Superintendent's Report - August 2010
Summer project update-
Lincoln Roof-Geisler Roofing will start work on the Lincoln partial-roof replacement on August 2nd. Their goal will be to complete the project by the time school starts.
CJSHS Gazebo-The gazebo project is nearing the finish. Several set-backs have caused ongoing delays with this project. Blair is completing the first part of the roof, and Geisler’s will then come in and put on a metal roof (to match the building). If you remember, a CHS alumni group provided funds to replace the brick sign that was in front of the building. School staff has worked with them on the design and construction of this project.
Painting-We didn’t schedule many extra building projects this summer, due to budget constraints, but there will be some noticeable differences when students and staff return. Several classrooms at CMS were painted, and the 5th grade hallway now sports school colors. The CES library, office area and several classrooms also received a fresh coat of paint.
Summer Staff-The summer staff has done an outstanding job of getting the buildings ready for staff and students to return, despite the early summer storms. I’ve already had compliments from teacher on the floors in the buildings. And, I don’t recall a summer that we’ve been ready to go by the first of August. (We are waiting on the CES and the varsity CHS gym floors to cure, but they will be ready by the time staff returns.)
Legislative Post Audit Meeting-
July 15th, I attended the Legislative Committee Meeting in Topeka, where the Post Audit Committee reported the findings from the audits conducted in Concordia, Riley County and Clifton-Clyde. Each audit was presented individually. Then, I had the opportunity to make a statement and answer questions from the Legislative group, regarding the USD 333 audit. In addition to comments about specific topics in the report, I also stressed that the solutions for USD 333 may or may not apply to other districts, as each district has unique characteristics and one-size does not fit all. I also stated that I did appreciate the thorough recommendations and reminded them that our local board would carefully consider the information and make decisions on the report recommendations. They were very complimentary and supportive of the seven districts who volunteered for the audit. Overall, this was a rewarding experience for me, and I think the Legislative Committee has a great deal of respect for public education in Kansas, and understands the challenges we face.
One action I have taken since, the audit, relates to transportation. I conducted a survey of all Kansas school districts to see what kinds of routing software they are using. There were two vendors that rose to the top, and I have contacted both of them for a demo of their products. One district stated that the county was paying for their software. I will work with Dannie Kearn over the next few months to explore our options. Our goal will be to find software that will save time, and be cost efficient to the district.
National Superintendent’s Roundtable-I attended the summer Roundtable meeting on July 16-18, in Portland Oregon. The theme of the meetings surrounded “Teacher Quality.” Again, the meetings were outstanding and I appreciate the opportunity to network with other superintendents from around the country. I can honestly say that membership in this group provides the very best professional development that I’ve had as a superintendent. Speakers and sessions included:
Getting Value Out of Value-Added-Dan Goldhaber, University of Washington and the Urban Institute
NCTAF’s Research on Teacher Effectiveness-Tom Carroll, President of the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future
Addressing Teacher Quality-National Superintendents Panel
Teacher Quality and Compensation-Dan Jamison, Superintendent in Sherwood, Oregon.
Central Office Transformation for District Wide Teaching and Learning Improvement-Mike Copeland, Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Washington
The Roundtable and the National Agenda-Mort Sherman, Superintendent, Alexandria Public Schools (VA)
BOE RETREAT-
Don’t forget the retreat on August 13th, at the BOE, and 12 noon. To start the study session, I have scheduled a working lunch with the District Leadership Team. They will be giving you a brief presentation and overview of the district accreditation process.
AUGUST SCHEDULE:
August 2-6: Vacation
August 4: District Enrollment (Nancy Holbert, Coordinating)
August 9: District Leadership Mtg. 8 am; Administrators Mtg. 1pm; & BOE meeting at 6 pm.
August 10: New Teacher Inservice
August 11: Teacher Inservice
August 12: ALL Staff Back-to-school inservice (BOE invited to attend, 8 am to 10 am-general session)
Kevin Honeycutt will be here for teacher presentations starting at 10. However, the evening session for parents and community members Kevin Honeycutt will be rescheduled for a later date. He was “double-booked” on that evening.
August 13: BOE Retreat 12 noon – 8 pm
August 16: 1st Day of School
Back to School BOE Picnic-5:30 serving /6:00 swimming pool opens
August 17: Smoky Hill Superintendents Mtg.
August 19: Back-to-school orientations at CES/CMS for parents
August 20: KNCK Radio Roundtable
August 25: Bus routing/Maintenance software demo
