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I’ve been thinking a lot about women in leadership this week. Specifically, how our school community fosters an environment where persistent gender biases evident across the broader society are mitigated. Whether as club presidents, student advisory committee members, site council representatives, ASB Officers: female student leaders thrive in all aspects of our community.
Two accomplished women were elected to the SUHSD school board this week, replacing two outgoing female trustees who have set a high bar in terms of character, courage, and authenticity. Our superintendent is a fantastic role model for young women, as are four of the six members of her senior management team. Female leaders abound in Sequoia’s teams of department chairs and administrators. They show up every day to lead with conviction and strength, facilitating difficult conversations and turning challenges into opportunities. My four predecessors were inspiring women.
In my years as principal, the success of our PTSA, Education Foundation, ELAC, and Sports Boosters is the direct result of sustained dedication from intelligent women who are willing to stand up for our community.
I’m also proud of how notions of gender identity have evolved within our community. We sustain healthy spaces for transgendered and nonbinary students to be seen and recognized, and thrive at Sequoia. This strikes me as consistent with the values of our community, our Place of Friends: extraordinariness should not be held back by expired social orders and the biases that persist in their wake. Four years goes fast, meaning the power Sequoia might have to unlock or awaken this leaderhsip potential in our students is fleeting.
This excellent tribute to Joyce Rosenstiel, Sequoia Union High School District’s first female principal, is one of the best things I’ve read this week. I share it in the hopes of providing some historical context of this moment for our community.
Have a great week!
Best,
Sean
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