Page 116 - Superintendent Report 2023-24

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Conference is held annually for all staff and schools to improve communications and
foster collaboration within the District. The OpEx Conference allows the division, schools, and vendors to share best
practices, learn from one another, and showcase achievements.

The Operational Excellence Academy was developed to hone the management skills of division producers and prepare
them to step into future leadership roles. This program provides the necessary training and support to create qualities that
translate to more effective team leadership.

Overall, the Operational Excellence Initiative aligns the Operations Division with the District’s Strategic Plan objectives
by fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and leadership development. This approach enables
the division to achieve operational excellence, drive efficiencies, and deliver high-quality services to the District and
its stakeholders.

School Leader Evaluations

A committee of District and school-based representatives selected the School Leader Evaluation Model (SLEM). The model
is based on the work of Dr. Robert J. Marzano and Learning Sciences International. The model is grouned in the premise
that all employees can improve their practice regardless of their level of performance.

The SLEM is organized into five domains with 24 elements of behavior that link contemporary research-based strategies to
student achievement: Data-Driven Focus on Student Achievement, Continuous Improvement of Instruction, Guaranteed
and Viable Curriculum, Communication, Cooperation and Collaboration, and School Climate.

The SLEM’s primary goal is the same as when it was first implemented in 2014: to help principals and assistant principals
grow their leadership practice. A vital component involves collecting evidence and data for analysis and reflection and
guiding deliberate practice through coaching. Observations allow the school leader and supervisor to meet and engage in
this process. In FY23, 40 new school leaders were trained on how to incorporate SLEM into the daily professional practice
of their new roles. School leaders created a total of 524 growth plans, with the following five competencies.

Top Five Chosen Competencies for Growth
• Monitor overall student achievement
• Monitor individual student achievement
• Teacher-team regularly address school issues
• Teacher can observe and discuss effective teaching
• Practices are in place to help all student meet achievement goals

116 // Superintendent Annual Report 2022 - 2023