Name: Chris Metras

Title: School Superintendent

Organisation: Princeton School District

I have currently worked in education as a teacher, college professor, principal and superintendent in both Illinois and Wisconsin. I have had the privilege to direct choirs, bands, and orchestras, bringing them to the next level. Some of my groups have competed at the state and national levels.

I have been an active superintendent for 11 years with my past 2 schools. I have implemented changes in salary schedules, school budgets, teacher evaluations and building a positive school culture.

My wife and I have been married for 35 years, and we have 6 children and currently 5 grandchildren (and rising!).

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Chris's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

There seems to be a lack of love and empathy in our education system. We have students come to us with incredibly challenging backgrounds and look to us as educators to love and value each and every student. Teaching and learning are based upon trust at all levels, beginning with school board members, administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community members' support. We cannot flourish unless we unite in a common understanding of our roles as educators who love and value each and every student.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I started as a music teacher in a small private school in Michigan. As I began to see success in my classroom and bands, I continued to teach in both the school and church settings as a choir director and music educator.

I was then invited to lead a small college music program in Northern Wisconsin, and there continued to grow as a teacher and professor. As I developed my leadership skills there, I was invited to interview for a small school superintendent position, which I acquired and led for 5 years. I have continued to grow in my role as a superintendent of my current school for the past 6 years. I am also involved in the local community on a few different boards.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I begin each day with coffee, reading the Bible, and prayer. This truly helps me navigate through anything that I face as a leader. I then arrive at my office, where I meet with people, answer emails, and lead the school. I firmly believe in scheduling time not only to complete tasks but also to schedule meeting times with people. This includes students, parents, teachers, support staff, and community members. I firmly believe that any true leader focuses on people, not just completing tasks.

I try to end my day and or week by participating in hobbies, whether they are at my farm, roasting coffee, or relaxing with my wife. Having 6 children and 5 grandchildren takes up much of our time by participating in after-school athletic opportunities or entertaining with dinner!

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

I have been reminded again and again of the importance of trust in leadership. As a leader, you must trust your staff, your board, and your community. Without trust, no organization or career can be successful. When trust is lost, so goes the success of the organization.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

The main book that has influenced my life is the Bible. The wisdom, insight, and timeless truths reflected in God's Word are more than all books combined. I have been exposed to the Bible since childhood, but it came alive as I found myself faced with tough times, challenges with people, and having the feeling of being "lost" at times. I always find my way back by reading the Bible and living the truths found therein.

The second book that has impacted me was "Canoeing the Mountains" by Tod Bolsinger. This book had a profound impact on the necessity of reading your situation and making the necessary changes to navigate through new territory. A third book that has inspired my work is the book Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Be a servant leader. Humility MUST be at the center of leadership. Also, be willing to do for yourself what you ask of others.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

As a school leader, I have taken the time to ask a few students who were struggling without a dad or mom (or sometimes neither) to go to a movie, go out for dinner, or even one time going hatchet throwing. In each case I specifically remember the faces of these high school students light up to think that their administrator wanted to "hang out" with them.

One of the students that I hung out with one time committed suicide one year later. Although this was a horrifying event, I relished in the fact that I had the opportunity and privilege to invest 3 hours with this student personally. Pouring into the lives of students and people is what an educational leader should be all about.