This year, Dr. Susan Enfield stepped into a new role in public school administration, leveraging her extensive experience as she transitions to Nevada. In a condensed interview, Enfield detailed her shift from Washington state’s Highline Public Schools to the Washoe County School District and outlined her primary goals for this new chapter.
Enfield shared her decision-making process, emphasizing her desire to continue as a superintendent while seeking a district aligned with her personal needs. She highlighted Washoe's proximity to family, its vibrant surroundings for activities like mountain biking, and its conducive environment of approximately 60,000 students with a committed school board and talented staff. She felt it offered an ideal setting to effect lasting and meaningful change for students.
When asked about priorities for the district, Enfield emphasized three main areas: re-centering education on students’ needs, establishing trust with families and the community, and nurturing a supportive environment for staff post-pandemic.
Addressing advice for fellow superintendents in new districts, Enfield underscored the importance of selecting a district that aligns with one's values and community fit. Additionally, she recommended seeking insights from other superintendents and being honest about personal leadership styles.
Regarding holistic student support, Enfield advocated for integrating social-emotional learning into academics, emphasizing the importance of skills like self-regulation and conflict resolution in a broader societal context. She stressed the need to articulate these aspects of education effectively, avoiding misconceptions that prioritize one aspect over the other.
Enfield also highlighted her focus on legislative advocacy to improve education funding in Nevada, pointing out disparities in teacher salaries and per-pupil funding compared to her previous district in Washington. She called for a reevaluation of school attendance policies, urging a shift away from practices that might compromise student well-being.
In summary, Enfield's vision revolves around student-centered education, fostering community trust, supporting staff, and advocating for equitable funding and student well-being at both local and legislative levels.
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