This week, our guest is Lars Clemensen, the Superintendent of Hampton Bays Union Free School District and President of NYSCOSS. Lars shares profound insights on leadership, community connection, and what it truly means to prepare students for a dynamic future.
This episode offers lessons for all educational leaders. Here are three things we encourage you to listen for:
💡 Schools as the “Future Business” and Community Investment: Lars describes schools as being “in the future business” and emphasizes that budget expenses should be seen as investments in a stronger community, not just costs.
💡 Mastering Crisis Communication with Transparency: Lars offers a candid “after-action review” of his leadership during COVID-19. He reflects on the critical importance of a disciplined, transparent communication plan and the order of informing stakeholders to maintain trust and prevent groups from feeling devalued.
💡 Intentional, Child-Centered Career Development: Learn about Hampton Bays’ innovative approach to student pathways, moving beyond a “scavenger hunt” for diplomas.
This conversation is a powerful reminder of a superintendent’s belief in opportunity and how meaningful relationships are essential for effective leadership, especially when navigating challenges.
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Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/
YouTube (video of conversation):
https://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader
Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on:
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Superintendent Support Reimagined!
Zach Taylor and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit:
https://imperfectleader.com/imperfect-leadership-community-of-practice/
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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.
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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com.
Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.
Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.