Office of the Superintendent

This work began last school year with our District Advisory Committee realigning our Local Control Accountability Plan Goals under each of these Board goals. Likewise, my evaluation is now aligned and I have identified measurable objectives to be used in my annual evaluation. Each of our site administrators have also used these indicators to establish their measurable objectives and they will be doing the same with their co-administrators. I value being on campuses and walking classrooms to see the alignment in action. In the first quarter of this school year, I visited over a quarter of our classrooms while teachers and students were engaged in learning. 

Student voice is a vital part of my personal leadership expectations, which directly impacts the direction and support provided to our schools. We have completed the first round of this year’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory meetings. I am excited about the student discussions as they approach ideas and goals each student group will focus on. Some of these student advisors have participated in these advisories since they were in 4th grade. The groups are cross sections of all student groups in order to attain perspectives representative of their peer groups. We meet with each high school individually multiple times during the school year. Often their focus for their campus is unique to their school. Our elementary students gather at the district office and eleven school sites send 4th - 8th grade students to work together to develop their focus. One topic always makes the list, food! As you can imagine they are very interested in the food served during breakfast and lunch. They also consistently consider activities and peer behaviors across our school district. Perspective is one thing, and then we look at data to inform the work to drive change. One thing we have continued to do is engage this group in taste tests for new items being considered by our Nutritional Services Department. By far one of their favorite times during our gatherings. It is one of the ways their voice is heard and their feedback creates change.

Some of the best moments of my career come directly from the voices of students as I visit their schools. Recently, I had a transitional kindergarten student welcome me as only a 4 year old can. She had a huge smile and said, “hello, what is your name?” This reminded me of the importance of how we make others feel. Each of us is different, but being human, caring, and kind is something we can all endeavor to do. I will continue to highlight these moments as they happen. They resonate with me and tie directly to our district goals of dignity, community, authenticity, and service.