SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES SUPERINTENDENT'S JOB TARGETS

Better FCAT scores, fewer students being retained in 3rd grade, stronger programs for gifted students and a plan to raise teacher salaries are all part of the performance targets approved by the School Board Wednesday for Supt. Rudolph F. "Rudy" Crew's annual job evaluation.

Dr. Crew, who has successfully managed the nation's fourth-largest school system for two years, had proposed a list of 29 measurable objectives that involve eliminating low-performing schools, raising academic achievement in all schools, and improving business, construction and maintenance practices.

The School Board will use the targets next year to determine the amount of the superintendent's incentive pay.

"This process has been in effect for two years now with good results," Dr. Crew said. "We have seen substantial benefits to students as a result of my staff and me being held accountable for performance."

Among the performance targets for the year are:

• Raising the percentage of students scoring 3 and above on the FCAT;
  
• Decreasing the number of students retained in 3rd grade;
  
• Implementing all recommendations of the new, Board-approved Gifted Education Program;
  
• Increasing student enrollment in advanced level courses in grades 9-12, especially for black and Hispanic students;
  
• Redesigning the District’s Alternative Education Program, and with Board approval, implementing it;
  
• Decreasing the performance gap between ethnic groups, as measured by the difference in the percentage of students scoring at level 3 or above in Reading on the FCAT;
  
• Completing the first year’s targets of the four-year Secondary School Reform plan;
  
• Boosting course completion in the Parent Academy;
  
• Increasing the number of education compacts between municipalities and the District, detailing specific, measurable outcomes for each compact;
  
• Meeting all targets on year two in the five-year Capital Plan;
  
• Designing a plan to raise beginning teacher salaries to $40,000, as well as a plan to recruit teachers over the next three years.

Dr. Crew said the goals are practical and can be completed.  This is the third time the superintendent and the School Board have agreed to targets as part of his contract. Later this summer, the Board will meet to review Dr. Crew’s progress in meeting the second-year targets.

A copy of the Superintendent's goals and objectives can be viewed at the school district's Citizen Information Center, Room 158 of the School Board Administration Building, 1450 NE Second Ave. For more information, call the District's Office of Public Relations at 305-995-1126.

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