I have almost completed my first 149 days of listening and learning in Lauderdale County. I present this report to the Board of Education to highlight what I have heard and observed as well as recommendations for accelerating our efforts, and in some cases, changing direction.

On March 14-15, 2009, 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 and achievement 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.

Over the last 149 days, I have reviewed our performance data (if possible) and spoke with numerous teachers, parents, and students, as well as community leaders and educational experts. I have listened to and learned from the people of Lauderdale County, and I have visited each of our schools on more than one occasion. I have found:

• We are fortunate to have talented and committed people.
• Our school administrators, teachers and support staff are competent and caring, but largely do not work collaboratively.
• Our data at the district level (and in some schools) is non-existent, and instructional decisions are made in a vacuum –without data- and have been based on opinions, not based on facts or student needs.
• Community and, in some cases, parent perceptions are not positive. Perceptions are based on misinformation and rumor within the community.
• There are pockets of innovation with good ideas at each of our schools.
• We have the potential and capacity to achieve much more.
• At all levels, we need and desire strong leadership, clear direction, and a bold vision for the future.

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, and indeed, we must.

To improve and achieve our vision, we must address our culture, our priorities, and our practices in five inter-related areas:

Students

• 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

Educators

• 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

Parents and Community

• 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

Infrastructure

• Operational efficiency to support academic excellence
• Budget principle: transparency, equity, and alignment to mission
• Enhanced analytical capacity to inform decision-making

Accountability

• 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.

 

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