Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Office
Action Item

DATE: Tuesday, July 12, 2005
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Approve the Administrative Appointments of: Ken Otero, Chief of Staff; Cathy Valdes, Chief Facilities Officer; Lewis Brinson, Assistant Superintendent for Administration; and Approve the Administrative Transfer of Barbara Hancock from Area Director, Area I to Area Director, Area III

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

To provide an effective transition and ensure maximum achievement in the School District the above appointments are recommended as part of the Superintendent’s first phase development of the Cabinet and Senior Staff. The following actions will take place with respect to the configuration of the Superintendent’s Cabinet.

Jim Hamilton, presently Chief of Staff, has indicated that he will be terminating his DROP prior to his June 30, 2007, DROP ending date. Ken Otero is appointed Chief of Staff and will serve as Chief of Staff designee during the transition from Dr. Hamilton to maximize the transfer of knowledge and permit a smooth transition, as Mr. Otero assumes the duties of general oversight of the District’s divisions.

In addition, Dr. Donnie Evans has indicated that he is actively seeking a Superintendent’s position in other districts. Therefore, the position of Chief Academic Officer currently funded primarily by the CHOICE grant will be phased out within the calendar year. Mr. Otero will also assume some of the responsibilities that were previously handled by that office. These responsibilities include leadership for the CHOICE program, for Charter Schools, and vouchers, and for coordinating the efficiency of the various divisions to insure high student performance. Mr. Brinson is appointed to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Otero’s appointment. The transition time for Mr. Otero will also allow him to provide assistance to Mr. Brinson, as he assumes the position of Assistant Superintendent for Administration. Ms. Valdes is appointed Chief Facilities Officer to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Superintendent. As part of the transition plan in the office of Chief of Staff, Jim Hamilton will provide transition support and training to the new Chief Facilities Officer.

The administrative transfer of Barbara Hancock to the position of Area Director of Area III will provide for the area director to reside in much closer proximity to the area for which she is responsible and further enhance the district’s goal to be near the community and schools that we serve. These changes will further the Superintendent’s agenda to blend the mission of the divisions, focus efforts on maximum student achievement, enhance intra-District collaboration, and further community support for our schools.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

All Goals and Critical Success Factors apply.

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: Yes)

There is a cost of approximately $60,000 for the transition salary of the Chief of Staff designee to be paid for from non-recurring 2004-2005 operating budget revenue carried forward into 2005-2006. There is a savings of approximately $90,000 from the elimination of the position of Chief Academic Officer – 90% of the savings will be to the CHOICE grant and 10% of the savings to Part I Operating Budget dollars for 2005-2006 fiscal year.

EVALUATION

SUBMITTED BY:



MaryEllen Elia
Superintendent
(813) 272-4050
8.01C
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20050712_146 * Section E Item# 8.01C