On Monday, July 12, the Partnership began its work with new partner, Casa Grande Union High School District # 82 in Arizona. The district serves 3800 students in the communities of Casa Grande, Arizona City, Toltec, Stanfield and Sacaton through its four high schools: Casa Grande Union High School (a comprehensive high school), Desert Winds High School (a community and family based alternative school), Casa Verde High School (a Charter of the Casa Grande UHSD), and their newest addition, Vista Grande High School (a comprehensive high school).

On July 1, 2010, Casa Grande welcomed its new superintendent, Dennis Dearden. Coming by way of Marana Unified School District in Arizona, a former P4E partner, Denny was eager to engage his new district in the tenants of the High Performance Model . CEO, Judy Phillips, conducted her first two-day session of P4E’s five day “journey” in the  development of the district’s new strategic planning blueprint for high performance.

For the beginning of their “journey,” sixty participants representing all facets of the community and school district met to learn about the High Performance Model, the Aligned Management System and to complete the first step of strategic planning – listening to the voices of the district’s customers. Activities included looking at leadership and understanding that there are leaders at all levels; recognizing the importance of connected improvements and the alignment of goals; considering the importance of developing strong, clear and widely disseminated vision and mission; beginning to identify critical behaviors related to core values; and learning how to administer the district-wide Affinity process designed to solicit input from all customers and stakeholders within the community.

The meeting was successful at blending recognition within the district and community of the many current strengths and past successes with an acknowledged awareness of the need to assess and put processes in place which will allow the district to continue to grow and move toward performance excellence. Strengths identified included the feeling that there was a willingness for change; the district was comprised of well-meaning, dedicated staff; and there was a willingness within the community to work , participate and support the district. When all participants were asked to identify some learnings from their two day experience, they named such things as:

• “Many different community members came together to make a difference.”
• “The commitment and talent of the people in the room are amazing.”
• “Student voice is important.”
• “Learned the ability to share and listen, valuing opinion.”

One table team , when asked what would be happening within the district if all the critical behaviors related to core values were in place, stated:

“We would have a world-class organization, a culture of trust and satisfied customers.”

As testaments to the impact of the entire experience, two participants provided the following observations:

“After just the first day of planning, I feel our board and district have made more progress towards school improvement than the four years prior. The activities have been meaningful and insightful. I will never look at our mission statement the same way. Good stuff!”    Scott Lehman, Board Chairman

“…a wonderful, balanced atmosphere – focused, friendly, humorous and serious . We all dug deeply and produced a valuable product. The whole group felt excited about the progress. All are waiting for the next session and the next steps in the process.”   Doug Brown, Retired Educator/Little Sister Publishing

The Partnership looks forward to continuing to develop its long-term relationship with Casa Grande Union High School District and to follow its growth as a high performing organization!

Once again, the Partnership for Excellence, in 2009 – 2010, has enjoyed two successful Growing Future Leader programs representing the Central Carolina RESA and the Southeast Education Alliance. Meeting in Raleigh and at James Sprunt Community College, respectively, a total of 48 participants enrolled in the program representing 17 school districts throughout those regional areas. Judy S. Phillips, CEO of the Partnership, states that “Growing Future Leaders (GFL) is a leadership development program designed for helping to develop leaders at all levels within the school district, including those interested in moving into administration.”

Growing Future Leaders provides training to individuals in various aspects of leadership, including a sound background in high performance principles. In supporting the value of “leaders at all levels,” the program encourages and supports classroom teachers and curriculum support personnel interested in becoming stronger leaders in their current positions and for those who wish to pursue an administrative role in their respective school systems.

During the program, participants were introduced to the High Performance Model and to the use of total quality tools designed to foster quality educational practices in both the classroom and in administrative positions.  Participants in the program were taught the importance of setting visions and goals and then aligning what is done in the school to meet those goals.  They were responsible for several readings and homework assignments required implementation of a quality tool in their school/classroom.  According to Rhonda Summerlin from Beddingfield High School in Wilson County, after implementing a tool representative of  “The Responsibility Triangle,” a unique component of “Getting to The Fifth Q,” the Partnership’s newest book:  “I love this tool. The students totally bought in and their goals perfectly matched the goals I had in mind for them. They are aware of their performance and reflect on how to improve. I plan to expand my use of this tool next school year by adding a homework and behavior component.”  Angie Dutton, a first grade teacher with Duplin County Schools, worked with members of the school staff to complete a Lotus Diagram in order to assist them in better understanding the new teacher evaluation system.  According to Angie: “The teachers found that using the lotus diagram helps organize a wealth of information on one simple sheet. It created greater understanding of some complicated concepts.” As far as the overall experience, Sharon Goldman, an intern with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools stated:  “I hope that I am able to share the wealth of insight and knowledge I have gained through this program to many fellow staff members in the CHCCS district.” According to Karen Spruill, a High School Art Teacher with Pamlico County Schools: “I have found new ways to involve and engage my students. (They) now feel more empowered because they share in the vision of the classroom and understand what their part is in attaining success.”

Highlights this year include:

• A presentation by Muriel Summers, Principal of A.B. Combs Leadership Magnet School in Raleigh. It is one of the premier schools in the country.
• Denny Dearden’s presentation on Customer Focus.
• A graduation event presentation by North Carolina’s own Dr. Dudley Flood, one of this country’s wisest and most revered educators.
• Working with Dr. Ted Henson, facilitator of the yearlong seminar experience.

According to Allyson Smith of the Wilson County Schools:  “Dr. Henson and the guest speakers have made me believe in the reality of success and how to achieve it!”

A very special thanks to:

• Dr. Lawrence Walker, Director of the Central Carolina RESA and Margaret Smith, his Administrative Assistant
•  Linda Lowe, Director of the Southeast Education Alliance and Barbara Sharpe, her Office Manager
•  Carrie Sharp, Executive Assistant for the Partnership for Excellence

Their tireless efforts to help support Dr. Henson in his efforts to facilitate this flagship program were invaluable throughout the year.