Resources & Relations
“May you live in interesting times,” (Ancient Chinese Proverb). I recently heard this line and wondered what it really meant. Was it a positive wish or something of an ominous nature? Being a naturally curious person I did some research and found that historians do not agree on the use and meaning of the line and don't really know if it was meant as a benediction or an admonition. Either way, considering what's going on across the nation and the world, it seems to me that we are indeed living in interesting times.

The implications of these 'interesting times' for human resources administrators and college and university educational placement officials are monumental. I cannot recall a time more interesting. Binding arbitration, Qualified Economic Offer, and annual budget concerns may seem trivial compared to the potentially historic times we seem to be heading into. If ever there was a time for school personnel administrators to define their value and purpose, now may be that time. WASPA, the leading source of professional support and services for Wisconsin school human resources administrators, is proactively anticipating the changing needs and priorities of its members so that it can continue to deliver conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities that provide it members with the tools and strategies for leading their districts, and their employees, through these difficult times.

As a human resources professional, I can speak first hand about the hard work that we do. When economic times are good there is always a growing list of projects and opportunities for adding greater value to the organization. When economic times are not so good, that list seems to grow even faster and the projects and “opportunities" are more critical. For most school administrators, the natural feeling during times like this is to work harder and work longer; but I have learned that I can work smarter and be more effective when I have the right tools, the right priorities, and the right strategies. For me, that means taking advantage of WASPA conferences. Now more than ever, I encourage all human resources administrators, school administrators with significant human resources responsibilities, and college and university educational placement officials to take the time to attend the WASPA Spring Conference. I am confident that the knowledge you gain from the focus sessions and the ideas and perspectives that you attain from networking with peers and colleagues to be well worth your investment.