Approve Alternative Requirements for District-Level Positions

In an effort to increase the potential candidate pool for district-level positions, an alternative certification and training program is being developed. Numerous job descriptions for district-level administrators require certification in Educational Leadership. The Hillsborough Association of School Administrators (HASA) has expressed concern about the relevancy of the requirement for appropriate district-level positions. There are no state requirements for district-level administrators to earn certification in Educational Leadership. District-level administrators impacted by this job description requirement have been told that an alternative training requirement will be developed by the District effective August 2008.

A committee met throughout this year to develop a program of studies that will become the District-level Preparing New Leaders Program. For those positions that the District requires an Educational Leadership certification, the completion of this program of studies will serve as an alternative to that requirement. Seven courses have been identified for the framework of the program. These courses will be developed and implemented over the next few months. It will take approximately two years for a participant to complete the program of studies. All participants will have 24 months to complete the program.

Human Resources: Recruit, develop, and retain a highly effective, diverse workforce.

Funding needed for the development of the courses, instructor manuals, online training and program materials for the participants will be acquired through the fees charged the participants.

The Staff Development Office will assess the program at the completion of the first cohort. The participants will be asked to evaluate the program through question and answer surveys.