Waiting Patiently for a Turn to Lead

School Administrator, Sept, 1998 by Liz Griffin

Stephen Kleinsmith, son of a superintendent, knows he will follow in his father's professional footsteps some day.

Kleinsmith credits his father Jerry, who was a superintendent for 20 years in Nebraska and Iowa, for giving him a realistic, up-close feel for the job's demands, as well as the passion for succeeding in the rough-and-tumble world of school district administration.

Kleinsmith yearns for the power and prestige of the top job in a mid-size to large school system, even though he realizes his personal commitments to family take precedence at this time over his career ambitions. For now, he is satisfied to contribute as assistant to the superintendent for effective schools in the Millard Public Schools, a suburban district of 19,000 students in Omaha, Neb.

His ability to be an aggressive, articulate advocate for public schools has made him a natural on the political front and in situations requiring diplomacy and public relations skills. He also is a vital extension of Millard Superintendent Keith Lutz.

Colleagues especially admire Kleinsmith's ability to turn confrontations into productive discussions. Amy Friedman, communications director for the district, recalls how Kleinsmith handled an angry phone call from a chief of staff of a U.S. senator on the need for taxpayer-supported vouchers.

"That Steve got the senator's chief of staff to meet to discuss the difficult issue face-to-face was a small coup considering how far apart the senator's viewpoint was from Steve's," Friedman says. "He is not afraid to address difficult issues head on. He's very honest with his answers and his sincerity comes through."

Lutz calls his assistant "a delightful young man and an eager beaver who is always promoting the Millard Public Schools and public education." Lutz knew he could rely on Kleinsmith last spring to resolve a festering situation in which a principal was having legal problems because "he could placate people, work with people, simmer things down."

Former board member Mary Beth Heavrin praises the rapport Kleinsmith built with middle school parents who felt their children needed to be challenged more academically. Instead of reacting defensively, he produced a summer school plan so attractive that parents willingly paid a participation fee.

"Personality-wise, I think you could put that man in a room of people and no matter who was there, Steve can work with them," Heavrin says. "We have a very fine central-office staff but he is one of its most-respected members."

Kleinsmith's influence extends beyond the district. He recently was appointed federal relations liaison for the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. He has been active in AASA's Legislative Corps for years and formerly chaired the site administrators advisory committee.

Kleinsmith came to Millard Public Schools as the director of secondary education in 1993, and last year he was promoted to assistant to the superintendent for effective schools.

At 42, Kleinsmith concedes he has plenty of time to move up the ladder. He's already turned down several offers to lead small, rural districts because he believes a broad experience will serve him well.

"I think there's an art and science to followership. It takes all types of leadership in a school system. Everyone can't be a chief.

"Getting behind the team's effort and energy in a followership capacity may be the best and most important way to make a contribution," Kleinsmith says, "at least until it is your turn to lead! Then one can only hope you have colleagues that are as loyal as you were to the leadership in place."

Kleinsmith says it's "not realistic for me to be a superintendent now--the timing's wrong. But as Stephen Covey says, 'First things first.' My family and two young children (3-month-old and 5-year-old boys) are very important to me." (He is as good as his word, sharing in the 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. feedings with his wife, a school counselor in Millard.)

This year the Millard Education Association presented Kleinsmith with its "Friend of Education" award. President Stephanie Harlan gave lavish praise: "Stephen has the highest moral character. He is upbeat [and] I really admire his ability to promote public education in a positive manner."

Liz Griffin is managing editor of The School Administrator.

BIO STATS: STEPHEN L. KLEINSMITH

Bio Stats: Stephen L. Kleinsmith

Currently: Assistant to the superintendent, Millard Public Schools, Omaha, Neb.

Earlier: Principal of an inner-city K-8 Catholic school and a rural high school

Age: 42

Greatest Influence on Career: My father who taught me no one is given a dream without also being given the power--through opportunity and hard work--to make it come true.

Best Professional Day: Earning my doctorate in education at the University of South Dakota in 1992

Books at Bedside: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch; and The Winner Within by Pat Riley

Biggest Blooper: As a new administrator in Iowa, I spoke out against unionism at a town hall meeting. I painted unions all alike and used something less than a positive tone, prompting a couple of citizens to walk out. I learned to be sensitive to your audience.