This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
New Granite School District Superintendent Martin Bates is coming to a school near you.
The newly appointed head honcho of the state's largest school district plans to visit all 90 Granite schools, one by one, within the next few months.
He's not visiting campuses to do in-depth analysis. His stops are mostly fun: a chance to meet students, teachers and administrators, and to get a feel for each campus.
"I just want teachers to know that I've got a face, and when they talk about 'the district,' it's really me they're talking about," Bates said. "They can send me an e-mail or give me a call because I'm a real person, I have kids, and I think they're doing a great job."
Last week, the father of eight sang with a choral group at Taylorsville High, then headed to neighboring Plymouth Elementary where he hopped onto a bike at a safety fair, but not before strapping on a helmet. He traveled to two other Taylorsville schools — Eisenhower Junior High and Fremont Elementary — and visited Moss and Roosevelt elementaries, both in Millcreek. The trip continued to Lincoln Elementary and Granite Park Junior High, both in South Salt Lake.
Eight schools. One hectic day. Not even 10 percent of the schools he now leads.
Granite School Board President Sarah Meier has been along for the ride for much of Bates' whirlwind tour.
"His energy and enthusiasm are contagious," she said. "That's what makes it fun. He loves being with the kids."
She said it is vital that the school board, administrators, teachers and community work together.
"There's no data that proves adversarial relationships or contention is good for ruling kids," Meier said. "We have to all be on the same page."
At each stop, Bates chats with everyone he sees. He pats teachers on the back, asks students about their favorite books and subjects, and advises them to "do well in school." Then he jumps into the car, headed to his next destination.
Plymouth Elementary Principal Tysen Fausett said it's important to put faces to names.
"We're about doing what's best for kids," Fausett said. "That happens when there's communication: [District officials] know who we are, and we know each other."
Plymouth Elementary PTA President Susan Buttenbob was amused to watch the superintendent practice his bike-safety skills on a course outside the school.
"It's nice to know he can ride a bike wearing a tie," Buttenbob said. "I think he's open to trying new things. Riding a bike is obviously not in his job description. ... I'm looking forward to coming to some of the board meetings and seeing what he has to say."