Results/Expectations and Operational Plans

for 2002-2003

Dr. Steven E. Ballowe

The Board of Education represents the owners of the Gainesville City Schools - all citizens of the district.  To this end, the Board has approved expectations, as well as the means to achieve these results.  Annual operational plans are being developed to meet each of the goals.  Indicators/annual results will be the means of measuring our progress.

As a result of the Gainesville City Schools efforts, the board will hold the Superintendent Accountable along with the Leadership Teams and Measure Performance utilizing the following goals.

Evidence of Success Toward Goals: 2002-2003 School Year

GOAL 1:    To educate all children in Gainesville City to be successful students.       

• Objective 1: Emphasize individual student achievement in reading (K-8) and mathematics (K-5) through increases in test results.

1. As measured by students taking tests, including STAR, Harcourt’s SAT 9 and/or other District developed criterion-referenced tests in reading and mathematics. (5)

2. To be evaluated by pretests and posttests using the Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading (STAR); a scientific-based reading research (SBRR) assessment of phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary to be determined by Title 1 guidelines; and the Test Links pretest and posttest; with an update provided to the Board of Education regarding the status of this strategy by December 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003. (5)
    

		Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker			Board Report, November 2002 Robert Thorpe			Board Report, December 2002 Meadors/Stamsen
		Board Report, December 2002 Dyer			Board Report, December 2002 Gilliam			Board Report, January 2003 Whitaker/Davis
		Board Report, February 2003 Meadors			Board Report, February 2003 Gilliam			Board Report, February 2003 Dyer
		Board Report, February 2003 Brosky			Board Report, CTAG March 2003 Brosky			Board Report, Latino March 2003 Brosky
		Dr. Ballowe 03/26/2003

Results:  The objectives were met.  Emphasizing the need to disaggregate data in math and reading for the elementary students, using that data to determine what each child needed to learn, grouping them accordingly, teaching to those needs, and using pre and post test scores to determine growth.

Literacy coaches worked with each teacher to enhance teaching skills and improve performance.  The elementary schools and the middle school have used research-based programs in reading, math, phonics, and spelling to meet their student’s needs.

• Objective 2:  Emphasize strengthening and improving all career and academic planning with expanded vocational opportunities. (Board request - new)     
   

  	Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker			Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake			Board Report, December 2002 Meadors/Stamsen
  	Board Report, January 2003 Shumake

Results: The objective was met.  The high school added to their Advanced Placement offerings, and added three on-line AP courses.  The construction class built a house for the first time in GHS history, new computer classes were also offered.  The Quest coordinator, Chamber of Commerce members, and senior staff met to determine how to strengthen this program.  Our ESOL program will have a consistent curriculum across grade levels, for the first time in the 2003-2004 school year.

• Objective 3:  To coordinate the elementary schools transition plan with reports to the Board and community as identified. (new)
   

  Board Report, October 2002

  Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker

Results:  The objective has been met.  The 13 system-wide transition committees: fixed assets, media, physical education/health, classroom furniture, textbooks, technology, bookkeeping, music, art, nursing, science, math and ESOL have submitted plans to successfully divide the possessions for the three elementary schools.    All families who made a choice before February 28^th were placed in the academy of their first choice.  This work is ongoing.

• Objective 4:  Graduate 95% or more of students with senior status by July 31, 2003. (4)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

Results:  Currently the objective has not been met.  For the Class of 2002, the graduation rate was 88%, but 26 students are attempting to complete all requirements in the current school year.  The Class of 2003 results will not be known until July 2003.

• Objective 5:  Increase the number of minority students taking the ACT and/or SAT. (Board request - new)
   

  < Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

Results:  The objective has been met.  Implementation of programs encouraging preparation and support for minority students, as well as, test-taking skills has increased the number of students completing the ACT/SAT.

• Objective 6:  Increase SAT scores by 5 points over the 2001-2002 school year test results. (4)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

Results:   The objective has been met.  Again, using data for the Class of 2002, there was an 18% increase with our average scores being the highest in our region.

• Objective 7:  Provide evidence to illustrate your efforts to monitor the implementation of Standards, literacy, technology, and improvement in reading into instruction. (4.25)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker

  Board Report, December 2002 Palmer

  Board Report, February 2003 Whitaker

Results:  The objective has been met.  Regular meetings with literacy coaches and principals to determine that best practices are being used in all schools.  CRCT scores were analyzed and used to drive instruction.  In tech courses are being offered to all teachers.  Four new laptops have been ordered for each school.   These laptops will be available for students to check out for use at home.  After-school courses are being offered at all schools to improve students' reading and math skills.

• Objective 8:  Provide evidence to show a common district-wide wide goal of improving student literacy and teacher instructional skills in literacy. (4.25)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker

  Board Report, March 2003 Assistive Tech Brosky

Results:  The objective has been met.  Literacy coaches from all schools meet together each month to discuss student needs and to share successes.  Staff development classes are offered to meet teacher needs.   All elementary schools and the middle school are analyzing CRCT data and pre and post test data to use when teaching.   Everyone is aware of areas in need of improvement and working on ways to improve scores in these areas.

• Objective 9:  Increase the number of students passing AP exams by 3% over 2002 (# of students involved). (4)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

Results:  The objective has been met.  While not only did more students take the test, again, the data for the Class of 2003 will not be available until next year.  For the Class of 2001 and 2002, there was an increase of students taking Advanced Placement tests and the percentage scoring three or better increased from 53.1% to 62%.

• Objective 10:  Increase the number of students enrolled in Carnegie level courses in the middle school. (4.2)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Robert Thorpe

Results:  The objective was met.  181 students are taking Carnegie courses in 2002-2003, compared to only 64 students in 2001-2002.

• Objective 11:  To work with high school to increase the number of students passing the initial graduation exit exam by 5% over 2002. (4.25)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

  Board Report, March 2003 Scholarships Brosky

Results:  The objective has not been met.  Again, using test scores for the Class of 2001-2002, there was a slight improvement in language arts and science with social studies staying the same.  The performance in math declined.

• Objective 12:  Increase the number of AP, dual credit or college courses by 4 courses. (3.25)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Dave Shumake

Results:  The objective has been met.  Seven additional Advanced Placement courses were offered for the 2002-2003 school year.

• Objective 13:  Increase the 3^rd, 5^th, and 8^th CRCT scores in “exceeding expectations” in reading and math by 5%. (5)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Robert Thorpe

• Objective 14:  To maintain student attendance at 95% or improve by 1% over 2001-2002. (3.7)
   

  Board Report, February 2003 Brosky

  Results:  The objective is ongoing.  We are continually monitoring the attendance of all students with increased personnel in the social worker's department.  We are now able to receive reports and address truancy violations more readily.  The Gainesville Alternative Learning Center has also proven to be an asset in reducing absenteeism.  Additionally, the schools have implemented several incentives at the site base level to recognize and reward students with perfect attendance.  This is done quarterly so that positive returns are immediate as opposed to the end of the year.  A comprehensive report of all schools' attendance rates will be provided.

·   Objective 15:  To establish a base line data of students assigned alternative assessment intervention (IEP, ESOL), by November 2002, and provide a quarterly report of students exiting the programs with designated time identified.  (3)    

Results:  The objective has been met.  The Alternate Learning Center has totally changed its approach and mission to educating students.  Pride, respect, and academic focus drive the programs attempt to improve the child's behavioral attitude about  learning in a structured school environment, along with staff and personnel changes, a new director has been named.

The school has transformed from a place in which parents frequently complained if their child was assigned to attend the ALC. Currently, we do not have the space to accommodate all the parent and school requests for special admission.   Students are now assigned to the ALC for several different reasons.  Many do not have a determined duration, subsequently, they return as soon as the school, parents, and director agree upon an appropriate time to mainstream the student back into the normal school environment.  A comprehensive report of all students served will be provided at the end of the year.

GOAL 2:  To provide fiscal accountability to the citizens of Gainesville/Hall County.

• Objective 1:  Produce budget documents and establish budget process as defined at the July 2002 retreat and approved by the Board of Education. (3)
   

  Board Report, January 2003 Branson

  Board Report, March 2003 Financial Workshop James Branson

Results: This objective is currently being met and the process will continue until June 2003.

• Objective 2:  Produce and distribute quarterly reports to the Board of Education, which indicate (a) amount budgeted, (b) amount spent, (c) amount encumbered. (2.5)  
  

  Board Report, January 2003 Branson

Results: One report remaining to be issued in April 2003 and this objective will be met.

• Objective 3:  Produce tentative budget for 2003-2004 school year by June 1, 2003 . (3.25)

Results:  The budget plan has started with the senior staff and administrative team completing workshops in February and two in March.  Additional workshops are planned for April and May.  The Board received an initial presentation at the March Board Meeting and has scheduled meetings in April, May and June.  the objective is ongoing.

• Objective 4:  Complete and distribute fiscal audit no later than January 1, 2003 , and propose a “no findings summary” or identify corrective measures for any controls found to be inadequate. (2.75)
   

  Board Report, October 2002 James Branson Letter from Dept of Audits & Accounts

  Board Report, 2002 Audit Closure James Branson

Results: This objective has been met successfully – no findings.

• Objective 5:  Complete all required fiscal reports in a timely fashion and meeting deadlines. (3)

Results: The objective has been met.  The district has not incurred any penalties for failure to comply with State and Federal reporting deadlines.

• Objective 6:  To implement site-based management policies with all training. (4.5)
   

  James Branson 03/2003 SBM Training

Results: The objective has been met although continuous training and reinforcement of site-based management principles will be required.

• Objective 7:  To provide efficient and effective means of maintaining a complete up-to-date fixed asset inventory. (new)
   

  Transition Process McRae

  Transition Committee Report McRae

  Committee Summary McRae

  James Branson 03/2003 Inventory Schedule

Results: The objective has been addressed.  The physical inventory has established a correct inventory for each location and provides an effective starting point to control our fixed assets.  This objective will be completed by June 2003.

GOAL 3:  To provide clean, safe and educationally appropriate facilities                      conducive to learning.

• Objective 1:  Produce and distribute to the Board of Education by June 1, 2003, facility needs for the next five years, which will provide clean, safe, and educationally appropriate classrooms and schools. (4.25)
   

  Report to Board, July 2002

  Report to the Board, October 2002 Energy & Facility Plan

  Report to the Board, November 2002 LINC Energy & Facility Plan Curtis Bibb

Results:  The objective is ongoing.  A five-year plan is being developed and will be provided at the end of the year.  Our partnership with LINC Inc. has addressed all HVAC and quality lighting needs.  With these changes, we will be able to operate more efficiently.  More importantly, financial savings will be apparent within the first three years.  A report is available on the project and its progress.

QZAB Loan - This endeavor will provide the needed revenue to renovate the gymnasium, classrooms, restrooms, main hall, floors, and walls at Enota and Fair Street Elementary Schools.  We anticipate that all work will be completed before August 2003.  A project manager from Black Construction Company will be recommended to oversee the day-to-day operations.

• Objective 2:  To coordinate bi-monthly campus tours with parental involvement to promote safe, and instructionally effective environment for learning. (3)
   

  Report to Board, January 2003 Brosky

Results:  The objective has been met.  The assistant superintendent and administrators have coordinated tours and an intense focus on new cleaning procedures with great improvements to our schools; teaching and learning environments.

• Objective 3:  Continue to participate with the superintendent in establishing a Culture of Success (a district/school environment fostering learning demonstrated by a total focus on the school vision, school mission, core of values, and strategic focus). (4.5)  

  Report to Board, July 2002

  Board Report March 17, 2003 Bibb

Results:  The objective has been met.  The original 'culture of success' plan has moved from the "meeting and greeting" phase of establishing a culture to include high expectations for achievement of all students, especially in keeping with the 'No Child Left Behind' requirements and the Board of Education and administration vision.

• Objective 4:  Identify 2001-2002 attendance data for G.A.L.C. and improve by 5% students successful at our schools and alternative school. (new)
   

  Report to Board, July 2002

  Board Report, March 2003 G.A.L.C. Update Bibb

Results:  The objective is ongoing.  The director of the center monitors the attendance regularly, and works with the school's social worker to report any irregularities.   Attendance is one of the communicated requirements to attend the Alternative Learning Center.  A baseline will be established this year to better reflect the school's new focus.

• Objective 5:  To facilitate the completion of one new elementary school prior to opening of school for 2003-2004, and the second by Thanksgiving Break 2003. (new)
   

  Board Report, March 2003 GES Construction Branson

  Board Report, March 2003 NHES Construction Branson

Results: Schedule indicates we are slightly behind in certain non-critical path areas but feel this objective will be met. Final evaluation will not be until FY2004.

• Objective 6:  To create a plan for construction of a new middle school by July 2003. (Board request - new)
   

  January, 2003 Dr. Ballowe

Results:  The objective has been met.  During joint planning with the City Council, the demographics showed no need for a plan of construction for a new middle school this school year.  It will be part of SPLOST III.

GOAL 4:  To provide an atmosphere for staff to become innovators and                   be risk takers.

• Objective 1:  Train principals, parent leaders and teacher leaders to demonstrate behaviors related to site-based management principals. (4.67)

Results: This objective has been met although continuous training and reinforcement of site-based management principles will be required.

• Objective 2:  To improve teacher retention at the middle school. (Board request – new)  

Results:  The objective has been met.  The middle school administration and the senior staff empowered teachers and created an ideal learning-teaching environment with our academies.  This empowerment, with open communication channels, has facilitated a stronger feeling of professionalism.  The current middle school changes have dropped from 23 teacher vacancies in 2002 to currently only six vacancies for this school year.

• Objective 3:  Provide to the Board of Education by June 30, 2003 , a list of all District staff development programs offered to teachers including a brief assessment of the effectiveness of each offering as evaluated by those taking part in the sessions. (3)
   

  Report to Board, July 2002

  Report to Board, November 2002

• Objective 4:  To utilize the evaluation process to improve performance of certified and classified personnel by providing timely and specific feedback. (4.25)
   

  Report to Board, August 2002

Results:  The objective has not been met.  A more specific approach is being taken to evaluate the performance of teaching.  Quarterly tests are being administered to give feedback to the student and teacher about goal attainment.  These results are being analyzed and classroom instruction is being adjusted and modified accordingly.  Action plans have been initiated for teachers who have failed to show improvement over a designated period of time.  Support and staff development will focus on school improvement and good teaching practices.

• Objective 5:  To create programs promoting teacher recognition and student achievement. (new)
   

  	Report to Board, August 2002 Whitaker/Bibb			Report to the Board, October 2002 Brosky			Board Report, March 2003 GALC Brosky
  	Board Report, March 2003 Learn & Serve Brosky			Board Report, March 2003 Manners Brosky

Results:  The objective has been met.  A complete teacher incentive plan has been presented to the School Board, and many of the items were adopted at the initial presentations.  Additional incentives will be presented for the new 2003-2003 school period.

• Objective 6:  To work with the middle/high school counselors to define a career and academic plan to articulate our students’ progress complete with a time line, personnel requirements and staff development needs. (4)
   

  Report to Board, February 2003 Shumake

Results:  The objective has been met.  A literacy coach has been added at the middle school and the high school to track pre and post test scores, and give teachers strategies to improve teaching methods.  The high school and the middle school counselors have worked together to develop a seven-year plan to guide students on their academic path, in addition to hosting job fairs for all students.

• Objective 7:  To coordinate a shared reading study with your faculty using:  A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Why Johnny Can’t Read, and In the Company of Children, or your faculty’s choice. (3)

• Objective 8:  Develop a plan to reward teachers who become bilingual. (2)  

Results:  The objective is dependent on the budget process.  Discussions are now taking place and a proposal will be submitted to recommend a supplement to each school for bilingual services to their community.  Criteria will be set along with detailed duties which must be performed by the person in order to receive the supplement.

• Objective 9:  For all students/parents grades 6-12 to have an annual conference. (4)

Results:  The objective has been met.  The counselors at the middle and high school have developed a plan to meet annually with each family to discuss their students needs and to guide the student in the choice of academic classes.  The implementation is ongoing.

• Objective 10:  To maintain teacher attendance at 97% or improve by 1% over 2001-2002. (4.25)  

Results:  The objective is ongoing.  We have established an incentive plan to recognize perfect attendance for teachers.  A money order will be presented to them at the Convocation in August.  The schools have implemented many site based incentives to recognize perfect attendance of teachers throughout this academic year.

GOAL 5:  To have continuing dialogue with our communities.

• Objective 1:  Establish a listing of community leaders and opinion makers whom a District progress report will be given on a quarterly basis, i.e., November 1, 2002 , February 1, 2003 , May 1, 2003 and August 1, 2003 . (3)
   

  Board Report, November 2002 Elfreda McRae

Results:  The objective has been met.

• Objective 2:  To involve the community in an African-American Initiative to nurture collaboration and enhancing achievement for students.
   

  	Report to Board, September 2002			Board Report, December 2002 Joyce Rucker			Board Report, December 2002 Joyce Rucker
  	Board Report, March 2003 Committee Minutes Rucker

Results:  The objective is being addressed and is ongoing.  The African American Initiative Committee meets monthly to discuss the progress made toward increasing achievement for African American children.  Home visits are being made, techniques for teaching are shared, pre and post test data is analyzed, and efforts to include more African American parents as members of School Councils, PTA Boards, and school volunteers are underway.  Our programs of choice will continue improvements as long-term relationships will be created and nurtured.

• Objective 3:  To author and publish at least two opinion papers outlining positive aspects of district. (1)

• Objective 4:  To update web page each week. (2.5)
   

  Report to Board, September 2002 Keith Palmer

  Report to Board, December 2002 Keith Palmer

Results:  The objective has not been met.  Web sites have improved.  A more concentrated effort will be put forth to make the web page a more effective learning and communication vehicle for the schools.

• Objective 5:  To create nurturing partnerships with daycare providers and share instructional hints and activities. (3)
   

  After school care Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker

Results:  The objective has been met.  The pre-school committee meets bi-monthly to share information.  All pre-school providers are invited to these meetings and the meetings have been well attended.  All providers were provided Academy of Choice brochures and registration packages for the 2003-2004 school year.  They have been invited to staff development classes at the elementary schools and to programs at the schools.

• Objective 6:  To involve parents in creating programs of choice/magnet programs. (5)
   

  Report to Board, monthly Elementary Schools

  Report to Board, monthly Middle School

Results:  The objective has been met.  Eleven meetings were held to educate parents on our programs of choice.  These were held at different times and places to meet parent work schedules.  Brochures were developed to help parents in their decision-making.  100% of patents who registered before the February 28^th deadline received their first choice.

• Objective 7:  To provide evidence of a vibrant PTA and School Council, as well as new linkages extended to all communities with special outreach for minority communities. (4.75)
   

  Proposed 2003-2004 Calendar Board Report, November 2002 Shirley Whitaker

Results:  The objective has been met.  All schools have an active PTA, School Council, and Partners in Education program.  As soon as the population for the two new schools is defined, we will work with existing PTA’s to establish these bodies for New Holland and Gainesville Elementary Schools.

• Objective 8:  To establish a Parent Coalition Team that will visit the homes of all new students within nine (9) weeks of enrollment/moving into the community.  The Team will include administrators, teachers and members of the PTA. (3.5)

Results:   The objective is ongoing.  All schools have established visiting teams to visit new families within nine weeks of moving to our community.  In addition, each school has created a plan to visit home as part of our African American Initiative.

Other related items:

Grant successes Christine Brosky

"....and Christine is my friend, too!"