An Example in Leadership

My 4-word definition of leadership is "making difficult, unpopular decisions". Every leader, from the CEO down to a front line supervisor, is asked at times to make decisions without perfect knowledge. They are certain to endure the wrath of impacted individuals or groups. That's why leaders are compensated at a higher level than those who actually do the work.

This week a story that has been slowly building in Kansas City broke nationally. It involves the Kansas City Missouri School District. The recent history of the district can be summarized by an incapable, overwhelmed school board ineffectively directing and firing a series of district superintendents. The failure of the school boards were taken out on the superintendents - they serve for a year and collect a huge severance package. Over time it has become extremely clear the problem was not the superintendents, but rather the school board.

The current superintendent is named Dr. John Covington. I have watched his leadership over the district during this difficult time. The district budget faces a $50m shortfall next year. The quality of education is deteriorating much as it is in most large urban districts. Covington's problem is how to improve quality and sharply lower expenses.

Covington has proposed his plan to lower cost and improve quality. The school district was built to serve the maximum number of students ever enrolled. Over the past 20 years, that number has declined by 50%. The result is that the school district owns and operates twice as many facilities as the current enrollment can support, hence the $50m budget shortfall. From a cost perspective, Covington has proposed that half of the district's schools be closed. This is the aspect of his plan that caught the attention of national media. A second aspect of his plan is to improve quality by requiring all teachers in under performing schools re-apply to retain their job. This will allow the district to essentially fire teachers who should be pursuing a different career.

Covington held multiple town halls once his plan was communicated. He attended each and stood in the frying pan as members of the community called him names and criticized the plan (without a hint of what they might do instead). Covington calmly listened and even made small modifications to the plan based on what he heard.

The outcry from certain members of the community has been loud and vicious. The teacher's union is coming unglued over the potential release of deadwood teachers. Even members of the city council has criticized the plan, saying it will lead to even more urban blight and the continued deterioration of neighborhoods. Even in the face of this opposition, the school board passed Covington's plan by a 5 to 4 vote.

After considering the problem and his proposal, one would wonder what the 4 no votes had in mind. Were they waiting for their magic wand to be delivered so they could solve the problem painlessly? It is easy to criticize and complain. It is much more difficult to lead. Dr. John Covington has my respect. He perfectly fits my definition of a good leader.