Report on the Director of Operations/ Facilities Workshop and update on the upcoming mentoring program BY CHUCK MORRIS
On March 6th and 7th, along with support from the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International (CEFPI) and the Ministry of Education, the School Plant Officials Association (SPOA) put on a two day workshop for Directors, Managers and those aspiring to move into these positions. The two day event was very well attended, and those on the waiting list are encouraged to apply early the next time this is held. Quite a number of months ago, through discussion with various members of SPOA, it was thought a ‘Mentoring’ program should be developed. Over the last few years there have been a number of changes throughout the province, placing people into positions
they may not necessarily be familiar with. Like it or not, a number of us are part of the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation and retirement has reached many of our peers. That allows movement upward for a number of people from a Supervisor or Manager position, into a Directorship. We have always encouraged the sharing of information (knowledge), and to a large extent, it does happen. However, from time to time there may be circumstances where an individual may be hesitant to call because he/she believes others think he/she should know what to do! Now, we all have our own pride to deal with – but if it interferes with an expected outcome of your job, you need help.
The B.C. School Superintendents Association developed a mentoring program a few years ago and has since modified it slightly. It is a program that works well and helps new superintendents when they find themselves in new territory. We have been in contact with this association a couple of times now, and are developing our own program using some of their information as well as information from other programs, ensuring we will end up with something that works well for SPOA. Watch for more information on our Mentoring Program as we hope to have it ready by June of this year. The two day workshop held on March 6th and 7th is deemed to be part of the
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School Plant Officials Association of B.C. Spring 2008
