Trust, Understanding, Relationships and Forgiveness (TURF): Defining Success in a Rural Superintendency

Abstract Success in rural superintendencies is measured in relationships. Building and maintaining trust leads to greater understanding. Nurturing relationships with constituents enables superintendents to celebrate the achievements of students, staff, and community and navigate difficult times. Forgiveness allows superintendents to be hard on issues and soft on people, to move past personality and acknowledge passion. Effective superintendents empower principals and provide guidance and autonomy so schools run successfully. The rural school superintendency is complex, requiring a balance of championing the work of teachers and meeting the needs of community. This chapter highlights one superintendent’s application of Trust, Understanding, Relationship and Forgiveness (TURF) in a rural Oregon school district that battled through and emerged even stronger from a global pandemic and a problem of practice we call Nostesia. The Coalition of Oregon School Administrator’s, in awarding the 2024 Oregon Superintendent of the Year award stated, “Darin empowers leaders who in turn empower teachers and staff and has set a standard of improvement which has led to the strengthening of relationships in schools and the community, and stronger graduation outcomes for students.” This is his story.