My 2024-2025 Reflections

/ Dave Eberwein / 1 Comment

There’s so much I am grateful for as Superintendent. But if I had to name just one thing that stands out, it’s this: I get to be part of a professional community that never stops striving to be better. Every day I’m surrounded by people who challenge and inspire me to grow — people who believe deeply in creating spaces where every learner can thrive. Together, we’re not just educators. We’re leaders. And we’re building something meaningful.

Like everywhere else, our district is affected by global issues. The global social and political realities of today are significant and impacting us in unexpected ways. In some of my previous posts I have commented on things such as the current political turmoil, economic uncertainty and social media biases — where we have seen the marginalizing of people because of their beliefs and personal preferences. I have blogged about the problems of racism, bigotry and hatred — because they are important topics for me — areas where we need conversation and action against them. As a school system, we have an obligation to combat these intolerances and be strong in our belief of being the places of kindness and understanding — the places where students feel welcomed, safe and included.

Tucker catching up on some critical down time

These are some of the current influences that are shaping my thinking and wonderings. With this as a backdrop, I’ve compiled a short list of 4 areas of personal reflection that I’d like to share — areas where I’ve spent some time — at work, on my drive home or perhaps walking Tucker:

  • Student Success
  • Artificial Intelligence & Education
  • Political and Economic Upheaval
  • A Personal Perspective

Student Success

We are 1/2 way through Strategic Plan 2022-2027 — and making some good progress in: Literacy; Indigenous Learner Success; Mental Health & Wellness; and Global Citizenship.

School Plans, Personal Growth Plans, Long-Range Facilities Plans, staff recruitment, the Information Technology Plan, budget planning and many other areas are all examples of how we align our efforts to the Strategic Plan, building on what we know works well as well as trying new things to make us better.

The Enhancing Student Learning Report (Sept 2024) provides a great overview of our successes and areas where we still need to focus.

Here are some sample results:

  • Overall student literacy rates are showing improvement including for students with complex learning needs. There is still a difference in literacy rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, but the gap is narrowing.
  • Overall, students are feeling welcomed and safe at school. There has been a significant improvement of Indigenous students feeling a sense of belonging.
  • It is clear that having an adult with whom every child feels connected makes a tremendous difference in students’ sense of safety, as well as feeling valued for who they are in this world.
  • Graduation rates for all students continue to show a steady increase, with the biggest increase seen for the 6-year Indigenous student graduation rate increasing from 56% (2022-22) to 73% (2023-24).

These are just a few of the trends we are seeing. I encourage you to look over the entire Report when you have some time. While there is still much work to be done — especially as it relates to building equity — it is important to acknowledge the efforts our staff are providing in building successful learning opportunities for the students in our care.

Artificial Intelligence and Education

This is an exciting time to be in K-12 education.

In the words of a friend and colleague, “The AI you’re using today is the worst it’s ever going to be.” Being the most recent ‘disruptive technology‘, AI is altering the educational landscape — changing how we lesson plan, increasing accessibility to the curriculum, as well as how we assess student progress. It also provides opportunities within the business side of our system.

But, this newest of technologies also comes with questions and worries. We’re not ignoring these, but instead we’re building a foundation of understanding that is continually evolving alongside of the technology. By embracing the conversation, we have the best opportunity to leverage its possibilities, while being cognizant of ensuring its appropriate use.

In Saanich, we produced a foundational document (Framework for Generative AI in Saanich Schools) that provides some of the ‘bumper pads or guiderails’ for AI in our schools. It is not the final word on how we use AI, but it does give us the foundation from which to build awareness and understanding, as well as increase our system capacity in capitalizing on this new, and evolving tool.

We hosted two staff GenAI Think Tanks this year as well as a virtual Parent Information Evening with 300 parents registered.

Our goal in these ongoing conversations is to share our current knowledge and progress, ask questions and continue our learning journey. We don’t have all of the answers. By asking questions and spending the time charting a path forward, we remain committed to being informed and progressive. We see the possibilities that AI can bring to our teaching and learning environments.

Stay tuned for continuing updates next year.

Political and Economic Upheaval

I have never intended for this blog to serve as a political platform—that has never been its purpose. Yet, remaining silent in the face of today’s turbulent political, social, and economic climate would be to ignore the wild uncertainty that surrounds us. This global instability is reverberating across all levels of governance — national, provincial, and local — leaving no community untouched, including here in British Columbia. Government budgets are in a state of flux, and school districts are not immune from the effects of this global uncertainty.

A Personal Perspective

Life is filled with moments that take your breath away and remind you there is a bigger picture . This past year, one of those moments was the birth of our granddaughter, Ophelia. What a pure bundle of joy! And, she just had her first birthday.

Baby Ophelia – 1 year old

Her brightness and inquisitiveness, the pure joy when she tastes new food, the giggles when you play peek-a-boo, and the screams of delight when you blow bubbles in her neck — they all put into perspective life’s priorities.

While there are many pressure points in our professional lives — in the end, what matters most are the people.

It is Ophelia and others like her who bring the greatest meaning to our lives and our priorities — both personally and professionally.

See you in September!

For those of you returning next year, I look forward to connecting with you again in our schools and district office. And, if you are off to new adventures thank you for being part of our community of learners. I wish you well.

Thank you to everyone who has entered my world this year — you have made an impact and a difference. I wish all of you a summer of rejuvenation, and opportunities to do the things that may get pushed aside during the busy school year.

Dave

(This post was written without the support of Artificial Intelligence.)

The Real Ones Recognize the Journey

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

People who’ve done the work exude a kind of quiet power. They don’t need to shout about it. You may not even notice it, but it’s there.

It’s subtle, but if you look closely, it becomes obvious:

Real Ones Recognize Greta Thunberg’s Courage
  • recognizing the efforts of others who are beginning their journey;
  • not offering criticism when others trip along their way;
  • not tearing others down but building them up.

This quiet power comes from experience. From deep inside one’s being.

They know the kind of courage it takes to try something new. To begin. To keep going when it gets ugly. When the failures seem to outnumber the successes. When the inevitable roadblocks stop others.

They know what it feels like to be criticized. They are the real ones.

Real ones don’t criticize. They recognize.

The Courage to Begin

Starting something new is one of the most vulnerable things a person can do. Whether it’s launching a new initiative like writing your first blog, stepping into a new role, rewriting the rulebook, or experimenting with a new tool — the beginning is always the hardest part. It’s where one’s doubt is the loudest and the support from others is often its quietest.

But those who’ve been there — those who’ve travelled a similar path to you — they see you. They know the courage it takes just to begin. Behind every success story is a mountain of unseen effort. Early mornings. Late nights. Repetition. Sacrifice.

Real ones understand that discipline isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, it’s lonely and it’s necessary. And because they’ve lived it, they don’t mock your hustle.

They respect it.

  • The athlete respects the new gym attendee for the effort it takes to be awkward and unknowing in front of others.
  • The experienced master teacher honours the rookie who is trying new strategies.
  • The system leader cultivates a culture of emotional safety for new leaders allowing them the space to take risks.

To risk is to believe in something that doesn’t yet exist. It’s to bet on yourself when no one else will. Those who’ve taken real risks—who’ve put their time, money, and heart on the line—don’t belittle others for doing the same. They speak the language of the courageous.

Take the Risk to be Better

There’s nothing more raw than creating something from nothing. Sharing your ideas, your voice — it’s an act of vulnerability. True artists, makers, dreamers and doers know how exposed you feel when you put your work into the world — when you put yourself on the line. That’s why they applaud your courage.

It’s why you don’t see the athlete mocking the novice gym rat, nor the master teacher belittling the first year professional. These newcomers to the adventure are starting out and taking risks to be better — and that’s worth recognizing.

The Echo Chamber of the Uninspired

The loudest critics are often the ones doing the least. They haven’t risked. They haven’t built. They haven’t dared. Instead, they mock what they don’t understand. But their noise is just that—noise. It’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of their fear.

You’ll know you’re on the right path when the quiet nods start showing up. The athlete who sees your grind. The leader who respects your ambition. The mentor who sees your growth. Real ones don’t need to say much. Their recognition is subtle, but it’s real — and it’s earned.

Protecting Your Energy

Listen to Your ‘Why’ and Risk to be Better

Not every opinion deserves your attention. Learn to discern between critique and criticism. Protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset — because it is. Stay rooted in your purpose and let your “why” be louder than their “what ifs.”

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and believe in you. The right community doesn’t just cheer you on—they hold you accountable to your potential. They remind you who you are when you forget.

Keep Building You

So keep going. Keep building. Keep growing. The world needs more people who are willing to try, to risk, to create. Don’t let the critics dim your drive. Let the real ones remind you that you’re not alone.

Let your superpower be your perseverance.

You’re just getting started.

(This post was inspired by the author prompting AI on the idea of someone being acknowledged by those who have travelled a similar path.)

Hiring Our Leaders – What Matters Most

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

I’ve seen commentary that people who are wealthy must be great leaders. That is typically not my ‘go to’ as I’ve seen some wealthy people who aren’t the most honourable. Having lots of money doesn’t automatically translate into exceptional leadership. Instead, I look for leaders with exceptional personal values — things like compassion, transparency, consistency and honesty. This being said, there are people in this world who are both wealthy and of high moral character.

Warren Buffett is one of those people.

When he speaks and writes about his values, they transcend the boundaries of finance. The following is a great example:

When one talks about integrity, especially when hiring for leadership positions, it can sometimes be an afterthought for some organizations — and that is a huge mistake.

Integrity in our leaders is what builds trust, and trust is the cornerstone upon which successful organizations thrive. Integrity, intelligence and energy are a forceful combination that can help drive organizational success. However, without integrity, a leader who has both intelligence and energy can be dangerous and even destructive.

Leaders need to possess a strong ethical compass to ensure that their decisions and actions are guided by principles that foster respect and belief in their values.

I have talked about this importance of integrity before, when I discussed the critical importance of CHARACTER (Leadership, Character and Congruence – Oct 2023). Integrity and character are intertwined — they both represent that same intangible, and critical quality that helps build long-term organizational success.

The other two traits that Buffet discusses — intelligence and energy — are undoubtedly valuable in a leader. Intelligence allows for strategic thinking and problem-solving, while energy drives motivation and productivity. However, without integrity, these other two qualities lead to manipulation and dishonesty. A leader who lacks integrity often uses their intelligence to deceive and their high energy levels to pursue selfish goals, ultimately harming the organization and its people.

Buffett reminds us that leadership is not merely about achieving results, but about how those results are achieved. Leaders with integrity create an environment where employees feel valued and respected, leading to higher morale and productivity, and it fosters a culture of transparency and accountability essential for long-term success.

This creates a ripple effect, encouraging employees to act with their own honesty and responsibility.

Effective Leaders lead with Integrity

In today’s fast-paced environment, the temptation to prioritize short-term wins over long-term values can be tempting, yet disastrous. Organizations must look at future leaders beyond their resumes and job qualifications, to assess their character and values. This involves evaluating their past behavior, decision-making processes, and their commitment to ethical principles.

  • Do they resolve situations by holding true to the values they espouse?
  • Are they a person who handles difficulties with grace, dignity and accountability?
  • Are they honourable when no one is looking?

Leadership in education is about the long game. You build productive change by living true to one’s values. Your personal and consistent commitment to them is the game changer for positive results. Leaders who uphold this principle are better equipped to make decisions that benefit their organizations in the long run, even if it means sacrificing immediate rewards.

Furthermore, integrity in leadership is not just about avoiding unethical behavior; it is about actively promoting ethical practices. Leaders with integrity lead by example, demonstrating the importance of honesty, fairness, and respect in all aspects of their work.

So, while intelligence and energy are critically important, they must be grounded in a strong ethical foundation to be truly effective. When hiring leaders ensure that integrity comes first, second and third. Only then, will the leader’s intelligence and energy push your organization to greater heights.

(NOTE: This post was created with the assistance of AI on the Warren Buffet quote, however, there was significant input in the final product from the author’s own beliefs and content.)