B6.11 - Approve the Agreement for Technical Services #20088-ATS-IV with Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute (Chief of Schools, Administration and Leadership Development)

Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) has been sending school and district leaders to the Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute for the past eleven years. It has been a required professional development component of the Preparing New Principals Program (PNP) for the past six years and is funded through the Department of Education Title II grant. Each summer the newly selected cohort attends the three-day institute at Eckerd college for the purpose of developing their leadership.

During the three days, participants receive comprehensive, honest, and productive feedback based on results of 360-degree survey data completed by their supervisor, direct reports, and peers. They receive individual coaching as well as tools and strategies to support their continued leadership development. They participate in activities that reinforce the importance of vision, goals, effective action planning, shared leadership, conflict resolution, and other important leadership related topics. Participants leave the institute with knowledge of themselves as leaders and how they can capitalize on their current strengths and develop in areas needing improvement. In surveying the many leaders who have attended throughout the years, the common statement is that Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute was a life and leadership changing experience.

Research has shown that second to a teacher, there is no greater impact on school improvement than a strong leader. HCPS is the seventh largest school district in the nation and it is imperative that we successfully train leaders for the job of school principal. Eckerd College Leadership Institute provides leaders with strategies to capitalize on their strengths as well as how to mitigate areas of growth.

The Eckerd College experience has changed the way our leaders view themselves and how they have worked to improve themselves as leaders. Feedback has shown that 100 percent of the participants felt the program met or exceeded their expectations. The past four cohorts of PNP have set goals based on data received through Eckerd College 360-degree surveys. Goals have included areas of collaboration and inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and relationship building. Post surveys have shown that 90 percent of leaders improved in these areas after two years in the PNP program and ongoing reflection and intentional focus on the feedback received through the Eckerd College Leadership Development Program.

Continue with the successful implementation of the Eckerd College Leadership Institute with a new cadre attending in July 2020. The goal is to continue to have 100 percent of the participants say the institute met or exceeded their expectations.

* Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce

That the Board approve the Agreement for Technical Services #20088-ATS-IV for the 2020 Eckerd College Leadership Institute.

Kim Bays, Chief of Schools, Administration and Leadership Development, kim.bays@hcps.net, (813) 272-4071
Kim Huff, Director, kim.huff@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 272-4722

Title II grant funded, not to exceed $46,144.00