McIntosh Middle School Sarasota County School District LEADERSHIP NEEDS ANALYSIS SITE ANALYSIS

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1 McIntosh Middle School Sarasota County School District LEADERSHIP NEEDS ANALYSIS SITE ANALYSIS In preparation for the selection of the new Principal of McIntosh Middle School, a Leadership Needs Analysis Site Analysis was conducted on March 25, 2009, 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the school media center. The purpose of the site analysis was to gather information about what is presently working well at McIntosh Middle School; to identify traditions, programs or the Must Haves that should be preserved; to pinpoint some of the challenges that a new principal will need to understand; and lastly to specify desired characteristics of a new school principal. The process is designed to provide the new principal with some insights relative to the educational and leadership/management needs of McIntosh Middle School from the perspective of the school constituents that voluntarily attended the meeting. One parent attended a small portion of the meeting so the primary group of attendees was comprised of staff and members of the leadership team. The data gathered will assist in the selection process. Dr. Page Dettmann, Executive Director of Middle Schools introduced the session. Dr. Wendy J. Katz, Director of Leadership Development and Missy Cleary, Leadership Specialist conducted the analysis and prepared the report. Jeri Cocchi and Rick Nastan, staff members at McIntosh Middle School assisted with the data collection during the meeting. From the perspective of the participants, the staff at McIntosh Middle School considers themselves a close-knit family with strong school spirit. The group collectively and individually responded with pride and passion about their uniquely large wooded campus, their program vision, and their desire for the new principal to be dedicated to maintaining the school s positive, supportive relationships, strong instructional focus, and multitude of student and staff programs. The group expressed strongly their desire to retain McIntosh s student centered, respectful work environment, consistent safe and orderly structures and the school leader s high visibility and engagement with students. I. When asked to identify what is going well at McIntosh Middle School, the participants responded with words that were all focused on the school s priorities. A. The recent temporary administrative transition went well and the new administration works above and beyond with students, staff and parents. The administrative team has great visibility, provides timely and excellent communication, feedback and follow-through. The team is supportive of ESE teachers and the needs of their students. In addition, they have included the staff with decisions for the next school year B. The staff is a veteran, dedicated, and cohesive staff that makes sacrifices on a daily basis. The office staff is regarded as friendly and supportive. Guidance counselors are considered very responsive and the school boasts strong team

2 leaders. Teachers handle the cafeteria lunch duties. Many staff step up to assist families in need. C. The school has excellent programs that accommodate all learners such as the fine arts program that is highly recognized and touts a positive relationship with the community. The high achieving gifted program and the Agriscience program are also well regarded. D. As a result of the safe and orderly program, there is good supervision and an effective on-call administrative system. The staff appreciates the speedy handling of discipline and teachers are held accountable for their classes and behavior of their students. The Challenge to Change intervention program run by Jewish Children and Family Services has also been an asset. E. As a Community of Caring School, the staff is deeply committed to meeting student needs and there is an increased focus on low-performing students. An Active Renaissance committee supports students as well through student celebrations. F. The school has a strong instructional focus. The math cross teaming has increased test scores and has been good for students. The Renaissance math center has had positive results. Departmental PLCs are going well and the separate sixth grade building is viewed as a positive support structure. G. Special programs and extracurricular activities are well organized and compliment the instructional program. National Junior Honor Society and Drama Club are highlights. The wrestling program is another unique student offering. H. The staff considers the school to be technologically advanced and values the strong technology focus. II. There is great respect for the traditions, unique programs and must haves that have become a source of pride at McIntosh Middle School. A. The staff was outspoken about their desire to keep the current administration that are familiar with the current site. They feel they have strong assistant principals. B. Many programs and rituals have become integrated in the school culture such as: Veteran s Day ceremony, Talent Show, band and chorus concerts, the art program, the reinstitution of the drama class and drama club, yearbook, morning news program, Renaissance and Water World celebrations, and lastly outdoor campus projects and gardens.

3 C. The middle school common planning times supports the overall school vision and mission. The math cross teaming, sixth grade wing are valued highly. D. Campus safety is extremely important and the trained security aides greatly assist. The discipline plan, behavior specialist, & ISR program all contribute to this priority. The on-call system is another structure that increases the prompt response to student discipline-related issues. E. Student and staff recognition practices are embedded frequently. Students are acknowledged for their academic achievements and through student of the month rewards for displays of character and acts of kindness. Teachers are recognized for their successes and needs on a personal level and Red Apple Awards are given by staff to staff. F. The collegial family environment is fostered through staff socials, promotion of school and family school spirit, and the tradition of making sure chocolate is in ample supply for teachers in a central location. G. The staff s commitment to being a Community of Caring school provides ongoing character education and is one way they demonstrate their sincere attempt to meet the needs of all students. In addition they offer the Challenge to Change program as an alternative to suspension, allow therapy dogs in the classroom, promote the use of volunteers and mentors and provide on-going character education. H. The use of technology has become a valuable resource for communication to parents through Teleparent. I. Talented and dedicated staff members enhance the quality of the school. Two guidance counselors, ESOL and ESE support aides, highly effective compassionate, people centered administrative secretaries and support staff must be maintained. The on-site technology team also received positive commendation along with the expressed desire to keep the existing team for the next school year. J. A few components of the instructional programs were singled out for their contributions. The agriculture program, The Hawk Gifted/high achieving team, the Renaissance Math Center, were specifically mentioned. Eighth grade science teachers were complimented for excellent FCAT preparation. The addition of Starbooks was also referenced positively. K. Intramurals and the McIntosh Wrestling Federation were considered must haves for the school.

4 L. The staff embraces opportunities to give input to the SDMT, appreciate onsite training and feel their presence in the cafeteria favorably impacts student behavior. M. With regard to technology, United Streaming, Angel Web, and other on-line based learning tools are enhancing instruction. III. From the perspective of the participants in the site analysis, there will be some challenges for the new principal requiring some deep understanding, involvement of key stakeholders and the ability to seek resources for taking action. A. There are some curriculum related issues that the principal will need to address such as the lack of alignment with the science curriculum until the new adoption, and the various instructional models and resources for ESE students. The staff hopes the principal will recognize that many current programs work and that they don t want to change the ones that are being successful. B. The staff possesses a variety of teaching styles and the principal must be ready to handle the diverse personalities. The staff hopes the principal will be sensitive to maintaining a reasonable work load and will prioritize teacher expectations. Likewise, the principal must encourage staff to utilize new teaching techniques and strategies as veteran staff have become accustomed to doing things the same way for a long time and may be resistant to change. Lastly, the principal will need to address supervision and accountability issues. C. The principal will need to reach out to the McIntosh business-parent partners. There is an urgent need to increase PTO support, develop specific strategies to increase parental involvement and enhance the sense of parental responsibility for their children s learning. D. Based on the current economic crisis and school district budget reductions, the principal must be prepared to work with only one assistant principal, fewer clerical and instructional aides, and no data or literacy coaches. The principal also needs to fully understand the fiduciary responsibilities McIntosh families will face next year. E. Many issues regarding students will need the principal s immediate attention. The principal will need to feel comfortable with this pubescent, diverse and ever-changing student population. There is a need to recruit and retain McIntosh s own students and deal with student attendance. F. The principal will need to be familiar with state policies and procedures so

5 fair, equitable, and consistent practices in all administrative policies and procedures such as discipline are adopted. Additionally, the principal will need to manage extracurricular activities and in-school programs. Adaptability for obstacles that may occur is especially important. G. The principal should always do what is in the best interests of students firstall of the time (when looking at monetary resources) even when the decisions are unpopular. A plan for high-risk/challenging students is needed keeping in mind what is best for the majority population as well. The staff requests the principal attend SWST and CARE meetings as needed. Teachers should be encouraged to be involved with student before/after school events. IV. When asked to describe the leadership and personal qualities most desired for the new principal, the participants at the Site Analysis meeting brainstormed these qualities, and determined those considered the highest priority are: the willingness to build morale and a positive work environment; challenging unprofessional behavior in a professional manner; leading by example with honesty, passion, and experience; possessing a love for children; always putting students and student learning first; being upbeat and positive despite challenges; serving as an instructional leader; and ensuring consistent discipline for students. The following are other qualities that are considered advantageous: A. A decisive, ethical highly visible leader who holds self and others accountable. B. An approachable, friendly and, trustworthy leader who is communicative and maintains an open door policy. C. A consistent, respectful leader who has the courage to take a stand but is willing to listen prior to making important decisions. D. A creative problem-solver who focuses on the whole teacher, is willing to stand up for teachers, and provides recognition to well deserving staff. E. A caring, personable professional with a sense of humor who is eager to join the McIntosh Middle School family. F. An inspirational motivator who has realistic expectations, and leads with servitude by interacting with students, parents, and staff, G. An influential leader, who is knowledgeable about best practices, is able to assimilate information and garner resources, is savvy with technology, and follows through in a timely manner.

6 H. A fair, flexible, compassionate but firm individual who addresses severe discipline issues with a hands-on approach.