PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD SPEC MTG RE: SUPT. EVALUATION
MINUTES- Convene: 3:40 p.m.
- Pledge of Allegiance: Jon Levinson
- Public Comments: None
- Superintendent Evaluation
- Adjourn: 4:52 p.m.
Minutes: The Superintendent thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the students of Palm Beach County and reviewed his goals for the upcoming year.
Dr. Benaim volunteered to give his evaluation first stating the following of the Superintendent: the success of career academies, gained confidence in governmental agencies, increased graduation rate (although it could still be better it is going in the right direction), he is a risk taker and there was a disappointment with peoplesoft which he has stablized, resources to the Triple A schools. Improvement is still needed with the Charter Schools. Overall, Dr. Johnson is doing a tremendous job and is performing above expectations.
Mr. Hansen stated that Dr. Johnson is doing an exemplary job with a difficult budget situation, he maintains a strong presence in Tallahassee and has gathered the respect of law makers and citizens, tremendous strength in the area of technology, never ceases from the mission to educate students.
Mr. Kanjian thanked the teachers and staff for their dedication and assistance to the Superintendent, his accessibility is amazing, impressed with his dedication and the employees that surround him, impressed with the programs in the schools. Things that could be better is moving the IT department as a separate function, helping Charter Schools succeed, being more persuasive in Tallahassee, better communication is needed within district staff, proactive with boundaries (due to programs we put in schools), upgrade transportation with respect to timeliness. Pleasure to serve with the Superintendent.
Dr. Robinson stated that she will allow the written document to speak for her as we all have strengths and we all have weaknesses. Dr. Johnson is at-expectation.
Mrs. Burdick stated we have statistical improvement in achievement, encourages the Superintendent to support a challenging curriculum and encourages outside resources, success with revising teacher evaluation to comply with Florida Statute and closing the gap, encourages him to have teacher recruitment and retention as the top priority, good job of relationship with the Board, he should continue to spotlight the wellness program, continue to monitor and work towards a greater diversity representation at schools and here at the district office. Proud to be among a Board that encourages new buildings for alternative education students. Declining enrollment places a new challenge and would like to see the Superintendent bring forward options to improve enrollment. ERP implementation is supported by the Board and recruiting and retaining the personnel needed for ERP to succeed is the key. Superintendent is dynamic and bold in challenging situations. Look forward to working with the Superintendent for another year.
Dr. Richmond stated that Art Johnson is educational leadership, programs have improved steadily, consistently focused on goals, works well with legal department, focus on achievement and literacy with emphasis for needy children, works well with teachers and understands the importance of resources, incredible relationship with the Board (daily update calls from the Superintendent to alleviate suprises), ultimately the changes with the Human Resources Department have been for the better, staff development and single school culture have been improved, extraordinary job with the construction program, flexibility and response to diverse communities, great budgetary decisions based on children, open to diverse perspectives, obvious challenges with the technology changes, he participates with a variety of formal organizations, diligent in refining the academic business plan, data is now part of our schools culture. Great focus is needed in alternative education and transportation. Greatest success for all of our children is the inclusion plan and everyone will benefit from this inclusion plan. We have been slowly and consistently moving forward and making changes to benefit our students.
Mr. Graham stated the following regarding the Superintendent: improved educational data warehouse, increased team building at low performing schools, commendable communication with the Board, weekly workshops keep the Board up to date, assign measurable tasks to area superintendents in the low performing schools, top performers are rewarded for goal achievement, more staff development to integrate the arts is needed. Human Resources reorganization is a positive change. Capital Plan is a model plan and exceeds the forecast, need closer relationship with Water Management and County Government. Finance Committee and their team are above all, would like to see audit findings addressed in a more timely fashion (especially with schools) and assist Charter Schools in a positive manner. Consistent meetings with internal stake holders and the media, there is increased emphasis with outside agencies to broaden the involvement of communication, EDW is a great tool. Cost effective transportation system should be continued and we should expand our relationship with Tri-Rail. Thanked the Superintendent for his time.
Superintendent thanked the Board for their positive remarks about the school system and appreciates the constructive suggestions.
Motion to Reafirm Evaluation Instrument: Motion by Kanjian/Hansen to reafirm the evaluation instrument for 07-08 school year was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Burdick suggested updating the instrument with regard to terms etc. and the Board agreed.
Motion for a Rolling Five-Year Contract: Motion by Benaim/Kanjian to have a rolling five year contract was followed by discussion.
Mr. Kanjian would like an opportunity to review the Superintendent's contract.
Motion to Postpone: Motion by Robinson/Burdick to postpone until April 25th meetings failed 4/3 with Graham/Richmond/Benaim/Hansen dissenting.
Main Motion: The main motion for a rolling five-year contract passed 4/3 with Graham/Richmond/Benaim/Hansen voting in favor of the motion.
Motion to Reconsider: Motion by Richmond/Burdick to reconsider was unanimously approved.
Motion to Postpone until April 25th: Motion by Kanjian/Burdick to postpone a rolling five-year contract until April 25th was approved 4/3 with Hansen/Benaim/Richmond dissenting.
Motion to Discuss 5-Year Rolling Contract Next Week: Motion to discuss five-year rolling contract next week was approved 6/0 with Burdick out of the room.