaro/status/1400246080831381508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q4: How are you planning to support the emotional needs of the adults and children as they transition back next year? 

There are a number of ways district leaders are going to provide emotional support to their stakeholders, but the underlying theme of each approach is the same: our district is a community. 

> A4: be alert and open to people's need. Keep reminding everyone we are all rowing the same boat! Have to be honest and open it's ok to feel. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/9engd2aq6h](https://t.co/9engd2aq6h)
> 
> — Ry Heavner (@Heavner7) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Heavner7/status/1400245868708700160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A4 - Social emotional wellness is a primary focus for us. Teachers/ admin are collaborating to make a plan for staff based on our spring culture and climate survey, and a plan for students based on our weekly progress monitoring data from this year [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@goleadco](https://twitter.com/goleadco?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Humanex](https://twitter.com/Humanex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Lisa Leali (she, her, hers) (@LisaLeali) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/LisaLeali/status/1400245596947062787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A4: Fortunately, we had a head start and were able to transition back early this past school year (then pivot to remote, followed by hybrid, followed by a return to in-person). However, we kept the focus on 1) Well-being 2) Engagement and 3) Feedback
> 
> — Todd Dugan (@tdugan75) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/tdugan75/status/1400245596670160896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A4 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) we have been doing circles with classrooms for kids to share and connect - while those will continue in the fall, we need to figure out how to build adult circles to support staff and families.
> 
> — Kathy Hinz (she/her/ella) (@DrKathyHinz) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/DrKathyHinz/status/1400246097738711046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q5: What in-person leadership learning or conference experience are you most looking forward to next year and why?

The new school year doesn't just promise a confident return to in-person learning. Peers at the district level also get an opportunity to connect again. So keep some availability in your calendars!

> A5: Can't wait for AASA this coming February! I miss my colleagues so much! I can't wait to connect and learn from you all! [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza (@leblancesparza) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/leblancesparza/status/1400250325206925318?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A5 - I am looking forward to our annual [@tasanet](https://twitter.com/tasanet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) summer conference at the end of this month, which will be in person. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney (@drgoffney) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/drgoffney/status/1400247579506614273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A5 our state [@NYSchoolSupts](https://twitter.com/NYSchoolSupts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) conf will be in-person in Saratoga this fall and looking forward to [@AASAHQ](https://twitter.com/AASAHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in Feb in Nashville. Looking forward to networking with colleagues. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Randy Squier (@randysquier) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/randysquier/status/1400246856739962881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q6: What leadership lessons from the past year should be included in graduate school or professional PD moving forward?

One change we can expect moving forward is the newfound emphasis on compassion, work-life balance, and how we manage crises. 

> A6 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The importance of life/work balance and keeping yourself healthy in the middle of a crisis and/or highly emotional times. Actual plan development and strategies. If we aren't healthy, we can't support others.
> 
> — Kathy Hinz (she/her/ella) (@DrKathyHinz) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/DrKathyHinz/status/1400248384422883328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A6: compassion and thinking outside of the box. I sure hope we encourage that creativity that has happened this year as well! [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/a5EUSDI669](https://t.co/a5EUSDI669)
> 
> — Ry Heavner (@Heavner7) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Heavner7/status/1400248128670994434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A6: Leadership Lessons: be honest about what you know and what you don't know [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Brenda Maurao (@bmaurao) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/bmaurao/status/1400248125818814465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q7: Please share plans for learning acceleration in the coming school year.

Right now, we're all after the same thing: learning acceleration. But what does that look like in practice?

> [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A7: We plan on offering an immense amount of enrichment, as well as personalized remediation for those in need. And by "need" as assessed by skill level, not necessarily "work completed."
> 
> — Todd Dugan (@tdugan75) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/tdugan75/status/1400249371984343048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A7 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) We're adding 7.0FTE math interventionists with ESSER III $$ to help with math acceleration (remediation, on grade, and enrichment) - we also have "student success block" K-5 daily 30 minute block of precious time - and we have HIGH expectations for each child daily
> 
> — Michael Lubelfeld (@mikelubelfeld) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/mikelubelfeld/status/1400249214152630272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Q7: jumpstart to the school year, extended day, wrapping athletics and activities in for overall well being of kids, PD for teachers around best practices. [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza (@leblancesparza) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/leblancesparza/status/1400249110767104006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Q8: What are you most proud of in your district in terms of leading and learning that you want to share from the past year?

A great question to close off the school year! 

> Q8:  
> I am most proud that our staff and students worked together to get us to the finish line this year. It took a lot of flexibility and teamwork to make it happen.[#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ctpDNuoyBt](https://t.co/ctpDNuoyBt)
> 
> — Dr. Bill Chapman (@Dr_Chap_PISD) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/Dr_Chap_PISD/status/1400250378399076352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Q8: I am proud of the fact that we had over 60% of our school year in person for students! We were able to manage cohorts and give kids considerable in person learning time, and social emotional support throughout the year! [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> 
> — Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza (@leblancesparza) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/leblancesparza/status/1400250604748873728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> A8 [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) - I am most proud of the perseverance of the [@CrystalLakeSD47](https://twitter.com/CrystalLakeSD47?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) staff and families as we continuously changed learning models and circumstances throughout the school year in response to the health metrics and a commitment to get kids back in school.
> 
> — Kathy Hinz (she/her/ella) (@DrKathyHinz) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/DrKathyHinz/status/1400251069641416708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

We'll see you all back in August!

> Remember that there is no [#suptchat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/suptchat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in July - take the month off and we'll be back as strong as ever in August! [pic.twitter.com/HTyipO9C3n](https://t.co/HTyipO9C3n)
> 
> — Nick Polyak (@npolyak) [June 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/npolyak/status/1400249013283209217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

[View full post](https://paper.co/blog/suptchat-recap-leadership-planning-for-the-fall)

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