Superintendent outlines draft improvement plan focused on instructional leadership and PLCs

Superintendent Dr. Wenzel walked the board through a draft district improvement plan that he said rests on three central shifts: reconfiguring central office to better support principals as instructional leaders, investing in principal leadership and capacity, and deepening teacher collaboration through professional learning communities (PLCs).

"The 3 big rocks are that the central office shifts to be able to help principals become stronger instructional leaders," Dr. Wenzel said, summarizing the plan’s core moves. He described a three‑year PLCs at Work partnership in which the first year focuses on leadership and subsequent years expand directly to teacher teams to embed common practices and essential‑standards work in math and language arts.

Dr. Wenzel tied the plan to measurable district goals: mathematics, English language arts, attendance, graduation rates and the timely delivery of Evergreen Elementary. He said the board will receive the plan for approval in October and suggested superintendent evaluation discussions at the October retreat should connect to these measurable priorities.

Board members asked how schedule and time‑use changes will let principals spend more time in classrooms; Dr. Wenzel said principals will set specific goals, carve time for classroom visits and receive central‑office supports including monthly walkthroughs by central staff.