5 questions with Dr. Sheli McAdoo

Editor’s note: The Purcell Register continues a feature in which civic leaders and others will answer five questions. The following were answered by Dr. Sheli McAdoo, Purcell school superintendent.

Q: What is the best part of being superintendent?

A: There are so many great things about being a superintendent! The best part is working as a part of a dedicated team of people that includes parents, students, stakeholders, teachers,administrators and support staff. It is amazing to see what people can accomplish when they have a common goal of helping children succeed in all aspects of their educational career. I love that I can help facilitate these types of experiences for great outcomes for students.

Q: How would you describe your management style/philosophy?

A: I have been so fortunate in my life and career to have great mentors that were examples of servant leaders and masterful collaborators. I believe that we are always better as a team and a collective effort will yield a greater return than any one individual effort. My goal is to always lead by example and be open, honest and accessible to anyone in our school or community. 

Q: Are you able to leave the job at the office at the end of the day?

A: I have to chuckle at this question. My 95-year-old grandmother lives with me and she is a retired school counselor and my husband, Scot, is a high school principal.  In my house it is 24/7 education talk!  I love it because there is a lot of wisdom that I get to absorb that resonates and is applicable to many current issues we face today in schools. I am truly blessed to have a great support system that understands not only my passion of being an educator but also the demands of being a school superintendent.

Q: What interests do you have outside of the job?

A: I adore time with my three children and doing family things whenever possible.  They have grown into awesome adults that I love to hang out with. I look forward to getting outdoors this spring and using my kayak to explore local waterways.  We are currently planning a destination wedding for my daughter and that has been a blast.  Lastly, my husband and I are amateur beekeepers and this keeps us busy as we learn how to nurture these fascinating creatures that are so vital to our own survival.​

Q: The pandemic is unprecedented in our lifetimes. Has it changed any of your feelings about a career in public education? And, if so, how?

A: If anything, the pandemic has affirmed for me that educators are tough, flexible and resilient! I could not be more proud to be called an educator than I am now. The nation has asked much of our schools and we have delivered.  Our Purcell PS team has pulled together and figured out how to do things differently and in some cases better than before the pandemic. Our teachers,support staff and administrators are fantastic and second to none.  This time a year ago, we had no idea of the journey we would be taking.  They have handled it with such tenacity, grit and grace!  I am very proud to be a Dragon!