In ACSA’s New Superintendents Seminar Series, first- and second-year superintendents come together as a cohort five times throughout the year to learn from experienced superintendents, experts in the field, and directors Trudy Arriaga and John Roach. The content is focused on leadership, organization, communication, labor relations, facilities and governance. Every session also includes time for problem solving with the members of the cohort on the issues they are facing daily in their districts.  Governance seems to be the major topic of discussion each session, NSSS Director Arriaga said. “I recall a new superintendent saying to me that he loved the job, except working with the board. That is like a florist saying they love the job except the flowers,” she said. “As superintendents, we are the educational leaders of the district and we are privileged to serve with people from our publics who hold the trust and confidence of the community as elected officials entrusted to make decisions on behalf of our children.”  It doesn’t always feel like a privilege. Sometimes superintendents can feel put upon, picked on or bullied. These sessions on governance and problem solving will assist new superintendents to lead from the high ground and to recognize the privilege it is.  In labor relations, the new superintendents will be reminded of the importance of communication long before negotiations begin. The members of the NSSS cohort will discuss the settlements being reached around the state. They will be reminded of how LCFF formulas affect each district differently. Experts in finance and bargaining will share techniques with the group. Questions specific to each of the participants’ districts will be addressed. First- and second-year superintendents benefit from the dynamics of the group. Friendships are made that will last for a career. Lunches, receptions and hosted dinners allow the group to get to know each other on a personal level in addition to the professional relationships developed during the sessions. Email addresses and telephone numbers are exchanged and members of the cohort use each other and Roach and Arriaga as “thought partners” throughout the year. Every session includes a section reminding the superintendents that student achievement is the real work being done. These pieces are not about which curriculum to use, instead, they focus on effective techniques for leading the board of trustees to set the goals, and then guiding the cabinet and the leadership team to carry out the work that will ensure that all students learn to their potential. Communication is another regular topic at each session. Superintendents face questions from board members, the press, social media, staff and teachers, and the management team. Learning the different styles of communication and assembling a formal communication plan seems to work best. NSSS participants will address formal and informal patterns of communication in this series. This professional learning offering is only for those who currently have the superintendent title. Those with aspirations for the position of superintendent should enroll in a unique ACSA professional learning offering: Superintendents Academy. NSSS sets itself apart from the Academy because in NSSS there are only first- and second-year superintendents.