Gadsden school board approves principal leadership program after pilot
Summary
The Gadsden County School Board approved a principal leadership program that the district piloted for several months; the program will prioritize principals at schools designated by the Bureau of School Improvement and include coaching and mentoring for a cohort of school leaders.
The Gadsden County School Board on a voice vote approved the superintendent’s recommendation to adopt a principal leadership program that the district piloted earlier this year.
Superintendent Hudson and staff told the board the program “aligns with our strategic plan” and that an initial pilot of two to three months produced “very positive” feedback from participating principals. The program combines mentoring and coaching and is intended to build a sustainable leadership pipeline within the district.
Miss Weeks, a district staff member who presented the item to the board, said the program is research-based and designed to “provide leadership development to our principals and assistant principals.” She told the board the cohort model will include roughly 12 primary participants plus four additional slots that could be used for assistant principals or teacher leaders so a struggling school could bring a team.
Board members asked about eligibility, cost and whether participants would be required to remain in the district after completion. Miss Hannigan asked specifically whether the district would expect a service commitment; Weeks replied, “No, but that could be something that we can consider. But right now, no.” The superintendent confirmed schools that are under the Bureau of School Improvement would receive priority for participation.
Board member Scott moved to accept the superintendent’s recommendation on agenda item 8F. The motion carried; the board approved the program by voice vote.
The board did not adopt any requirement that participants remain in district employment for a minimum period after completing the program; trustees asked staff to consider options and return with recommendations if the board wants a service expectation.
The program will be implemented as described in the district materials presented to the board. Staff said they will prioritize schools most in need when filling the initial cohort and will share additional details with the board as implementation proceeds.
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