School starts in Washoe County two weeks from Monday, and on Friday we spoke with the new superintendent, Tiffany McMaster, about her priorities.
McMaster is replacing Joe Ernst, who retired earlier this month.
She says the district is facing several challenges, including fewer students, budgetary issues, and the upcoming legislative session.
McMaster said, "I think this is a very interesting time in education. We have some challenges we're facing in terms of fewer students. We have budgetary issues that are related to that. We have an upcoming legislative session, so when I think of all of those things, I think a lot about change management."
She went on to say, "When I think of all those things, I think a lot about change management, and that's really the challenge of leadership. How do you look at change and manage it effectively so we're not doing things to people, we're doing them with people?"
McMaster says she's been meeting with district staff, parents and community partners to prepare for her new role ahead of the start of the school year.
She says she'll be working to change the school district's strategic plan to update their goals moving forward, and she'll make sure everyone will have a voice in that process.
"If we are constantly stagnant, we're not meeting the needs of students as they come through our system,” she said. “Every student is different, so we have to meet the changing needs of the students."
She says collaborating and connecting with people is an important priority in her new role.
"I've spent my entire career in the Washoe County School District. Stepping into this role has been an honor and a privilege."
She also tells us she's excited to redefine their goals and action steps moving forward.
"This is just an opportunity to reenvision the future of Washoe County School District in partnership with everybody,” she said. “Everyone will have a voice in what that looks like, so it won't be my goals as a superintendent coming into this role; it'll be our goals, our vision, our future."
