| Smith-Green Superintendent resigns |
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| Thursday, 28 June 2012 09:47 |
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by Katie Wagner
Smith-Green Community Schools Superintendent Steve Darnell submitted a letter of resignation to the School Board this past week, effective June 29.
In addition, Darnell sent the following email to SGCS staff:
“I have enjoyed my time at Smith-Green Community Schools these past three years. With a strategic plan in place and building improvements scheduled, the district is on a solid path for student learning and achievement. Much has been accomplished as we have all worked to improve learning for students.”
“I appreciate the opportunity I have had to be a part of a team that focuses on superior schools in a supportive community. It is time, however, for me to leave the district. I am resigning effective June 29 for other employment. Thanks to all for the opportunity to serve students, teachers, parents and the community. I wish you the best.”
Darnell encouraged the implementation of a Strategic Plan for the district, which is in place for 2010-2015. Some highlights of accomplishments regarding the Strategic Plan are as follows:
Superior Education Curriculum mapping with all teachers using a common lesson plan format for instruction; ISTEP+ improvement (10.8% increase in English, 2.2% increase in Math) and named “A” district and “A” schools based on growth data; number of students taking dual credit classes increased from seven in 2009 to 19 in 2011; class sizes in grades K-2 capped at no more than 20 students; over 100 new students/families joined SGCS through open enrollment from 2009-2012, thus increasing the amount of funding granted to the district based on Average Daily Membership (ADM);
Safe Environment
District-wide 800 number in place for reporting harassment; bullying program implemented (character counts, teacher training, student programs); building plan identified to address space and safety needs; all building administrators are trained safety specialists; School Resource Officer (SRO) Chad Fulkerson in place on a part-time basis;
Fiscal Responsibility
implemented new software to reflect operations that are transparent, reconciling monthly with monthly cash flow statements sent to the Board; focused technology on student use and digital learning with over $400,000 secured in technology and staff development during 2011 and 2012; Comparative studies conducted for salaries and benefits for teachers, support staff, and bus drivers;
Community Support
Eagle Garden phases I and II completed; PTO growth; externships for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); facilities open and available for community-based groups and events; open computer time for students and community members each week; monthly open office talk time with Superintendent;
Service Excellence
New teacher turnover rate declined by 31% from 2009 to 2011; significant increase in number of applications for open positions within the district; standardized interview process for administrators and teachers collaboratively developed with Board and administrators that uses a committee selection process; staff evaluations being done on 100% of individuals (100% classified, all teachers in rotation for evaluation).
“I am proud of what Smith-Green has accomplished,” Darnell said via email. “The staff has been great to work with and will be able to move the district forward in the future.”
“In addition, I have enjoyed working with parents and the community to improve student learning at Smith-Green.”
The School Board will appoint an interim superintendent at a special meeting July 2 at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building. by Katie Wagner This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Smith-Green Community Schools Superintendent Steve Darnell submitted a letter of resignation to the School Board this past week, effective June 29. In addition, Darnell sent the following email to SGCS staff: “I have enjoyed my time at Smith-Green Community Schools these past three years. With a strategic plan in place and building improvements scheduled, the district is on a solid path for student learning and achievement. Much has been accomplished as we have all worked to improve learning for students.” “I appreciate the opportunity I have had to be a part of a team that focuses on superior schools in a supportive community. It is time, however, for me to leave the district. I am resigning effective June 29 for other employment. Thanks to all for the opportunity to serve students, teachers, parents and the community. I wish you the best.” Darnell encouraged the implementation of a Strategic Plan for the district, which is in place for 2010-2015. Some highlights of accomplishments regarding the Strategic Plan are as follows: Superior Education Curriculum mapping with all teachers using a common lesson plan format for instruction; ISTEP+ improvement (10.8% increase in English, 2.2% increase in Math) and named “A” district and “A” schools based on growth data; number of students taking dual credit classes increased from seven in 2009 to 19 in 2011; class sizes in grades K-2 capped at no more than 20 students; over 100 new students/families joined SGCS through open enrollment from 2009-2012, thus increasing the amount of funding granted to the district based on Average Daily Membership (ADM); Safe Environment District-wide 800 number in place for reporting harassment; bullying program implemented (character counts, teacher training, student programs); building plan identified to address space and safety needs; all building administrators are trained safety specialists; School Resource Officer (SRO) Chad Fulkerson in place on a part-time basis; Fiscal Responsibility implemented new software to reflect operations that are transparent, reconciling monthly with monthly cash flow statements sent to the Board; focused technology on student use and digital learning with over $400,000 secured in technology and staff development during 2011 and 2012; Comparative studies conducted for salaries and benefits for teachers, support staff, and bus drivers; Community Support Eagle Garden phases I and II completed; PTO growth; externships for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); facilities open and available for community-based groups and events; open computer time for students and community members each week; monthly open office talk time with Superintendent; Service Excellence New teacher turnover rate declined by 31% from 2009 to 2011; significant increase in number of applications for open positions within the district; standardized interview process for administrators and teachers collaboratively developed with Board and administrators that uses a committee selection process; staff evaluations being done on 100% of individuals (100% classified, all teachers in rotation for evaluation). “I am proud of what Smith-Green has accomplished,” Darnell said via email. “The staff has been great to work with and will be able to move the district forward in the future.” “In addition, I have enjoyed working with parents and the community to improve student learning at Smith-Green.” The School Board will appoint an interim superintendent at a special meeting July 2 at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building. Other articles in LocalJunior High Academic Super Bowl teams compete 16 May 2013 Local businesswoman continues success in popcorn business 16 May 2013 Fire Station open house Sunday 16 May 2013 Lampe and Kanis receive Girl Scout Gold Award 16 May 2013 Ellspermann takes tour of C&A 16 May 2013 Churubusco Police Report for April 28-May 11 16 May 2013 Information meeting for 2013-14 volleyball participants 16 May 2013 Spring Sports Banquet June 3 16 May 2013 Junior High Awards Program 16 May 2013 Zumba fitness for Busco Destination ImagiNation 16 May 2013 |
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