ligation bond, Ocean View would not have
access to vital state funds.
Passing a school facilities bond is not
a simple task, even in the best of circum-
stances. Was all of the hard work of the
past year enough to regain the confidence
and support of our constituents? On Nov.
8, 2016, we received a resounding “yes” as
Ocean View successfully passed its first
bond measure in the amount of $169 mil-
lion, with more than 59 percent of the vote.
The engagement, consistency, over-commu-
nication and actions had connected all of us.
People inside and outside of the organiza-
tion stepped up and wanted to be a part of
our healthy organization and its future.
“For me, I was honored to be part of what
I call, the ‘Ocean View Renaissance,’” said
veteran Principal Katherine Smith, Measure
R bond campaign co-chair.
This was concrete evidence that the cli-
mate was changing. It was another shot of
adrenaline for all of us. It provided an im-
petus to continue our work and fight even
harder for our integrity.
Continued diet and exercise
Like a patient on the road to wellness, the
Ocean View School District has to sustain
its newfound vibrancy with attention to diet
and exercise. Our plan includes continued
communication, consistency and stability,
with a good dose of action and engagement.
With that, we can be confident in our ongo-
ing health and find ways to push ourselves to
loftier goals.
Today, our Leadership Team has adjusted
the district’s thematic goal to emphasize
sustaining and strengthening our credibility
and stability. Our objectives include closing
the achievement gap, providing our families
with a choice of innovative and traditional
programs, actively engaging our learners,
and boosting literacy among all students.
We could not even consider these objectives
just one year ago, not without a more trust-
ing, open and positive climate. This past
year, we reopened our last abated elementary
school. Lake View Elementary launched as
our first STEAM School, with increased
enrollment and partnerships with local busi-
ness and community members.
It does not end here. We strive to be an
even healthier organization. For those con-
sidering our story, Lencioni writes, “Once
the leaders get through these steps, they will
have created so much momentum that it will
be hard for them to grow complacent and let
the process atrophy.”
We agree!
Resources
• Patrick Lencioni (2012). “The Advan-
tage,” Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint.
• Ocean View School District (2014). “The
OVSD Edge: Encouraging a Deliberate and
Global Education.” Access at https://www.
ovsd.org/Page/405.
Dr. Carol Hansen is the superintendent
of the Ocean View School District in
Huntington Beach. Julie A. Jennings is
the district’s public information manager.
Follow them on Twitter @OVSDSupt.
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Leadership