Interworkings 2014-15 Special Issue

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Inter-workingsOttawa Area Intermediate School District Employee News and Information

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I N T H I S I S S U E

INTERWORKINGS SPRING 2015OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

3 Superintendent’s Message Be Aware of the “Lasts”

4-18 Celebrating Karen OAISD Employees Share Fond Memories

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICTINTERWORKINGS SPRING 2015

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

we are is permanently woven into the fabric of what the OAISD will become and, in that way, there are no “lasts.”

Hopefully, the thread I leave in that fabric serves to strengthen it for many more “firsts” down the road. And while I might be away working elsewhere, I will celebrate your “firsts” with enthusiasm, as if I witnessed them firsthand.

Thank you for allowing me to work alongside you on behalf of our students. It’s in your hands now as, indeed, it always has been.

Be Aware of the “Lasts”I remember when I was a young working mother and worried that I would miss one of those all-important “firsts” in my children’s lives. How would it feel if the first step, the first word, the first drink from a straw happened while they were at daycare and I was at work? Then I read an article that said while it’s nice to witness the “first” new milestone, what’s really important is to try to be aware of the “last” time something happens with your children…the last time they come racing down the stairs on Christmas morning, the last time you go to a family movie together, the last time you tuck them into bed at night. Yes, the “last” time is harder to think about missing…because you honestly don’t know it’s the last.

I’ve been thinking about this because, with my unexpected early departure, I realize I went through the “last” of some important things and didn’t know they were the last! The last Opening Day. The last Sheldon Pines Thanksgiving dinner. The last OAC holiday program. The last CTC Student Award ceremony. The last IChallengeU competition.

Last…for me. But not for you. And that’s the important difference.

We are…all of us…important players in this organization’s vital and successful story. With any luck, when we leave, a small piece of who

CELEBRATINGThis edition of InterWorkings is dedicated to Karen McPhee, the publication’s founder, who after 31 years of service for the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District is moving on to Lansing to share her knowledge and expertise working as Senior Education Policy Adviser for Govenor Rick Snyder.

Karen has had an impressive career with OAISD which began in August 1984 when she was hired as the district’s first communications professional. Six years later, she was promoted to Director of Communications, elevating the role to an administrative level. Throughout the next seven years, her responsibilities were expanded to include leadership for Human Resources and Educational Services Building Guest Services and she received a promotion to Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Human Resources, a cabinet level position.

In March 2004, Karen was appointed by the OAISD Board of Education to serve as Interim Superintendent, following the retirement of the district’s superintendent. On July 1st of 2004, she was offered and accepted the official role of Superintendent.

Her contribution to schools throughout the Ottawa area over the past 31 years will undoubtedly benefit students for years to come. Karen, with her strong yet compassionate leadership style, is a class act and leaves behind a legacy for others to carry forward.

So thank you, Karen, for your undying enthusiasm and tireless effort to transform education for Michigan’s students. We wish you the best on your new adventure and hope the folks in Lansing are ready for you!

KARE

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C E L E B R A T I N G K A R E N

I have had the chance to work with and for a lot of superintendents and Karen is simply the best in the business. We have all been very fortunate to have such a passionate and inspirational leader! The number of students who have benefited from the results of Karen’s leadership is immeasurable, and that impact will be realized for generations to come. She is a game-changer for so many!

My funniest memory with Karen is the time we took some delegates from China out to eat and they asked me if my red hair was “real” and if they could “touch it.” Apparently, there aren’t too many redheads in China! I never heard Karen laugh so much or so loud—she has a great laugh!

Kyle MayerAssistant Superintendent for Instructional Services

What I will remember most about Karen McPhee is, in 2009, a group from JSC presented to her and the Board on a mural the students at the Juvenile Detention Center had created for ArtPrize. As I described what some of the symbols and parts of the painting reflected on the students’ lives and experiences, her eyes welled with tears. There is no better leader than one who leads with their whole heart and that is exactly who Karen McPhee is.

Angie Briggs-JohnsonJuvenile Services Center Art Instructor

I first met Karen in 1993 when I worked as a temp after graduating college, filling in for her secretary who was on maternity leave. I liked her immediately and wanted to learn as much from her as possible during my placement! Her caring attitude, professionalism, sense of humor, as well as depth and breadth of experience were impressive. When Karen hired me into the communications department as a project assistant in 1995, it was one of the best gifts I’ve received in life as it established my career and provided me with an extraordinary work family and career opportunities for which I’m extremely thankful. In the past 20+ years, Karen has always expressed her faith in my abilities, pushed me to challenge myself, and served as a great mentor and role model for me professionally and personally. During times of contemplation on what actions to take, our team often says, “What would Karen do?” She always seems to have the answers and her heart is always in the right place.

Contacting Karen to check my gut decisions has been easy over the years, but maybe not so much now. When most people retire they tell their fellow employees, “If you have questions, you know where I live,” but not Karen. She moves.

Michelle ReadyCommunications Manager

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.

- John Quincy Adams

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Karen is a caring, compassionate AND mission-focused leader. She always had your back and never left you hanging. I remember how in the midst of a crisis, she expressed her confidence in my ability to manage, offered up resources, and then provided encouragement so that my team and I could succeed. It was just the right thing that was needed at that exact moment and a model for me as a leader. She is focused on the mission of the OAISD for the sake of the students of all ages and not for any other reason.

On a funny note... When I think of Karen I hear the clicking of high-heeled shoes on tile and a distinct walk with a sense purpose.

Mike RohwerDirector of Technology Services

Almost 30 years ago, a State program we implement at the OAISD encountered some opposition. Although the bases for many of the concerns were false, the movement gained momentum and included public hearings with State senators and representatives. Karen asked tough questions, did her own research and formed her own conclusions. She attended the hearings with me and was supportive when I provided testimony and clarified the program’s goals and objectives. Throughout, she never hesitated to stand up for what was right or what was best for kids. Today we honor her leadership, principles and courage. Tomorrow the children of Michigan gain a voice.

Bev SchroederHealth Consultant

I will remember Karen as someone who not only had the gift of being our leader but also as person who cared about us professionally and personally. I also always looked forward to her column in our internal newsletter, her gift for writing (and knowing what to write about) always made for a great read!

Misty GalantBusiness Services Project Manager

Karen has always put the education of children at the forefront and that is what drives her and motivates her. I appreciate that immensely!

Anne ThorpOAISD Instructional Technologist REMC7 Director

Shoes, shoes and more shoes . . . 436 pairs of black shoes.

Terry GoldbergGrand Haven CBI I Instructor

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Karen, I will always remember your kind words of encouragement! You were so certain I would love CTC! I couldn’t thank you enough for all you have done! You are a true difference maker! I will miss your amazing communication skills and always the best choice of words! I hope I will get to run into you while shopping! I wish my best and thanks for being a great role model! Doot da loo!! :)

Denise CallaghanDental Careers Instructor

I remember first meeting Karen on a school bus. This was during the new employee tours and as she brought us to the jail—she had us stay on the bus and talked to us in the parking lot. At first I thought, what are these tours really about—they’re taking us all to jail! As we all sat and listened, she shared the value of our programming and her enthusiasm and investment in our mission became so evident. Ultimately, that first “taste of our ISD” made quite an impression on me—and I know it was due to Karen’s gift of speaking and her dedication to doing what we do!

A fun memory: Karen was always willing to in our crazy humor and antics—especially during the “John Scheibach days.” One year for my birthday, the group brought in a crazy fish hat and Krispy Kreme doughnuts with candles and Karen happened to be walking by so she came to join in the celebration! (see below.)

Leslie KoleDirector of Human Resources

I have so many great memories of Karen that it’s difficult to pick my favorite. But, since there’s limited space, the story that sticks out the most to me was the one day when I was eating lunch with both Karen McPhee

and Julie Gillespie. I was sitting across from them

at the meeting room in the HR area. If you know the table, it’s not very large so you sit close even when

you are across the table from someone. I

was eating a salad and I went to bite into a cherry

tomato. Imagine my embarrassment when it sprayed across the table right at Karen. I don’t remember her exact response, I just remember her laughing it off and handling it with grace. Grace could be her middle name. And, on a side note—this is why I no longer eat cherry tomatoes. Only grape size for me.

Heidi HouseholderHuman Resource Representative

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INTERWORKINGS SPRING 2015

Karen is a class act! She leads by example and appreciates and values the strengths and qualities in each OAISD employee. She’s a team builder who has the skill of making each person in her presence feel significant and appreciated, and leads in such a way as to allow, equip and support others to reach their potential and even greater.

Krista KrefeldOAISD Transition Coordinator

The word that I think best describes Karen is “visionary.” She is a visionary in the classic sense that she is able to see where there is need and gaps, where things are heading, and how individuals and the organization can mobilize and intersect with this. I think that her vision to get futurePREP’d started across the area is an obvious example of this.

More importantly though, Karen is visionary in her ability to see the utmost potential in situations, people and the organization as a whole. I have always been amazed by Karen’s “sixth-sense” around understanding who people are and what makes them tick at their core. She has helped me understand who I am, what my strengths are, and (most importantly) that I should strive to be a better version of myself.

Jason PasattaDevelopment Director for Career and Technical Education

One of Karen’s most memorable quotes . . . “Be the fountain, not the drain.”

Todd HronekOAISD District Controller for Spring Lake Public Schools/Coopersville Area Public Schools

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.

- Sam Walton

I started at the OAISD in the summer of 1989 when I was 19. After interviewing with Darcie (retired Asst. Superintendent of Business Services,) I knew that she was pregnant. I walked in my first day, somewhat nervous about meeting everyone. Darcie took me on my ESB tour and the first people I see/meet are Karen McPhee, Bev Schroeder and Laurie Schmitt (former employee) getting water from the water cooler. They are all pregnant—very pregnant. My first thought was I am not drinking the water in this building. LOL

Rae Ann Lee-VandervestOAISD Payroll Specialist for Coopersville Area Public Schools


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On occasion Karen would call out for me from her office to “remove” a spider or stink bug, etc. because she was…let’s say, “uncomfortable” doing so. Because the only creepy crawly things that scare me are mice and snakes, I didn’t mind releasing the creepy crawly things back to nature. Okay, so I admit I wasn’t able to save every bug’s life, but I had good intentions. One night when Karen and I were in the office late, I had just shut down my computer and turned from my desk and found a mouse blocking my way. I screamed from my chair and put my feet on top of the desk. Karen came running out of her office and asked what was wrong. I pointed and said there was a mouse. Cool as a cucumber, Karen said hold on and went into her office—leaving me there with the savage beast gazing at me. Karen returned very quietly, holding a coffee mug and tip toeing toward my desk. Like a stealth ninja, she approached the mouse whose eyes were still locked on me. With one fell swoop, she popped the mug over the mouse and said, “Now call Bill Campbell.” The mouse never sensed her approach. Essentially, she saved my life. Ever since then, I’ve referred to her as…The Mouse Whisperer.

Heidi KissAdministrative Assistant to the Superintendent

Disclaimer: According to Bill Campbell, the mouse was unharmed and released outdoors to live happily ever after. The mug was disposed of—never to be used again. However, Heidi still brings her own coffee cup to work.

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It has been an honor to work for and learn from Karen. She is a true leader and the whole package when it comes to a communicator-from her broadcast experience to her prowess with the pen. Her vision has taken our schools from a place of great to even better and now students throughout Michigan can experience the successes and inspirations Ottawa area students have for the past decade.

To say she will be missed is an understatement, but how fortunate I feel to say, “I knew her when….”

Amy Busse’Communications Specialist

Oh my goodness how my tummy muscles get a work-out at our opening breakfast: Thank you for making me giggle!!!

Sally KeevanGrand Haven CBI Aide

My first day of work in Communications was attending the annual Welcome Back breakfast (renamed “Celebration Breakfas t” thanks to Karen), which is a bit overwhelming if you’re new. That day made a lasting impression on me—from Julie Gillespie’s sense of humor with introductions, to the staff participating in the Jeopardy game, and the overall camaraderie between coworkers during the event. But what really stood out to me was Karen’s speech “Looking Back and Looking Forward” in which she focused on it being the 50th anniversary of ISDs in Michigan, and she highlighted the growth of our ISD. Her PowerPoint images were amusing and/or historical, but her words and the way she spoke was captivating. Karen is a compelling speaker—one of the best. She is a great storyteller. And, her writing is just as impressive. Selfishly, I’m sorry to see her leave our ISD, but our loss is definitely the Governor’s gain. If anyone can further education at the State level, it will be Karen McPhee. Bravo!

Jannette BoleCommunications Specialist

A fond memory . . . the time my cell phone rang during a council meeting and I automatically picked it up and answered it. This is taboo during council meetings. I was forgiven when I told Karen that I suffered a momentary relapse of my Phone Tourette Syndrome.

Val PutnamAssistant Superintendent of Career/Technical Education & Adult Learning

One quote I will always remember from Karen is, “Not my monkeys, not my circus.” Wishing you the best in your new position. Good luck with the new monkeys and new circus you are entering!

Tami MannesDirector of Early Childhood Services



31 YEARS

KAREN MCPHEE

IMPACTED OVER HALF A MILLION STUDENTS

HUNDREDS OF SHOESCOUNTLESS MEETINGS

UNFORGETTABLE FRIENDSHIPSEVERLASTING MEMORIES1 HAPPY RETIREETHE BEST IS YET TO COME

Retired 2015

of employment

OVER 8,500 WORKING DAYS

THOUSANDS OF PRESENTATIONS

DOZENS OF SNOW DAYS132 BOARD MEETINGS

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INTERWORKINGS SPRING 2015

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OTTAWA AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT


Hip Hip Hurray!Karen McPhee’s retirement was celebrated in true OAISD fashion through entertaining presentations that incorporated people and moments from the organization’s rich history. Thank you to everyone who participated, and best wishes Karen!

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Interworkings 2014-15 Special Issue