Calling a Snow Day: How Local Politics Influence School Decisions offers an illuminating journey through the intricate world of educational leadership, as seen through the lens of snow day decisions and beyond. Dr. Tomko's meticulous exploration unveils the myriad complexities faced by educational leaders, from navigating stakeholder needs to mastering the art of political savvy. This book is an indispensable guide for educators and policymakers alike, providing actionable insights into decision-making processes, feedback mechanisms, and the formation of crucial alliances. Dive into this compelling narrative to uncover the strategies and tools essential for effective leadership in today's educational landscape.

Lamont Repollet, President, Kean University; former New Jersey Commissioner of Education

Understanding the fundamentals of communication and recognizing the many varied constituencies or publics that a school leader must serve is the key to successful leadership in any organization. Public Schools are no exception. Public School leaders answer to more disparate and competing interest groups than leaders in any other business sector. The goal is to ensure that all of these groups understand the larger vision of the district as expressed through decisions that leader makes. Dr. Tomko discusses the subtle (and not so subtle) influences that impact daily decision making in a very real way. Tomko's process of decision making is comprised of equal parts empathy, commitment to vision and mission, deep understanding of community and awareness of power structures within that wider community.

Timothy J. Frederiks, EdD, executive director, New Jersey Association of Educational Leaders

Reading Calling a Snow Day: How Local Politics Influence School Decisions is like having a conversation with one of the brightest and most practical school leaders that you can possibly meet. Dr. Tomko understands what so many in educational leadership ignore – the importance of “reading a room,” identifying mechanisms for organizational success, the need to build and ultimately use political capital, and of course, the importance of evaluating the local political landscape. This is a must read, and ultimately, a critical resource for anyone with the reins in a school district.

Jonathan M. Busch, Mayor, Borough of Metuchen, New Jersey, senior partner, The Busch Law Group LLC