beaverton or superintendent search hya leadership profile report

8/7/2019 Beaverton or Superintendent Search HYA Leadership Profile Report

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BeavertonSchoolDistrict

LeadershipProfileReportJanuary11,2011

Introduction

This report presents the findings of the Leadership Profile Assessment conducted by Hazard,

Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) in December 2010 for the new superintendent in theBeaverton School District (BSD). The data contained herein were obtained from input the

HYA consultants received when they met with individuals and groups in either individualinterviews or focus group settings and from the results of the online survey completed by

stakeholders. The surveys, interviews, and focus group meetings were structured to gather input to assist the Board in determining the primary characteristics desired in the new

superintendent. Additionally the stakeholder interviews and focus groups collectedinformation regarding the strengths of the District and some of the challenges that it will be

facing in the coming years.

Participation

The numbers of participants, by stakeholder group, in the two methods of data gathering arelisted below:

Group Personal interviews or

focus groups

Online Survey

Board 7 7

Building level administrators 46

Central office administrators 19 59

Community 24 50

Faculty 500

Support Staff 23

205

Parents 31 1015

Students 35 27

Total 185 1863

The responses provided by the individuals and focus groups during the interviews are listed intwo places – 1) “Consistent Themes,” which are listed beginning on page 5 of the report and 2)

all responses from individual and group meetings, which begin on page 14. They are listedalphabetically with no attempt to prioritize them. It should be emphasized that the data are not

a scientific sampling, nor should they necessarily be viewed as representing the majorityopinion of the respective groups to which they are attributed. Items are included if, in the

consultants’ judgment, they warranted the Board’s attention.



Hazard,Young,Attea&Associates BSDLeadershipProfileReport

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StrengthsoftheDistrict

MoststakeholdersaregenerallyverypleasedwithBSDandtheservicesitprovidestothe

community’schildrenandfamilies.TheyfeeltheDistricthasanexcellentreputationandishighlyrespectedinthePortlandarea,throughoutthestateofOregon,andacrossthe

nation.StakeholdersreportedthatBSDisoftenlookedatasaleaderandanexemplaryschooldistrictinOregonandthenation.

Stakeholdersconsistentlyreportedthattheywerepleasedwiththehighlevelsof

academicperformanceofstudents,thebreadthanddepthofthesupportservices

provided,andthemanyoptionsandprogramsthatareofferedtomeetthevaryingneeds

andinterestsofstudents,e.g.,ChoicePrograms,SmallSchoolOptions,IBandAPclasses,

andat-riskprogramming.Ofparticularnote,manystakeholdersfeelthenumberof

choicesandoptionsatthemiddleschoolandhighschoollevelsistrulyexceptional.

StakeholdersalsoconsistentlyreportedthattheDistricthighlyvaluestwo-waycommunication,inputfromstakeholders,andtransparencyindecision-making.These

effortsandapproachesarecreditedwithestablishingasolidandtrustingrelationshipbothinternallywithintheDistrictandexternallybetweentheDistrictandthelarger

community.

Communitymembersandparentsoftencitedthatitwasthe“people”thatmakea

differenceinBSD.Theyseethestaffastalentedandcommittedtochildren,oftengoingaboveandbeyondtomeettheneedsofthestudentstheyserve.Thestaffoftencitedthat

theyfeelappreciated,trusted,andrespected.Administratorsfrequentlycommentedon

thetalentandprofessionalismofstaffmembers;thesupportivenatureofthe

community;andtheDistrict’scommitmenttodiversity,equity,andeffortstoclosethe

achievementgap.Studentcommentsexpressedanappreciationforthebreadthof

programmingoptionsavailableandtheeffortsoftheiradministratorsandteachersto

ensurethatschoolsaresafe,toprovideextrahelpwhenneeded,andto“makelearning

fun.”Thefrequencyofcommentsacrossmostinternalandexternalstakeholdergroups

regardingthehighlevelsofcommitment,mutualtrust,andprofessionalexpertisewould

indicatethatthesearesignificantfactorsintheDistrict’soverallsuccessandreputation.

Challenges/Concerns/IssuesfacingtheDistrict

SeveralsignificantchallengescurrentlyfacetheDistrictandtheyrevolvearoundtwo

majorareas–1)financesand2)programmingoptionsandconsistency.TheDistrict’s

approachtofinancialchallengesoverthepastfewyearshasbeentomakereductionsinareasthathavelimitedimpactonclassroomservicesandtheDistrict’seffortsinclosing

theachievementgap.Whiletheseeffortshavebeenappreciatedbystakeholdersinthe

past,thenextroundoffiscalchallengesresultingfromstatefundingreductionswillhave

amoredirectimpactonservicestochildrenattheclassroomandprogrammaticlevels.

Manyofthesedecisionswillneedtobemadethisspringbeforeanewsuperintendentishired,butthenewleaderwillbefacedwiththetaskofcarryingthroughonthedecisions

andhelpingstaff,parents,andcommunitymembersaccepttheconsequencesofwhat

willbesomeverydifficultdecisions.




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Theprogrammingissuesaresomewhatrelatedtofinancialchallengesbecausesome

optionsandservicesmaybeimpactedasaresultofreducedrevenuefromthestate.One

instructionalissuethatiscloselytiedtofinancesistechnology.Stakeholderswouldliketechnologyavailabilityenhanced,expandedandimprovedtoofferbetteroptionsto

studentsandtobetterpreparethemforafuturethatwillbemoreandmoredependentupontechnology.Inadditiontothecostofpurchasingmorehardwareandsoftware,

thereisalsoafinancialcostassociatedwithmaintainingcurrentandfuturetechnology

hardwareandsoftware.Allofthesetechnologyneedsarecomingatatimethatthere

willbelessfinancialresourcesavailabletoaddressthem.

Anotherquestionraisedbystakeholdergroupsiswhetherornotitwillbefinancially

viabletomaintainthenumberofchoiceprogramscurrentlyoffered.Inaddition,a

concernwasraisedthatprovidingchoicesatthemiddleandhighschoollevelswas

havinganegativeimpactontheneighborhoodschools.Somestakeholdersfeelthatthevitalityandcomprehensivenatureofneighborhoodschoolsarebeingcompromised

becausetoomanystudentsarechoosingtoleavethoseschoolsinfavorofchoiceschools.Additionallymanystakeholdersexpressedtheviewthatthereshouldbegreater

consistencyfromschooltoschoolinregardstoschoolschedule,curriculumexpectations,

gradingpractices,andprogramofferings.

Someotherareasofconcernexpressedbygroupsrevolvedaroundstrategicdirectionsanddecision-making.OnethoughtthatwasconsistentlyexpressesisthattheDistrict

needstonarrowitsfocusandpriorities.Numerousgroupsexpressedtheperceptionof

“initiativefatigue”duetotryingtodotoomuchatonce.Stakeholdersexpressedtheview

thatthenewstrategicplansettherightdirectionfortheDistrict,butthatitwillvery

importanttokeepimplementationfocusedoncriticalpriorities.Theworryisthatthe

Districtwillcontinuetofocusonnewinitiativesandnotcarefullyandcompletely

implementthegoalsofthecurrentstrategicplan.

Additionally,whileeveryonevaluesthecollaborativecultureoftheDistrict,some

stakeholdersfeltthatseekinginputandvaluingmultipleviewpointsneedstobe

balancedwithmakingadecisionandstickingwithit.Somefeltthatthevocalminorityoftenreceivestoomuchattentionanddecisionsaresometimeschangedtoappeasethem.

DesiredCharacteristics

Firstandforemost,constituentsacrosstheDistrictarelookingforanewsuperintendentwhowillbuildonthesolidaccomplishmentsofthepastandhelptheDistricttakethe

nextstepforward.Inordertoaccomplishsuchagoal,stakeholdersbelievethatnew

superintendentneedstopossesscertainpersonalcharacteristics,aswellas

demonstratingknowledgeinsomecriticalareas.Thepersonalcharacteristicscommonly

mentionedincludedemonstratinghighlevelsofintegrityandhonesty,beingopentonewideas,exhibitingacalmandsinceremanner,beingapproachableandaccessible,seeking

andvaluingtheopinionsofeveryone,embracingdiversity,andservingasateambuilder.




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Thesecommentswerereflectedintheinterviewsandfromtheonlinesurveythatranked“VisionandValues”asthehighestpriorityskillset.Inadditiontheindividualattribute

fromthesurveywithhighestoverallratingwas,“Demonstratesintegrity,honesty,and

fairness”andthesecondhighestattributewas,“Fosterapositiveprofessionalclimateofmutualtrustandrespectamongfaculty,staff,andadministrators.”

Thecoreknowledgecompetenciesandexperiencesoftenmentionedincludedstrong

communicationskillsthatpromotetransparencyandinvolvement,experienceindealing

withunions,instructionalleadershipskills,knowledgeofbestpractices,understanding

ofschoolfinances,andvisionaryleadershipskillstohelpeveryonemovetogetherforthe

commonbenefitofallstudents.“CoreKnowledgeCompetencies”and“Communityand

Relationships”wereratedsecondamongtheskillsetsandtheseareascloselyalignwith

commentsmadeduringtheinterviews.

Somestakeholdersexpressedthedesireforthenewsuperintendenttohavehadprevioussuperintendentexperienceandtohaveworkedinadistrictofsimilarsizeand

demographicdiversity.OthersexpressedtheviewthattheabilitytomovetheDistrictforwardinacollaborativemannerandto“promotehighexpectationsforallstudentsand

personnel”werethemostimportantattributesandoutweighedtheexperiencefactors.

Therewasstronggeneralagreementthatthenewsuperintendentshouldbea

courageousindividualcapableofmakingtoughdecisionswhennecessaryandensuringthatdecisionsaremadeinthebestinterestofallchildren.Thisindividualshouldbe

politicallysavvyandcapableofdealingwithmanycompetinginterestsandopinions.

Additionallytherewasadesirethatthenewsuperintendenthavetheskillsnecessaryto

notonlyprovidestrongleadershipandlong-termcommitmenttoBeaverton,butalsoto

beorbecomeastatewideleaderadvocatingfortheneedsofallchildrenwiththeOregon

StateLegislatureandDepartmentofEducation.

HYAcannotpromisetofindacandidatewhopossessesallofthecharacteristicsdesired

byrespondents.However,HYAandtheBoardintendtomeetthechallengeoffindingan

individualwhopossessesmostoftheskillsandcharactertraitsrequiredtoaddressthe

concernsexpressedbytheconstituentgroups.WewillseekanewsuperintendentwhocanworkwiththeBSDBoardtoprovidetheleadershipneededtocontinuetoincrease

academicexpectationsandstudentperformanceandtomeettheuniqueneedsofeachof

theschoolsandcommunitiesinalargeandincreasinglydiverseschoolsystem.

Theconsultantswouldliketothankalltheparticipantswhoattendedfocusgroupsmeetingsorcompletedtheonlinesurvey.Also,wewouldliketothankalloftheBSDstaff

memberswhoassistedwithourmeetingsandparticularlythankMaryHawkinsand

MaureenWheelerfortheireffortsinfacilitatingourtimeintheDistrict.

Respectfullysubmitted,

SandyHusk

HankGmitro




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ConsistentThemes

Strengths• Academicachievementlevels

•

Collaborativeculturethattrulyseeksandvaluesinputfromallstakeholders• Commitmenttoclosingtheachievementgap

• Continuousimprovementphilosophyinplaceatschoolanddistrictlevels

• Diversityisvaluedandequityisacommongoal

• FiscalresponsibilityoftheBoardandDistrictovertheyears

• Goodrelationshipsbetweenstaff,administrators,andBoard

• OptionsandChoiceprogramsforstudents

• Qualityteachers,supportstaff,administrators,andBoardmembers

• PartnershipsbetweentheDistrictandagenciesinthecommunity

• Programsandsupportforat-risklearners

• StronglevelsoftrustintheDistrictandfromthecommunity

•

Transparencyininformationanddecision-making• Two-waycommunicationeffortsthatarefrequentandregular

• Viewedasahighlydesirableplacetoliveandwork

• Volunteerismintheschoolsandthecommunity• Well-runDistrictwithastrongreputationlocally,statewide,andnationally

Challenges/Concerns/Issues

• AlignmentoftheK-12curriculum

• Classsizesaresometimestoolarge

• Closingtheachievementgap

• Communicationalwaysremainsachallenge• Culturalcompetenceforallstaff• Financialchallenges

• Growingpopulationofsecondlanguagelearners

• Inconsistencyinhowallstaffgroupsaretreatedfrombuildingtobuilding

• Increasingtheexpectationsandestablishingamorerigorouscurriculum,

particularlyforgiftedpopulationatalllevels• OptionsandChoiceProgramminghavinganegativeimpactonneighborhood

middleandhighschools

• Needforconsistentschedulesatmiddleandhighschools

• Needforgreaterconsistencyfromschooltoschoolinhowprogramsandcurricula

areimplemented

• Needsofeconomicallychallengedfamiliesandstudents• Proficiencygradingpracticesarenotconsistentlyimplementedand/orvaluedby

staff,parents,andstudents• Seekinginputsometimesslowsdownorstagnatesdecision-making

• Technologyneedstobeimprovedandincreased• Toomanyprioritiesandinitiatives–narrowthefocustoaccomplishgoals

• Vocalminoritysometimesgetstoomuchattentionanddrivesdecision-making

Characteristics




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• AbilitytoworkwithBoardandhelpthemfunctionasteam• Accessibleandapproachable

• Advocateforallchildren

• Buildstrustquickly• Businessunderstandingandfinancialknowledge

• Calmandsteadydemeanor• Courageousandwillingtomakedecisionsinbestinterestofallchildren

• Collaborativeanddecisive

• Excellentcommunicator

• Experiencedindealingwithunions

• Forwardthinker

• Instructionalleader

• Integrity-sincere,genuine,andhonest

• Listensandlearnsbeforemakingadecision

• Open-minded• Personable

• Politicallysavvy• Seeksandvaluesinputfromallstakeholders

• Statewideleadershipskillsandexperience

• Strategicandfocused• Systemsthinker

• Teambuilder• Valuesdiversity

• Visibleandengagedinschoolsandcommunity

• Visionaryandcapableofhelpingothersseeandachievethevision• WantstobeinBeavertonforthelong-term




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StakeholderSurveyonDesiredCharacteristics

intheNewSuperintendent

Thedatapresentedabovepresenttheoverallmeanscoresforallrespondents

collectivelyonthesurvey.Theyarecalculatedforall1856respondents.TheBoardresponsesarenotincludedinthesemeanscoresastheywerecollectedviaaseparate

survey.TheBoardresponsesarelistedlaterinthebreakdownofresultsbystakeholder

group.




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Thisgraphpresentstheresultsforthesixstakeholdergroupsandhowtheyratedeachof

thesixcoreskillareasforthenewsuperintendent.Thenumberofrespondentsineach

groupislistedaboveinthelegend.

Whileallsixcoreareasareviewedasimportantanddesirable,therearesome

indicationsoftheprioritiesamongthoseareas.“VisionandValues”cameoutasthe

highestpriorityarea,while“InstructionalLeadership”and“Management”werethelowestpriority.However,allsixareasareviewedasimportantwithonlya0.5difference

fromhighesttolowest.




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10




11




12




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Top12QuestionsbyOverallResponseMeanScore

No. Question Adm SS Com Tea Par Stu Mean Rank

8 Demonstrate integrity,honesty, and fairness.

5.8 5.8 5.7 5.8 5.7 5.0 5.73 1

18 Foster a positiveprofessional climate of mutual trust and respectamong faculty, staff, andadministrators.

5.8 5.5 5.5 5.7 5.3 4.4 5.44 2

5 Promote highexpectations for allstudents and personnel.

5.4 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.5 4.9 5.39 3

17 Listen to and effectivelyrepresent the interestsand concerns of

students, personnel, andcommunity.

5.3 5.3 5.1 5.4 5.4 4.7 5.37 4

6 Lead in an encouraging,participatory, and team-focused manner.

5.4 5.4 5.3 5.5 5.2 4.2 5.30 5

28 Possess strongunderstanding of organizational andeducational leadership.

5.5 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.2 4.2 5.27 6

16 Understand theconditions, cultures,dynamics, and values of the school community.

5.4 5.3 5.2 5.5 5.1 4.8 5.24 7

35 Identify, confront, andresolve district issues ina timely manner.

4.9 5.4 5.0 5.3 5.2 4.6 5.23 8

39 Apply policies andprocedures fairly, wisely,and consistently.

5.1 5.4 5.2 5.4 5.1 4.7 5.22 9

3 Strive for continuousimprovement in all areasof the district.

5.2 5.2 4.9 5.1 5.3 4.3 5.21 10

37 Align financial resourceswith student learningneeds and the district’svision, mission, andgoals.

5.1 5.1 5.1 5.3 5.2 4.3 5.20 11

22 Communicate effectivelythe plans, goals, andprogress of the district tothe Board, staff, parents,students, and thecommunity.

5.3 5.2 5.1 5.2 5.2 4.8 5.20 12




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CommentsfromInterviewsandFocusGroupMeetingsDecember6-8,2010

Listedinalphabeticalorder

“/”indicatesmultiplesimilarresponsesfromgroup

BOARD

Strengths

• Administratorsworkwelltogetherasateam• Beaverton–schooldistrictandcommunityvaluesdiversityandequity///

• Boardmeetingsetupworkswellnow

• Boardworkswellasahighfunctioningteam//• Budgetreductionshavebeenmadethathavenotsignificantlyimpactedprograms

andclasssize• Communitytrustandrespect

• Continuousimprovementphilosophy• Goodplacetowork

• Goodrelationshipsbetweenstaffunionsanddistrict

• Fantasticstaffatalllevels–supportsstaff,teachers,andadministrators/

• Financeswhiledifficulthavebeenwellmanaged//

• Leadershiphashelpedtohealthecommunitywhencontroversieshaveoccurred

• Highexpectationsforallstudents

• Involved,committed,andsupportivecommunity/

• Leancentralofficeoperation

• Learningtargetsareaddingconsistencytocurriculumandprograms• OptionsandalternativeprogramsatMSandHSlevels//

• OregonLeadershipNetwork• Passionforchildren

• Positivefeelingtoneindistrict

• Projectteamreports–TAG,Learningoptions,andTimeStudy• Regularlyseekingcommunityinputonissues

• Rightpeopleintherightplaces• Spiritofcollaboration

• Strategicplanfocusesdistrictwork///

• Strongtwo-waycommunicationapproaches//

• Listeningsessions

• SupportforESLlearners

• Valuingallchildrenandworkingtoensurethattheygettheservicesandsupport

theyneed/////

• Volunteerism




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Concerns/Issues

• Addressingtheachievementgap

• Approachingconcernsandcomplaintswithawevs.themattitude

• Band-wagonefforts–jumpingonthenewnextbestthingwaytoooften/• Budgetcutsthatwillbeneeded

• Communityrelations• Complaintmanagementprocessneeded

• Comprehensiveforeignlanguageprograminallschools

• Conflicts among community, administration, andBoard regarding the need for

change

• Declineinvolunteerism

• Desirebysomeparentsforamorerigorouscurriculum

• Desire formoredetailed informationbythe Boardputsadditional demands on

administration

• EstablishingaconsistentPLCtimeforstaff• Fearfulofsomeonecominginfor3years,makingmajorchanges,andthenleaving

• Fundingandfinancialchallenges///• Go-it-alonementality

• Growingpopulationofsecondlanguagelearners

• Helpingthecommunityat-large,particularlylegislators,understandtheneedsofeducatingchildrenforthefuture/

• History of local control at school causes significant inconsistencies among theschools

• Improvingrespectforparentsandtheroleintheirchild’seducation

• Involvingunderrepresentedstakeholdergroups• Lackinganaccountabilitysystemthatlet’susknowhowwearedoing

• Optionsprogramshavehadanegativeimpactonneighborhoodmiddleschools

• Maintainingfacilitiesandbeingpreparedforgrowthwheneconomyrecovers

• Needforgreaterconsistencyincurriculumofferings,particularlyinmathbutin

allsubjects//

• NeedtoactontheProjectTeamStudiesthathavebeencompleted

• Need to address the poor performance ineffective staff members (small

percentage)• NeedtoestablishconsistentschedulesforMSandHS//

• Needtoincreasethediversityamongteachersandadministrators

• NewPErequirementsin2018andtheimpactonfacilitiesandbudget

• Overreactiontoproblemswhentheyarise

•

Proficiencygradingapproachandimplementation//• Soliciting too much input and not making decisions in a timely manner or

followingupontheinput

• TAGprogramattheelementarylevelandexpandedprogramsatMSlevel///• Technologyneedstobeimprovedanddeployedconsistently




16

Characteristics• AbletoworkwithBoardandhelpBoardmembersfunctionasateam

• Ability to motivate the community and desire to be engaged in community

activities//• Accessible

• Balances a collaborative approach with the ability to make a decision whenneededorwarranted

• Balancesdistrictdirectionandbuildinglevelautonomy

• Believable

• Calmandsteady

• Combinationofheadandheart

• Comfortablewithhonest-opendebateonissues

• Courageous

• Engagedatthestateandnationallevelstoinfluenceeducationalpolicies////

• Excellentcommunicationskills//• Experiencesasateacherandanadministrator/

• Financialknowledge• Helpscommunityunderstandtheissuesandsolutionsbeingconsidered

• Hires,retains,andempowersgoodadministrativestaffmembers//

• Inspirational/• Instructionalleader

• Integrity//• Listensandlearnsbeforemakingchanges///

• Managesscarceresourcesforbettermentofallstudents

• Passionforallchildrenandwilltobethevoiceofthosewhomaynothaveone//• Politicallysavvy

• Progressivevalues

• Relateswelltoallparents/

• Responsivetocommunity

• Self-confident

• Solvesindividualproblemswhilestillkeepingthebigpictureinmind

• Strongleaderwhoisateamplayer

• Technologicallyliterateandadvocate//• Trulyunderstandseducation

• ValuesOptionsandalternativeprogramsatHSlevel

• Valuesdiversity///

• Visionfora21st centuryeducation

•

WantstobeinBeavertonforthelongterm• Willingandabletoconfrontproblemsandaddressissueswhentheyoccur

• Willingtosay,“Idon’tknow”




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BUILDINGLEVELADMINISTRATORS

Strengths

• Athleticsareinvolvedindistrictdecision-making

• Balanceofsite-basedvs.district-baseddecisions

• Beavertonandsuperintendentprovidestatewideleadershipinmanyareas//

• Beginsandendswithpeople

• Budgetreductionshavebeenmadeproportionatelyacrossallprograms

• Commitmenttoclosingtheachievementgap//• Competitivesalaryschedule

• Desireandeffortsmadetoseekinputandlistentosuggestions• Directcommunicationbetweensuperintendentandstaff

• Districthasbeenfiscallyresponsibleandhasstrongcommunitytrust

• Districtofficepersonnelareknowntostaff• Equityofresourcesacrossschoolsandprograms

• Focusisoninstructionalcore

• Focusonequity

• Focusonindividualstudentachievement

• Goodrelationshipsbetweenbuildingadministrators,districtoffice,staff/and

unions//

• Hardworking,dedicatedstaff

• Highachievementlevelsatalllevels-notjustAP//

• Hiringqualitystaff

• Knownasagreatplacetowork

• Knownforquality

• Leadershipsessionswithsuperintendent

•

Numerousafterschoolandextracurricularactivitiesareprovidedtokeepstudentsengaged//

• Optionsprogramforstudents/

• Proactiveresponseoverthepastfewyearstobudgetissues• Professionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforstaff

• Thoughtfulresponsesanddecisionsindifficultsituations• Useofdataindecision-making

• Volunteerism

Concerns/Issues

• Aggressiveanddemandingparents

• AlignmentoftheK-12curriculum• Balancingdifferingperspectivesandviewsofthecommunity

• Bleakfinancialoutlook

• Boardmicro-managesattimes

• Boundarychanges//

• Challengesinclosingtheachievementgap• Collaborationbetweendistrictofficeandbuildingprincipals

• Communicationneeds• Competingpriorities




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• Creating the Beaverton solution rather than seeking out or selecting solutionsbasedonbestpracticeofothers

• Determiningtheappropriatebalanceofdistrictconsistencyandbuildingdecision-

making//• DisconnectbetweenMSleadershipanddistrictoffice

• Districttriestodotoomuchatonce–needstofocusonthecriticalpriorities///• Fatigue

• Feelingthatthedistrictisbehindthetimesinknowinghowtodealwithdiversity

• Highschoolreformefforts–needtokeepthismovingandmaketoughdecisions

tomakeitwork

• Keepingcutsawayfromtheclassroom

• Keepingfocusonequity//

• Leadershipisoftenmorereactivethanproactive

• Lotteryaspectofoptionprograms

• Moraleduringtougheconomictimes• Responding too quickly to push back when someone or some group does not

agreewithadecision///• Seekinginputoftenslowsdownorstallsthedecisionmakingprocess

• Socio-economicanddiversitychangesinthecommunity

• Sometimeswearetooniceanddon’twanttosaynobecausewedon’twanttoupsetpeople/

• Teambuilding• Technologyneeds//

• Tensionbetweenoptions/smallschoolprogramsvs.neighborhoodschoolneeds

duringtightfinancialtimes• Timeforteachersandallthatisaskedofthem

• Too many options at MS and HS levels make it difficult to maintain viable

neighborhoodschools

• Unioninfluenceondecisions

• Vocalminoritiesoftencontroltheagenda

Characteristics

• Abilitytolistentothevocalminoritywithoutcavingintopressure//• Advocateforat-riskyouth

• Advocateforscienceeducation

• Bilingual

• Buildsastrongsenseofteam//

•

Buildsmorale• Charismatic

• CommittedtoBeavertonandstayingforthelongterm/

• Committedtoclosingtheachievementgap• Courage//

• Creativeproblem-solver• Decisivewhenneeded////

• Deepthinker

• Educationalbackgroundandexperiencetomultiplelevels/




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• Establishesacleardirectionandstrategicprioritiesfortheschooldistrict//• Experienceinasimilardistrict//

• Experiencewithdealingwithunions//

• Forwardthinker//• Greatlistenerandcommunicator////

• Hasavisionforthestateandprovidesstatewideleadership/• Heartforchildren

• Helpstodefineboardandadministrativeroles

• Instructionalleadership//

• Intelligent

• Integrity,honesty,sincerity///

• Knowledgeofbudgetandfinances

• KnowledgeableaboutESLandBilingualprograms

• KnowsOregon

• Leadswithoutfear• Openmanagementstyle

• Personable/• Politicallysavvy

• Proactiveratherthanreactive

• Seeksandvaluesinput/• Someonefromtheoutsidewithnewideas

• Systemsthinker• Understandsathletics

• Understandsbusinessconcepts

• Valuesextracurricularactivities• Visibleintheschoolsandcommunity/

• Willingtodowhatisrightandwhatisneeded

CENTRALOFFICEADMINISTRATORSStrengths

• Accessibilityofsuperintendent• Athleticsandextracurricularactivities

• Businesspartnerships//

• Continuousimprovementphilosophy

• EquityLeadershipTraining

• ESLProgram

• Goodboard• Goodcommunication//

• Healthyadministrativeculture

• Highschoolsuccessstory

• Listenstoinput/

• Mentorprogram• Optionsprogram–23differentchoices

• OregonDepartmentofEdoftenhighlightswhatishappeninginBeaverton• Passionforstudentsuccess




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• PLCs• Principalsareinvolvedinhiringdecisions

• Schoolsafety

• ScienceTOSAs• Smalldistrictfeelthatvaluesrelationships

• Strongcommitmenttointernaladvancement• Supportivecommunity

• Strategicplanisinplaceandappearstobemakingadifference/

• SuperintendentcoalitionworkingtomakeadifferenceinOregon

• Talented,dedicatedteachers//

• Teamorientationindistrict//

• Therightpeopleareintherightleadershiprolesinthedistrict

• Trustissolidinthedistrict

• Volunteers

Concerns/Issues

• Addressingandclosingtheachievementgap//• Alignmentofresourceswithdistrictpriorities/

• Brandingthedistrictandmessagingwhatisgoingwell

• Bringingbestpracticestoscale• Boardmicromanagementandtrustinadministrativerecommendations//

• Concernabouttoomuchfocusoninterventionservices• Consistencyofcurricularofferingsacrossschools

• Developingculturalcompetenceonthepartofallstaffmembers

• Financialchallenges• Keeping a focus on equity and making real change in how the district does it

work//

• KeepingtheBoardatthepolicylevel//

• Needtonarrowthefocusanddoafewimportantthingswell///

• Need to create and implement well-design implementation plans for new

initiativesandgivethemtobesuccessful

• Servicesfortalentedandgiftedneedtoexpandedandenhanced

• Someadvocacygroupsstillarenotheard• Sometimesdecisionsdon’tgetmadeorstaymade

• Squeakywheelsreceivetoomuchattention

• Superintendent’sCouncilissometimesabottleneckfordecision-making




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Characteristics

• Abletoanalyzeproblemsquicklyandclarifyroles

• BelievesthatBeavertonisspecial

• Boardsmanship• Buildsastrongsenseofteamandhelpseveryonemoveforwardtogether////

• Commitmenttoequity//• Committedtostayinthedistrictforthelongterm/

• Communicationskills////

• Courageous/

• Decisiveandcollaborative/////

• Empowerspeopletodotheirjob/

• EstablishesclearrolesforadministrativeteamandBoard

• Experiencewithworkingwithunions

• Experiencedasaneducator–teacherandbuildingleveladministrator//

• Forwardandbigpicturethinker//• Goodlistener

• Inclusive• Innovative

• Instructionalleadership//

• Integrity–buildstrust///• Knowledgeoffinancialandhumanresourceareas

• Largedistrictexperience/• Leadswithoutfear

• Personable

• Relationalandrespectful/• Strategicandfocused//

• Transparentindecision-making

• Understandsgiftededucation

• Workstoachieveconsensus

COMMUNITYStrengths

• Academicachievementlevels//

• Accessibilityofsuperintendent//

• Aggressiveinseekinggrantfunding

• Aquaticsprogram

• Beavertonishighlysoughtoutbyfamilies//• Business,governmental,andprofessionalpartnerships,coalitions,and

relationships///////

• Communityengagement,involvement,andconnections///

• Communicationbetweendistrictandstakeholders//

• Data-drivendecision-making• DistrictFoundation

• Dualcreditprograms• Educationismorethantextbooks




22

• Embracesdiversity///• Engagesstakeholders/

• Extracurricularactivities

• Fiscalaccountabilityandefficiencies//• Forwardthinkingdecision-making//

• IBclasses• Inclusiveatmosphere//

• Interventionprogramsforstudents//

• K-20focus

• Lowdrop-outrate

• Mentorprogram

• Openness/

• Optionsandchoiceprograms////

• Partnershipswithhighereducation

• Recognitionthatcombinedeffortsarebetterthangoingitalong• Sharedfacilitiesandgroundswithparkdistrict

• Staffrelationships• Strategicplanisinplace

• StrongBoard-Administrativeteam/

• Strongleadershipatthelocalandstatelevels//• Transparency

• Well-rundistrictwithastrongreputation//////

Concerns/Issues

• Activeparentinvolvementandengagement/• AddressingtheneedsofESLlearners/

• Boundarychanges

• Challengeofbeinganimmigrantinthecommunity

• Communicationneeds//

• Communityoutreach

• Dealingwithstaffexpectationsintoughfinancialtimes//

• Diversity–social,ethnic,economic,andreligious///

• Ensuringthatstudentsarecollegeandcareerready• Expandingpartnerships/

• Financesandbudget////////

• Growingearlycollege

• Helpingunmotivatedstudentlearn

•

Homelesschildren• Implementingthestrategicplan//

• Includingallvoices

• Makingsurechildrendon’tfallthroughthecracks• Maintainingfacilities/

• Perceivedinequityofresourcesbetweenbuildings• Planningforfuturefacilityneedsascommunitygrows//

• Retainingandrecruitingtop-notchteachers

• Schoolsneedmorevolunteers




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• Slowdecision-makingduetobeinginclusive• Socialmedia

• Technologyneeds

• Variationincurriculum

Characteristics• Accessible///

• Approachable

• Articulate

• Buildstrust//

• Boardmanship–abletocoachtheBoard/

• Calmandsteadydemeanor///

• Collaborative//

• Communicationskills///

• Consensusbuilder• Courageous

• Decisivewhennecessary////• Delegatesresponsibilitieseffectively

• Empathic

• Empowerspeople• Engagedinthecommunity–parentsandnonparents////

• Enthusiastic• Ethical

• Experiencedinsimilarsystem

• Experiencedwithunionrelations• Honest

• Humble

• Open-minded

• Out-going

• Innovative

• Inspirational

• Instructionalleader

• Integrity//• Listener///

• Partnerswithinternalandexternalstakeholders//

• Passionate

• Peopleskills

•

Politicallysavvy• Proventrackrecordofclosingtheachievementgap/

• Recruitsminorityadministrativecandidates

• Self-reflective• Statewideleadershipskills////

• Teamplayer• Understandbusinesscommunity///

• Visibleinschoolsandcommunity////

• Visionaryandabletohelpothersunderstandandachievethevision///




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FACULTYStrengths

• BeavertonSchoolDistrictattractsthebestteachers

• CollaborativerelationshipbetweenadministrationandBEA/

• Communicationandinformationfromthedistrictistransparent

• Districthonorsdiversity

• Feelappreciatedasateacher• Highleveloftrustinteachers

• Highlyqualifiedstaffinplace• Innovative,cuttingapproachesused

• Principalsdemonstratedconfidenceandsupportfortheirstaffs

• Strongcommitmenttoequity• Superintendentholdsemployeesforumandvisitschools

• Teachersarehighlyinvestedinthecommunity

• Teachersareadvocatesforeachchild

• Visibleefforttogetqualifiedminorityadministrativecandidatesandteachers

• Workingonculturalcompetency/

Concerns/Issues

• Closingtheachievementgap

• Decliningresources

• Districtneedstofocusonthecriticalfewandnarrowthefocusforimprovements

• Inconsistencybetweenthemessageofvaluingthewholechildwhileresourcesare

directedatthecoreacademics

•

Needtokeepbudgetprocesstransparent• Needtokeepequityleadershipteamsandequitycoordinatorinplace

• Needtopayattentiontoqualityindicatorsotherthantestscores

• Schoolboardsometimepaystoomuchattentiontothevocalminority• Someonewecanbelievein

• Toomanyinitiatives,whichmeansthattheyarenotbeingwell-implementedordeployed–Initiativefatigue

Characteristics

• Abilitytosaynowhenneeded

• Abilitytoworkwithunions

• Abletoconnectwithpeopleonmanylevels• AccessibleandApproachable

• Articulate

• Believesinandsupportsbilingualeducation

• Brings focusto thedistrictandpreventsoverload–seekstodo the criticalfew

thingswell• Couragetoassessofcurrentstaffandmakechangeswhereneeded

• Flexible




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• Foresight to understand possible implications and unintended outcomes ofdecisions

• Goodcommunicator

• Highlevelofemotionalintelligence• Hires,retainsandempowersasolidcentralofficeleadershipteam

• Holdsstaffaccountable• Honorsandrespectsdiversity

• Inclusiveleadershipstyleratherthantopdown

• Integrity–honestandbuildstrustquickly

• Recognizedasaleaderthroughoutthestate

• Takestheheatwhennecessary

• UnderstandsmulticulturalismandthedifferentcommunitiesinBeaverton//

• Valueseducatingthewholechildandseesmorethantestscores

• Valuesinputfromallstakeholdergroups

PARENTS

Strengths

• Abilitytotakedifferentcourses–IBandAP–atthehighschoollevel

• Academicsarestrong

• Afterschoolprogramming

• BeavertonisraisingthebarforallofOregon

• BeavertonSchoolDistrictappearstohavefewerdaysoffthanotherdistricts

• Breadthanddepthofprogramforallages

• Diversityisvalued

• Goodcommunicationoccursregularly

•

Goodprogramsforat-risklearners–TitleI• Greatspecialservicesareprovided

• Greatteachers

• Optionprogramsandcharterschools• Reductionsmadeinpastyearsdidnotreleaseteachersorcutclasses

• Rigor,standards,andproficiency• Safetyintheschools

• Studentsoftenknowmorethanwedoasparents

• Widearrayofprogramsandservices




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Concerns/Issues

• Addbilingualandimmersionprograms

• Addresscommunityapathy

• Adulteducationservices• AllstudentsshouldleaveBeavertonschoolspreparedforlife

• Autisticchildrenneed1on1support• Change in financial sustainability requires new thinking about resources and

priorities

• Classsizesare too largeinsomeclassesatthehighschoollevel,particularlyAP

andIBclasses

• Communicationwithparentsintheirnativelanguage

• Communitydiversityrequiresnewapproaches

• Communityengagementneedstobeimproved

• Complaintsandconcernsarenotalwaysaddressed

• Disciplineproblemson thebuswithstudentbehaviorand limitedabilityofbusdriverstohandleproblems

• DifferentlanguagesareofferedatvariousschoolsandlittlealignedbetweenMSandHSoptions

• Differentsciencecoursesequencesareinplaceatvarioushighschools

• Expandafterschoolprograms• Foreignlanguageprogramsattheelementarylevel

• Fundingatthestatelevel• Highschooldayshouldstartlatertobettermatchadolescentbiologicalclock

• Improveolderfacilities

• Improveschoollunchmenuchoices• Incentivesforteacherstoimprovetheircraft

• IncreasetherigorinMSexpectationsandprogramsattheneighborhoodschools

• Makesurethatminoritystudentsarepreparedforcollege

• Mathtimediffersgreatlyfromschooltoschool

• Moreafterschoolprogramoptions

• Morehelpforacademics

• Moretimebetweenclassesathighschoollevel

• Need for better PR efforts focused on all of the good things going on in theBeavertonSchools

• Needtoavoidpendulumswings–stayfocusedondesiredoutcomes

• Notenoughtimeforsomestudentstoeatlunchattheelementarylevel

• Opendistrictuptovolunteerismthatispresentincommunity

•

Retainthelengthoftheschoolyear–donotcutdays• SendallparentalcommunicationsinSpanish

• ShouldnotalwaysreinventthewheeltodoitBeaverton’sway–lookforsolutions

alreadyoutthere• Someschoolsonsemestersandsomeschoolsontrimesters

• Systemthinkingandsustainabilityarenotalwaysthefocustheyshouldbe• TAGprogramneedstobeaddedatelementarylevelandexpandedatMSandHS

levels

• Teachersneedmoreplanningtimetopreparefordifferentiatingthecurriculum




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• Technologyresourcesneedtobeimprovedandequalizedfromschooltoschool• Uniformsrequiredorastricterdresscodeneeded

• Worktoimprovetheperformanceofstrugglingteachers

Characteristics

• Addressespoorperformanceofstaffmemberswhenneeded• Approachableandpersonable

• Assistsintheschoolsonaregularbasis

• Believesinhomogenousgroupingofstudents

• Bringspeopletogetheraroundissues

• Buildsrelationshipswithallstakeholdergroups

• Businessandeducationminded

• Continuousimprovementphilosophy

• Desiresconsistencyinprogrammingamongschools

• Drivenbydata• Educationalbackground

• Engagescommunity• Ensuresthatallstudentsaresuccessful

• Extensiveexperiencewithestablishinggiftedprograms

• FamiliarwithandsupportiveofthediversityinBeaverton• Focusesonclearlydefined,criticalfewstrategicgoals

• Flexible• Fluentinanotherlanguage

• Forwardthinkerandcommittedtoimprovingprograms

• Goodcommunicator• Holdshighexpectationsforallstudents

• Holdsopenforumsforparentsandstudents

• Holdspeopleaccountableatalllevels

• Listener

• Lobbyingskillstoworkwithstatelegislators

• Motivator–setmeaningfulvisionforthedistrictandhelpspeopleachieveit

• PartnerseffectivelywithBoardofEducation

• Placesemphasisongiftedandtalentedlearners• ProventrackrecordofsuccessinanothersimilardistrictorinBeaverton

• Problemsolverandencourageotherstodothesame

• Providesconsistencyofresourcesandprogramsacrossschoolstoserveall

studentsequally

•

Risk-taker• Select,retain,andempowerdistrictleadershipteam

• Strongcommunicationskills

• Supportiveofstudents,parents,andstaff• Thinksgloballyandunderstandsinternationaleducationalneeds

• Understandseveryone’sjobresponsibilitiesandvaluesallemployees• Understandsunions

• Understandsvocationaleducation

• Visibleintheschoolsandthecommunity




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• WantstobeinBeavertonoverthelong-term(6-10years)• Willingtobeunpopularandtomaketherightdecision

STUDENTS

Strengths

• IBclasses

• DiversityinclassesincludingAP

• Intensiveworkatalternativeprograms

• Jolt(?)periodprovidetoaskteachersforhelp

• Leadershipprogramatalllevels

• Musicprogramsareexcellent

• Qualityeducation–theymakelearningfun

• Proficiencygradingprovidesmorechancestolearnandbetterabletomeetneeds

ofstudents

•

Safeandpositivecommunityenvironment• Smallschooloptions

• Teachersgettoknowusaspeople

• Teacherstakeextratimetohelpus–afterschoolorwhenever• Transportationtosupportextracurricularactivities

Concerns/Issues

• Addsportstoalternativeandchoiceschools

• Addstudentcounciltoalternativeschool

• Allowstudentstopursuegrademake-upsanytrimester

• BandshouldnotcountonGPA• Classsizesaretoolargeinsomeclasses//• Encourageallstudentstohaveafullschedule

• Makemiddleschoolmorerigorousandequitable

• Forgettingsubjectwhenyouareofffortwotrimestersinarow

• Needanassociatebanddirector

• Needmorecounselors–especiallyforseniors• Permitoffcampuslunch

• Proficiencygrading

o Allteachersdon’thavethesameexpectationsorgradethesameway

o Havingtopassalllearningtargetspreventusfromgetting“A”s

o Homeworkshouldcount

o Notalwaysabletoretaketests

o Producesbadhabits

o Retakesaretooeasy

o Systemdoesnotholdmeaccountable

o Takinggradesawayreducesmotivation

o Weightingofquizzes

• Reconsidertheschedule




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o Classperiodsshouldbeshorter–loseconcentration

o Semestersarebetterthantrimesters

• Toomanypeopleinsomelunchperiods

• Windowsatthealternativeschool

• Wouldlikearecessbreaktogooutside

Characteristics

• Acceptsandvaluesdifferences• Accessible

• Bea“real”person

• Compassionateandwantstolead• Considerstheneedsofeveryone

• Dependable• Determination

• Encouraging–helpsyoubelieveyoucandoit

•

Goodlistener• Holdsstrongopinionsbutopentochange/

• Intelligent

• Integrity

• Knowsotherpeople’spointofview

• Listenstonewideasandinputofothers//

• Opendoorpolicy

• Outgoing

• Personable• Positiveattitude

• Putsservicebeforeself-image

• Responsible–youcancountonhim/her• Stickstoadecisionwhenitismade

• Usestheadvicegiven/• Visibleintheschools

SUPPORTSTAFF

Strengths

• Allemployeegroupshavethesamebenefitpackage

• Budgetreductionshavenotcutstaffsignificantly• Communicationefforts

• OptionprogramsforMSandHSstudents• Greatworkplace

Concerns/Issues

• Classsizesaresometimestoolarge

• Curriculumexpectationsatelementarylevelneedstoincreased

• District jumps on new ideas too quickly and too often – does not always

implementthemwell



• Districtpermitstoomanytransfersbetweenschools• FewadministratorsinDistricthaveworkedinthetrenches

• Imbalanceinschoolsizes

• Inconsistencyinhowclassifiedstaffaretreatedfromschooltoschool–dependsonattitudeofbuildingprincipalorsupervisor

• Lackofunderstandingaboutrealbudgetissues• Morecommunicationaboutwherethemoneyisspent

• Needtoreturntobasics

• Options programs and alternative schools are too expensive in tight financial

times

• Toomuchhasbeencutoutofspecialeducationservices

Characteristics

• Charismatic

• Couragetomaketoughdecisions• Establishesprioritiesforentiredistrict

• Goodspeaker• Holddistrictofficeandbuildingleveladministratorsaccountable

• Integrity

• KnowsandvaluesBeaverton• KnowsOregonandcanworkwithODEandlegislature

• Leadsbyexample• Listensandlearnsbeforemakingchanges

• Makeanefforttoknowthestaff

• Open-minded• Proactive

• Promotesthegoodthingshappeninginthedistricttothecommunity

• Respectsclassifiedstaffandistheiradvocate

• Understandsfinances

• Visibleintheschools

beaverton or superintendent search hya leadership profile report

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