Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Leader In Me Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board hears district report on 'Leader in Me' program and reported gains in attendance, discipline and some achievement measures
Summary
Presenters described the district’s Leader in Me leadership program, highlighted student-led practices and service learning, and reported reductions in chronic absenteeism (from about 29% to 16.66%) and discipline cases roughly halved at implementing schools; leaders cautioned about startup costs and emphasized teacher buy-in.
District staff and school leaders presented an overview of the Leader in Me schoolwide leadership and character-development program at the April 14 work session, describing classroom routines, student leadership roles and service-learning projects that support character and attendance improvements.
Nikki Gore, a Leader in Me coordinator, explained the program teaches the Seven Habits of highly effective people through daily lessons, student-led instruction and data portfolios where students track weekly academic and attendance metrics. Gore said students hold weekly accountability meetings with partners, lead lessons, and take leadership roles that include managing classroom tasks such as distributing materials and tracking attendance.
Presenters listed participating schools and implementation years, noting Morland Road Elementary has achieved lighthouse certification. They cited program practices that support teacher leadership and student voice, including student‑led conferences where pupils explain goals and performance to parents.
Presenters also pointed to measurable effects at some schools. One presenter reported that a school’s ELA content-mastery score rose from 8.32 in 2023 to a projected 20–25 this year; reported math projections moved from 5.54 to an estimated 40–45. Administrators attributed these gains to portfolio tracking, targeted walkthroughs and student accountability practices. At Carver Road Middle School and other feeder schools, administrators said chronic absenteeism decreased from about 29% to 16.66% and discipline incidents have been roughly halved since implementation, although they noted a February uptick that was addressed and has since trended down.
Long‑time staff member Sandra Long and other presenters emphasized startup costs—the first three years can be costly—while noting costs fall over time for schools that maintain the program. Speakers urged a measured rollout that secures teacher buy‑in and recommended the board consider support for ongoing financing if the district expands the program.
Board members praised student leadership rallies and elementary examples of student ownership of learning. Several invited fellow trustees to attend upcoming lead rallies and lighthouse reviews.
The presentation closed with administrators describing student service learning—visits to nursing homes, partnerships with first responders and other community projects—framed as part of the program’s character and community‑engagement goals.
