As your Superintendent of Schools, I believe that:

1. All of our actions should contribute toward student learning and achievement.

2. Relationships are interactions that can never be repeated nor replicated.

3. No one individual has the ability to change an organization. Groups of individuals change organizations.

4. We provide vision for ourselves by participating in active conversations about what we believe in, what we value and what we expect.

5. Education represents the single most influential process contributing to perpetuating a community.

6. All individuals associated with an organization are equals. People's roles are different.

7. Individuals are the single most important resource to any educational community.

8. The only decisions that can withstand the test of time are those that have been made through a collaborative model.

9. Never compromise being able to tell others what you stand for, what you value and who you are as a person.

10. Always stand up for those things that you believe to be right and just. The only person you really answer to is yourself.

11. In order to remain effective in our roles, we must continue to be life-long learners who practice active inquiry.

12. No change can occur without conflict and differences of opinions.

13. Never compromise your honesty or integrity. They reflect who you are as a person.

14. Never fear being held accountable. It will serve to develop your character and credibility as a person and as a professional.

Gary S. Mala, Superintendent of Schools
Regional School District No. 17
August 2007