Superintendent’s Message
June 22, 2009

After almost six months as the superintendent of Lauderdale County Schools, I have been encouraged by many things that I have seen within our school system, but my observations have led me to an important conclusion: we can do better.

I believe in the ability of our faculty, staff, and most importantly, our students to make gains and move toward excellence in education. As we prepare for the start of the 2009-2010 school year, I offer an outline below on the areas of focus and planning for Lauderdale County Schools.

The Board of Education and the central office administrative team held a retreat with a purpose of developing a process for strategic planning. During this time together, the team established vision, mission, and core values for Lauderdale County Schools. At the April 2009 board meeting, the board reaffirmed the work product.

Our Vision:

All Lauderdale County Schools will be proficient and in good standing in the State.

Our Mission:

To provide each child with the education and tools needed to be productive citizens.

We value:

• The academic achievement and social development of ALL children;

• An environment conducive to learning – clean, safe, respectful, and positive;

• The involvement of parents in the education of their children;

• Quality teachers and administrators who are competent, passionate, and put children first; and

• Accountability in all things with the use of sound, accurate data in decision-making.

We must address our culture, our priorities, and our practices in inter-related areas to improve and achieve our vision:

Children

• High expectations and academic standards for ALL students

• Broad access to rigorous, relevant instruction

• Positive, productive relationships with adults in school

• Multiple options and pathways to graduation

• School readiness and a strong foundation in literacy

Systemic Collaboration and Staff Development

• Deliberately develop strong, effective principals

• Establish a culture of teacher collaboration and leadership

• Quality instruction and focus on student learning in every classroom, every day

• High student expectations, high standards, and accountability

Family and Community Involvement and Support

• Parents are our partners

• LCS must provide parents tools and opportunities for meaningful engagement

• Communication is key

• Community involvement and support must be a priority

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Operational efficiency to support academic excellence

• Prioritize facility needs for LC Schools

• Budget principle: transparency, equity, and alignment to mission

• Enhanced analytical capacity to inform decision-making

Academic Achievement: Accountability and Monitoring

• Focus on results not just effort

• Measurement and evaluation in all that LCS does

• Goal to guide our work and define success

  • K-8

    • Reading/Language Arts – 89% (Proficient or Advanced)

    • Math – 86% (Proficient or Advanced)

    • Attendance – 93%
       

  • 9-12

    • Reading/Language Arts – 93% (Proficient or Advanced)

    • Math – 83% (Proficient or Advanced)

    • Graduation – 90%

   

• Children come first – their interests supersede politics, adult convenience, and personal differences

In closing, Lauderdale County Schools is a “people business,” and our work is a labor of love – a profession, certainly, but more than anything, a calling. Day in and day out, our teachers, administrators, and staff go above and beyond the call of duty to educate, nurture, and inspire the children of our county. I acknowledge their hard work, and I am grateful.

Again, I want to thank the Board of Education for the opportunity to lead Lauderdale County Schools. I take this job seriously, and I believe in our capacity to be a great school system. I continually look forward to working with you, for you, and beside you while keeping kids first.

Joey Hassell, Superintendent
Lauderdale County Schools

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