Wave of Superintendent Changes Raising Interest
More than 40 percent of Superintendents could move on in the coming months, with four confirmed to retire, two rumored to be retiring, and two contract non-renewals.
Recent retirement announcements include Seaford, Appoquinimink, New Castle County Vo-Tech, and Cape Henlopen Districts. Contract non-renewals include Christina and Laurel School Districts, where reinstatement may be possible pending the May 10 school board election. Colonial also has new leadership this year.
These exits—or transitions—come at a time when reform is moving faster than usual. Delaware schools face the challenges of new standards, state assessment, and teacher evaluation system, in addition to a six-month Race to the Top planning process for 2011-2014. More change is certain with new leadership.
Superintendents are a critical piece in setting the expectations, vision, staffing, initiatives, and direction of school districts. We look forward to working with them to implement practices that meet our students’ needs. Implementing practices in teacher hiring and evaluation, use of student assessments, embedded professional development, and enrollment in rigorous coursework could have a significant impact on students’ success. We hope the wave of change takes us even further than we’ve come.
Related Topics: Districts’ RttT Plans