Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, December 4, 2018
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement for Technical Services with the University of South Florida (USF) (Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In order to prepare leaders to serve in the district’s high-needs schools, Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation has partnered with USF to design an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree Program in leadership for school turnaround.  The purpose of the degree is to ensure a talented pool of leaders is always ready for principal positions in high-needs schools.  Staff from USF and Hillsborough County Public Schools will collaborate to select a fifth cohort of assistant principals and principals to enter the program.  The leaders selected will participate in a 30-hour program focused on leading in high-needs schools and turnaround schools. The program will culminate with the delivery of capstone projects that will inform district practice to improve outcomes for students in chronically underperforming schools.  Leaders who complete the Ed.S. Degree will be placed in a pool of leaders who will fill future vacancies in high-needs schools.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child • Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funds in the amount of $220,000 will be available in the Turnaround Leadership Pathways Grant.  For tracking purposes, the project number specific to this agenda item is 3542.  As of October 30, 2018, the remaining balance less encumbrances for this line item equaled $497,525.
EVALUATION
Three cohorts of principals, assistant principals, and district leaders have graduated from the Ed.S. Degree Program and a fourth cohort will finish in the summer of 2019. Of the 3 cohorts that have graduated, which is a total of 47 leaders, 22 are currently serving as principals in high-needs schools, 8 are serving as principals in schools that are not considered high needs, 5 are assistant principals that will be part of the pool that will be appointed to future high-needs vacancies, and 12 are serving in district roles that support leaders in high-needs schools.
SUBMITTED BY:  Kim Huff, Director Leadership Development

Tricia McManus		Gretchen Saunders
Assistant Superintendent, Leadership, Professional Development, and School Transformation (813) 272-4876		Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270
		C 6.20
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20181204_911 (Board Meeting followed by Public Hearing) * Section C Item# 6.20