Hamilton County Schools Administrative Workshop July 27, 2009 Jim Scales, Ph.D. Superintendent

1. Hamilton County Schools Administrative Workshop July 27, 2009 Jim Scales, Ph.D. Superintendent

2. Budgetary Challenges • Budget was painful this year • I appreciate your diligence in helping the district weather this storm • We may be leaner but we must also be meaner • We must protect the integrity of our instructional programs • We must not let politics determine our students’ futures • We must protect our students and their learning

3. Celebrating Success • This district has made incredible strides • More students graduating/going to college • Fewer drop-outs • Great writing scores • That is due to your efforts and leadership • Thank YOU for all you have done for our students • But now is not the time to become complacent

4. New Challenges: • Academic Achievement • More schools not making AYP • Preliminary scores are cause for concern • System made AYP • We must remain focused to help our students succeed

5. Cultural Imperatives • Children come first • All employees are accountable for student achievement that exceeds state standards • All employees will demonstrate professionalism and integrity • Student success is our only option • Potential is discovered and nurtured

6. Cultural Imperatives (cont’d) • Academic rigor is the norm • Communication is clear, open and timely • Students, parents, families and the community are essential partners • Diversity is valued as demonstrated by culturally competent practices • Facilities are safe, clean, secure and inviting

7. Vision • I believe that all students can succeed • I do not believe that proficient is sufficient • My goal for this district is for our students to score advanced • My expectation is that all students will graduate • I believe in ACT and college readiness skills • I want to close the achievement gap not only between ethnic groups but also for our low income students

8. Instruction • We have no room for stagnant instruction • We must help our teachers to provide quality instruction everyday • I believe that Central Office is the support system for instruction

9. Reorganization • The budget is forcing us to rework how we do business • I know we have reorganized 3 times since I have been here • But I must reorganize to create a system that best supports you with limited resources

10. Operations Reorganization • 1 Asst. Superintendent of Operations = James Colbert (will also cover high schools) • 1 Middle School Director = Robert Sharpe • 2 ES Directors = Carol Langston and Gail Morgan • Susan Swanson = support Benwood Schools

11. Administrative Support • Basically the same except Gary Waters now reports directly to me • Rick Smith = Deputy of Administrative Services • Child care • Student nutrition • Student services • Athletics • Graduation • Discipline • Transportation • Zoning

12. Collaborative Model of Support • I believe that Central Office exists to support the schools • I have directed that Operations and Curriculum folks work together to drive instruction/curriculum into the classroom • They will be a team focused on supporting the schools • Principals will report to Operations

13. HCDE On the Move • My vision is that Hamilton County continue to be a leader in education in this state in the next decade • I believe we must do what is right for kids, not what is popular • If you do the right thing, I will support you • I believe that principals are the key to our students’ success

14. There is no “I” in Team • I have laid out my vision and goals for this district for next year • But I cannot do it alone • We must all work together • I need everyone in this room to get on the bus with me

15. Support for the System • Our issues are those dealing with adults, not children • I believe when we remain focused on kids, we always do the right thing • The challenge is to keep that focus laser sharp and not get distracted