Page 6 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

Our graduation rate of 95.9% outpaced the State average by 5.8%. Our focus on closing
the achievement gap across all subgroups is evident in our increases in the graduation rate
among English Language Learners and Hispanic students. For the first time in 18 years,
grade 3 students at District-operated schools outperformed the State average on the
ELA assessment. Further, we outperformed the State on every ELA assessment, grades
3 through 10. In mathematics, we met or exceeded State performance in grades 3, 6, 8,
Algebra, 1, and Geometry. Fifty-six of our schools maintained an A-rating, and fourteen
improved a letter grade. Although we are proud of our academic achievements, we remain
focused on getting all of our students reading on or above grade level. We acknowledge
that there is a great deal of work that remains to be done to address the learning needs of
all students, and recover from the unfinished learning caused by the pandemic. However,
celebrating our academic accomplishments reaffirms our high performance culture, renews
our commitment to all students, increasing our determination to continue this growth into
the upcoming school year.

Growing our leaders was a major focus of the 2021-2022 school year. In a targeted effort to
strengthen our District both internally and through external collaborative efforts, I recruited
and retained strong leaders across our schools, regions, and district-level positions. The
strategic management of these leadership decisions has positively impacted our academic
performance while simultaneously reinforcing relationships with our employee groups and
community stakeholders. We have expanded our ability to keep our schools safe, improved
internal communication efforts, and streamlined processes, ultimately improving overall
district operations. Combining multiple technologies as well as community resources, we
are connecting with parents and providing methods for parents to connect with us. I am
proud of the additions to Team Palm Beach and I am truly honored to work alongside our
many experts across various leadership positions. We are entering the coming school year
empowered with a solid leadership team.

Demonstrating our commitment to recognizing the outstanding efforts of all of our
employees, we made extraordinary strides in improving salary and compensation across
all job roles. I appreciate the School Board’s steadfast commitment to our employees.
In collaboration with the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA),
teachers received a blended 3.5% salary increase, a one-time $1,500 bonus, and three days
of bereavement leave. In support of employees not included in the CTA agreement, the
District also provided exceptional salary increases, bonuses, and other benefits to these
employees. Bus drivers received an hourly rate increase of $2.25, making our District one
of the highest paying organizations for drivers. In addition, starting July 2022, the District
implemented a $15/hour minimum wage which represents an increase of more than $3/
hour for many employees. Given the current workforce recruitment challenges, the School
Board’s ongoing commitment to prioritize employee compensation is critically important.
Our employees are the driving force of what makes the School District of Palm Beach
County the community’s best choice.

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