Written By: Malasia McClendon
February 20, 2024
Dear Courageous Leader,
Thank you for your dedication to educating our students, effectively operating our school districts, and assisting NC to eradicate inequities. Your willingness to lean into the rewards of your role in the presence of unprecedented challenges and stressors is recognized. Over the recent years, your role has certainty become more challenging given the increased politicization of the superintendency and the existing culture wars in the form of book bans and legislation that threatens to violate students’ rights to an equal education free from discrimination. These challenges increase the risk of creating school environments that are hostile and unsafe for certain students and damaging relationships between students and educators. These are not exhaustive of the challenges you are facing on a daily basis.
I recently read that sustained exposure to job related stress puts individuals at risk of experiencing chronic health problems including cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders. With increased stressors in school environments and high-levels of burnout and turnover, students, educators and school administrators are experiencing sustained high levels of stress. In addition to the responsibility of how to better serve students, you are faced with increasing stress as you consider how to manage turnover, build relationships with your school board, and navigate challenging conversations and situations. It is no secret that these facts have critical implications on the state of our schools and the futures of our students, but what is less discussed is how these truths affect you.
The mental health challenges faced by students, educators, and administrators are a mere reflection of what you are experiencing as a district-level leader. As a Black Superintendent the impacts on mental health and well-being are often not equivalent to those of your white counterparts. Research shows that people of color are at risk of experiencing disproportionate health effects given the existence of discrimination, the added stress of living in a race-conscious society, and the prevalence of systemic racism. Recent data reports that 19 out of 115 superintendents in North Carolina are Black of those 19, 14 are Black Males and 5 are Black Females. This lack of diversity is detrimental to our students, but also to the level of community and support that is available to superintendents of color. Support and community is critical to the mental health and well-being of individuals experiencing chronic stress, especially those working in polarized environments. I know that the reward often outweighs the sacrifice when it comes to ensuring the best outcomes for our students, however, these rewards should not have to come at the expense of your well-being. You deserve to be supported, represented, trusted, and valued. For centuries, Black leaders in the form of educators, students, community members, advocates, activists, and parents have sacrificed their well-being for the greater good. As a result, we have the opportunity to stand where we are today, but this vicious cycle of sacrifice cannot remain the norm. There must be collective action across identities and communities to ensure that students are fully represented and that school and district leaders of color are adequately supported in the roles they have earned.
My hope is that you will create opportunities to refuel, to celebrate the work that you are doing and find joy in your impact. My hope is that policymakers will make informed decisions that promote school safety and ensure access to mental health resources. My hope is that community will find you, and in the midst of divisive tactics, you are supported. My hope is that you will feel empowered and equipped to build community and invest in the future of Black superintendents to come. I hope the day comes when the number of superintendents of color is representative of the diverse student population because diversity benefits all students. I hope that you remember that you represent greatness, excellence, intelligence and that you are needed in this work to educate our children. Most importantly, I hope that you remember that seeking support in times of need is just as courageous as showing up strong.
I wish you continued strength, prosperity, and longevity on your journey to ensure that every student gets the best education possible.
Be Well,
Malasia McClendon