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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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