Q&a: Gregory Bowman

Q: What was the problem in the past?

A: I think it was lack of structure, of people in the right position who had the training, the idea that there were other issues that seemed to divert the attention of the policymakers in the district. Now in the last decade there has been a refocusing on student learning, and everything that we do is now based upon what we have to do to maintain and support student learning.

Q: But you were a part of that administration in the past.

A: Yes, but I was not in the position to influence the expenditure of funds. My role, generally, was to bring more organization to the management of the schools, the administration of the schools, district policy, and particularly we developed a strategic master plan in 1997 . . . It began to line up the pieces of this puzzle so that we were all moving in the same direction instead of in rather a fractious way that any good idea that came along was an idea to pursue. So we really began to focus.

Q: Do you miss anything about being in the classroom?

A: You always miss the students when you're farthest away from them. And as a principal and then as a director, assistant superintendent and superintendent, you move away from them, but they are always the focus and the center of all that we do. You must never in education move away from your client. Your client is your student. Everything else is peripheral.

Q: After 44 years in education, do you still believe that you can make a difference through education?

A: Absolutely, because learning is constant. The players change, but you have to be able to learn skills that are useful in communication. Problem solving, collaboration, these are things that we see in today's society and the business world, in diplomacy. In all aspects of society there's a greater need for people to come together and work together, and this is exacerbated, if you will, by technology. Whether you Twitter or bling or do whatever you do, the communications are so instant today that it's important that below all of that you have substance.

Q: Why is now the right time to call it quits?

A: I think when you reach my age it's time to look at other challenges in life, and so that's what I'm doing. You can't work forever, and I look back with satisfaction that we've done very well, and I know that Dr. Jolly is going to be taking the reins of an organization that's effective, that is credible and trustworthy. So with those pieces in place, it's the right time.

Q: Is it going to be hard to leave?

A: Yes and no. (pause) It's easier now, or I've resigned myself to it. In December it was a big decision. Today it's not the first day, like it was 44 years ago, it's the last day . . . and I have as much enthusiasm today as I did the first day.