Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation

Mississippi School Boards Association

Superintendent Evaluation Instrument

2014 Edition

 

Directions: Each board member receives the evaluation in advance of the board meeting and rates each standard by placing either an S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) in the box to the right of the indicators listed below the standard.  At the board meeting the board discusses the evaluation and comes to agreement on an overall numerical rating on each standard based on the rating of satisfactory or unsatisfactory on each indicator.  (Example: Standard 1 has 10 indicators.  If the board determine that the superintendent had made satisfactory progress on 8 out of 10 of the indicators, the numerical rating would be 80%.)

 

Any indicator receiving a "U" necessitates (1) a written response from the board to he superintendent specifying the reason(s) for the unsatisfactory rating and (2) a corrective action a plan written by the superintendent and approved b the board specifying the action the superintendent will take in the future to correct the deficiency.  Such corrective action plan shall include measurable indicators of success (as agreed upon by the board with input from the superintendent) that clearly delineates the action(s) the superintendent must take to avoid a future unsatisfactory rating in the identified area.

 

Standard 1: Provides leadership to the SCHOOL BOARD in implementing the district's vision, mission and goals.  Overall rating: 80% 

 

1.1 Accomplishes the goals of the board as measured by the "indicators of success" on the District Report Card. U

 

1.2 Collaborates with the Board in the preparation of long-term and short-term operational and instructional goals, which are objectively measurable as pre-determined through "indicators of success." U

 

1.3 Develops action plans with measurable "indicators of success" on the agreed upon goals. S

 

1.4 Collaborates with the Board in the preparation of annual monitoring intervals for all adopted goals. S

 

1.5 Collaborates with the Board in determining the reporting format to be used at monitoring intervals for adopted goals. S

 

1.6 Collaborates with the Board in the development of a Board "Annual Calendar" and assures that this calendar is included in the Board's monthly Board meeting packet. S

 

1.7 Provides system data and leadership to the Board at school board meetings regarding the status of and progress made toward accomplishment of Board adopted goals. S

 

1.8 Implements and evaluates the effectiveness of the adopted action plans. S

 

1.9 Repots annually to the Board on the status of goals attainment as measured by the pre-determined, "indicators of success" / measurable objectives. S

 

1.10 Effectively oversees and monitors the planning and evaluation of curriculum and instruction programs. S 

 

Standard 2: Assists the SCHOOL BOARD in the continuous improvement of the school district. Overall rating: 75%





2.1 Assists the Board in meeting or exceeding the required training requirements of Mississippi.  Overall Rating: S

2.2 Informs the Board about current trends and developments in education.  Overall Rating: U

2.3 Prepares reports on progress made toward (1) the accomplishment of the district's goals, (2) the strengths and improvements needed in the school district, (3) any compelling problems(s) or emerging issues(s).  Overall Rating: S

2.4 Participates in professional activities to enhance knowledge and skills. Overall Rating: S



Standard 3: Assists the SCHOOL BOARD to implement the district's organizational structure. Overall Rating: 0% 

3.1 Operates through adopted policies as the district's chief executive officer. Overall Rating: U

3.2 Follows the Board's adopted Code of Ethics and Professional Governance Standards.  Overall Rating: U


Standard 4: Provides leadership to the SCHOOL BOARD in policy development and policy implementation.  Overall Rating: 75%

4.1 Informs the Board about current rules, regulations, and accreditation standards of the Mississippi Board of Education and of applicable state and federal laws. Overall Rating: S

4.2 Adheres to the Board of policy on "Adoption of Polices" when developing policy or presenting new or revised policies to the Board for consideration. Overall Rating: S

4.3 Correlates applicable policies to agenda items at Board meetings. Overall Rating: U

4.4 Maintains an distributes all adopted policies. Overall Rating: S

4.5 Ensures all policies are updated an current and that the staff and community have access to such policies. Overall Rating: S

4.6 Provides recommendations on all policies presented to the Board. Overall Rating: S

4.7 Seeks out staff and public opinion on applicable, proposed policies an reports the findings to the Board.  Overall Rating: S

4.8 Implements and explains policies and actions  the School Board. Overall Rating: U



Standard 5: Meets established requirements in developing and conducting Board meetings.  Overall rating: 100%

5.1 Posts all meetings by the Board in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.  Overall Rating: S

5.2 Follows the Board's adopted policy on conducting effective school board meetings.  Overall Rating: S

5.3 Maintains the official School Board Minutes and other records that pertain to the State's Open Records Act.  Overall Rating: S


Standard 6: Provides leadership as superintendent to the SCHOOL BOARD in personnel management.  Overall Rating: 100%

6.1 Communicates Board beliefs/vision/mission/goals to school personnel. Overall Rating: S

6.2 Provides leadership to and general supervision of all school district employees. Overall Rating: S

6.3 Implements staff evaluation processes consistent with the state's evaluation system to ensure fair and equitable evaluation of all personnel in the district.  Overall Rating: S

6.4 Maintains updated job descriptions for all staff. Overall Rating: S

6.5 Maintains an updated, Board approved school district organizational chart.  Overall Rating: S

6.6 Has a Board approved plan for the recruitment of personnel.  Overall Rating: S



Standard 7: Provides accurate data to assist the SCHOOL BOARD in financial management: Overall Rating: 77%

7.1 Coordinates with the Board in developing the budget.  Overall Rating: S

7.2 Ensures that the board approves guidelines for budget decision making. Overall Rating: S

7.3 Develops the proposed budget following adopted budget policies that outline the budget development process and timelines to meet state and local requirements. Overall Rating: S

7.4 Implements and administers the budget in accordance with Board directives and policy. Overall Rating: U

7.5 Administers the approved budget within Board-established spending amounts and recommends budget amendments.  Overall Rating: U

7.6 Prepares monthly financial reports on the status of the budget - reports to include, at minimum, money budgeted, received and expended to date in all budgeted areas.  Overall Rating: S

7.7 Prepares and presents to the Board annually a five-year trend report on the school district's fund balance.  Overall Rating: N/A?

7.8 Maintains the district's financial records and cooperates with auditors annually to audit financial records. Overall Rating: S

7.9 Provides the Board with a copy of the annual financial audit along with an executive summary of any findings/problems.  Overall Rating: S

7.10 Reports annually to the Board the findings o the District's financial audit.  Overall Rating: S

7.11 Provides the Board with monthly reports on all/any financial transactions involving sixteenth section monies.  Overall Rating: N/A?


Standard 8: Provides leadership to the SCHOOL BOARD in Board, staff and community relationships.  Overall Rating: 50%

8.1 Demonstrates respect and cooperation in professional relationships with the Board and individual Board members, staff, and community.  Overall Rating: U

8.2 Recognizes and protects the chain of command concept.  Overall Rating: U

8.3 Works with the Board to develop ad implement a process that encourages and seeks the input of staff at all levels in decision-making on significant issues where it s appropriate.  Overall Rating: U

8.4 Provides the Board with information on training opportunities, seminars, and conferences applicable to Board professional development and, whenever possible, attends Board training sessions with the Board.  Overall Rating: S

8.5 Develops a process to receive input from citizens n matters relating to the school district and communicates with the community.  Overall Rating: S

8.6 Implements he adopted Board policies on media communications.  Overall Rating: S

8.7 Ensures that each school has a community engagement plan.  Overall Rating: S

8.8 Ensures community easy access to the school district's "Annual Report Card."  Overall Rating: S




This evaluation was signed on 7 Feb 2014 by:


Board President: Tomaka Cotton
Board Secretary: Marilyn Young
Superintendent: Bernard S. Chandler

Blogger's Notes and Analysis:

1. Our School Board has 5 members.  Therefore, it would take at least 3 members to come to any consensus.  That means at least 3 members would have to vote satisfactory for an S to be entered on the evaluation.  Also, at least 3 members would have to vote unsatisfactory for a U to be entered on the evaluation.  What is not represented in this evaluation are the votes of the remaining 2 members of the School Board.

2. There are 8 Standards in this evaluation. 
Standard 1:  80%
Standard 2:  75%
Standard 3:   0%
Standard 4:  75%
Standard 5:100%
Standard 6:100%
Standard 7: 77%
Standard 8: 50%

3. The total value of the 8 Standards is: 557% divided by 8 = 69.65%

4. There are 52 subcategories on this evaluation.  Of the 52 subcategories there are 38 satisfactory; 12 unsatisfactory and 2 not applicable.

So, here is the question: Who gets a $15,000 raise with an evaluation of 69.65%?  Answer: The Tunica County Superintendent of Education.

Who voted for this raise?

District 1: Marilyn Young: No
District 2: Tomaka Cotton: Yes
District 3: Larry Braziel: No
District 4: Delois Hardiman: Yes
District 5: Joe Anderson: Yes

Please let me know in the comments section if I have any of this information wrong.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Letter to the Editor from Dennis Taylor

This letter appeared in the Tunica Times 23 Jan 2015 edition.  Really happy to see Dennis take the time to write to the newspaper.  I didn't attend the School Board Meeting on 14 Jan 2015 but had heard this discussed a couple of times.  The last time I heard about this unfortunate display of rudeness was last night and I vowed to contact my representative on the Board, who is also the Board President.

So, here is Dennis' letter:

"School Board meeting disappoints

 

On January 14, 2015, I attended a School Board Meeting, where during the meeting: I was totally disappointed in what I witnessed between the Superintendent and several Board Members.  During an outpour of concerns by people in the community, I found it very childish and disrespectful for the Superintendent and also the President of the Board to turn their backs and mock jokingly to the community as they spoke on their concerns regarding the education of our Future Global Leaders.

 

The Superintendent and the Board President found it amusing as some concerned citizens spoke concerning important issues pertaining to our schools.  The board works with its superintendent as a leadership team to identify the overall mission of the school district and the plans that will be put in place as the roadmap to fulfill the mission.  This has yet to happen!

 

A single board member has no power.  Behaving ethically is a serious obligation.  Not only does your community expect you to be impeccably ethical, so does the sate law.  As school leaders, you've been entrusted with serving our communities and its children.

 

School Board President and Superintendent, your moral and spiritual health is required because, what really matters isn't power, position, money, etc.  It's the honorable way you build relationships with others and the difference you make in their lives that count.  The board is obligated to be equitable, ensuring the district serves children whose needs and strengths are broadly diverse.  Show some respect for you community members and their opinions, even when you don't agree.

 

It's your job to do your best to be open, honest, fair, and impartial in all matters.  Remember always that your first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of all the students attending the Tunica School District.  As a leader you are seen as a person of power,  When you speak, you speak for the district as a whole.  The world is looking at you and making assumptions.  As of now, those assumptions aren't decent."

Dennis Taylor

 

Note from the blogger:  I have not heard from my representative on the Tunica County Board of Education.  When and if there is a response, I will add it to this post.  As of now, I am very disappointed in my representative.




I spoke with my School Board representative on 22 Jan 2015.  I live in Beat 2.  Therefore, my representative is the President of the School Board.  She denies what is represented about her in Mr. Taylor's letter and indicated she will write a rebuttal to Mr. Taylor' letter and will send it to the Tunica Times.

I have had previous conversations with my representative about the $15K raise that was awarded to the Superintendent on 14 May 2014.  As recorded in the School Board minutes for that date, the vote to approve this raise in salary is recorded as follows:

Beat 1: Marilyn Young: No
Beat 2: Tomaka Cotton: Yes
Beat 3: Larry Braziel: No
Beat 4: Delois Hardiman: Yes
Beat 5: Joe Anderson: Yes

At the end on our conversation, I asked my representative how many "unsatisfactory" indicators were on the Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation?  The President of the Board indicated there was one unsatisfactory indicator.  Please read the next post on this blog to view the Superintendent's 2014 Evaluation.  This Evaluation is signed by:

Board President: Tomaka Cotton: 2/7/2014
Board Secretary: Marilyn Young: 2/7/2014
Superintendent**: Bernard S. Chandler: 2/7/2014

**The superintendent's signature does not necessarily indicate complete agreement with this evaluation but acknowledges that the performance discussion has occurred.

Note from the blogger:  I have had this evaluation in my possession since 11 Jan 2014.

 





Tunica County Bracing For 5% Pay Cut from FOX13

The following is the transcript of a Fox13 video clip with Tom Dees reporting.  The story aired on 29 Dec 2014.  Following the transcript you will find a reprint of the text with a rebuttal to the story highlighted in yellow.

"TUNICA COUNTY, Miss (Fox13) - A less than happy new year is coming for employees of Tunica County, as they expect pay cuts in 2015.  Some of the cuts could affect public safety.

County supervisors say it's a five-percent pay cut across the board.  The cuts are stiff enough that some say they are worried employees will go elsewhere.

Tunica County Supervisor Cedric Burnett said the cuts are stiff enough to hurt pubic safety.

'Well it wouldn't be good for the sheriff's department,' Supervisor Burnett said. 'We are lower paid than the City of Memphis and Shelby County (in Tennessee) and Desoto County (in northern Mississippi) so we would lose a lot of people to the north and east.'

Supervisor Burnett says he is the only supervisor who voted against the five-percent salary and pay cut.

'I would say it could have been if we decreased salaried employees through attrition from the beginning of the term,' he said.

Supervisor James Dunn said that he disagrees with Supervisor Burnett, saying the cuts were necessary and if the county did not cut pay it would have to cut jobs due to a decrease in gaming revenue.

But, Supervisor Burnett said the county wasted millions of dollars on things like community centers that were not needed.

'Yeah we wasted money in the past but we could afford to waste money in the past,' Supervisor Burnett said.  'Eight years ago we had a lot of money so we could waste a lot of money but now you don't have a lot of money so you shouldn't.'

Supervisor Dunn said the county may still have to cut jobs if the pay cuts are not enough, but it's unclear how many positions would be affected."

End of transcript.

Begin rebuttal:

"TUNICA COUNTY, Miss (Fox13) - A less than happy new year is coming for employees of Tunica County, as they expect pay cuts in 2015.  Some of the cuts could affect public safety.

County supervisors say it's a five-percent pay cut across the board.  The cuts are stiff enough that some say they are worried employees will go elsewhere.  Tunica County is overstaffed by about 50% so says the Stennis Report.  You may find our post on 3 Feb 2014 interesting on this matter.  If any employee would like to earn more money by going elsewhere, that would be good for Tunica County and for the employee.

Tunica County Supervisor Cedric Burnett said the cuts are stiff enough to hurt public safety.  This statement is made of emotion and not facts.  Our Sheriff's Department is overstaffed.  So, again, if employees want to get higher paying employment elsewhere, this would be good for them and good for Tunica County.

'Well it wouldn't be good for the sheriff's department,' Supervisor Burnett said. 'We are lower paid than the City of Memphis and Shelby County (in Tennessee) and Desoto County (in northern Mississippi) so we would lose a lot of people to the north and east.'  Again, the Sheriff's Department is overstaffed. If employees want more pay, it is their right to seek a higher paying job.  I have not researched the validity of Burnett's statement about pay in other counties.  However, perhaps the pay in the locations Burnett mentions have higher taxes to support higher pay for their employees.  The fact that we had falling revenue and hardly any taxes is a failing of Burnett and others before 1 Jan 2012.

Supervisor Burnett says he is the only supervisor who voted against the five-percent salary and pay cut.  Yes, this is true which shows Burnett's complete lack of understanding of the financial problems we are facing.

'I would say it could have been if we decreased salaried employees through attrition from the beginning of the term,' he said.  Oh now he says this.  How about decreasing some of the huge salaries we are paying.  Has this guy even read the Stennis Report?  News flash Burnett: One third of our employees are overpaid.  Why haven't you, as a sitting Supervisor, suggested reducing those salaries?

Supervisor James Dunn said that he disagrees with Supervisor Burnett, saying the cuts were necessary and if the county did not cut pay it would have to cut jobs due to a decrease in gaming revenue.

But, Supervisor Burnett said the county wasted millions of dollars on things like community centers that were not needed.  This statement is ridiculous.  Firstly, are you talking about the Robinsonville Community Center?  The RCC was and is needed as our population growth has been in North Tunica County.  However, the financial timing of  this project was wrong. In fact, the timing could not have been worse.  Secondly, let's talk about other projects you supported without so much as a feasibility study to show the project was needed or we could support any of these entities. I'm talking about the Tunica Airport, the Battle Arena, RiverPark, Tunica National, etc.  Burnett are you now willing to stand-up and admit your mistakes in supporting these projects or are you going to continue to point the finger at someone else?

'Yeah we wasted money in the past but we could afford to waste money in the past,' Supervisor Burnett said.  'Eight years ago we had a lot of money so we could waste a lot of money but now you don't have a lot of money so you shouldn't.'  This statement says about all we need to know about Cedric Burnett.  WOW!!!

Supervisor Dunn said the county may still have to cut jobs if the pay cuts are not enough, but it's unclear how many positions would be affected."

End of rebuttal.

Congressional Record Honoring Will Ellis Pittman

     

Look what I found online:  Congratulations Mr. Pittman

   

      

Search Within                      

 

 

Congressional Record Proceedings, Debates of the U.S. Congress

 

September 8, 2014

113th Congress, 2nd Session
Issue: Vol. 160, No. 127 — Daily Edition

Year2014 (Vol. 160) 2013 (Vol. 159) 2012 (Vol. 158) 2011 (Vol. 157) 2010 (Vol. 156) 2009 (Vol. 155) 2008 (Vol. 154) 2007 (Vol. 153) 2006 (Vol. 152) 2005 (Vol. 151) 2004 (Vol. 150) 2003 (Vol. 149) 2002 (Vol. 148) 2001 (Vol. 147) 2000 (Vol. 146) 1999 (Vol. 145) 1998 (Vol. 144) 1997 (Vol. 143) 1996 (Vol. 142) 1995 (Vol. 141) Page Number

 

• House of Representatives

• HONORING ATTORNEY WILL ELLIS PITTMAN
  (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2014)

   

 

 

[Pages E1331-E1332]

 

HONORING ATTORNEY WILL ELLIS PITTMAN

 

                                 HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of Mississippi in the House of Representatives

Monday, September 8, 2014

 

Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi.

 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Attorney Will Ellis Pittman.

Attorney Pittman was born and raised in Tutwiler, MS. Mr. Pittman is 51 years old. He is the owner and managing member of Pittman & Associates, PLLC law firm in Clarksdale, Mississippi where he also serves as the first African-American County Prosecutor for Coahoma County. Attorney Pittman also serves as the board attorney for the Tunica County Board of Supervisors and is the first African-American to represent the Tunica County Board of Supervisors. Attorney Pittman is recognized amongst family, his community, and his colleagues as a man of wisdom, service, a generous spirit, and passion. He regularly attends and serves on the finance committee of the Galena Missionary Baptist Church in Tutwiler, Mississippi which he grew up in and joined at eight years of age.

Ellis attended and graduated from public high school in Tallahatchie County, Mississippi. After earning his high school diploma, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps, Ellis married his high school sweetheart, and they had two (2) children. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Ellis returned to his home town in Tutwiler.

However, he was unable to find employment anywhere in the delta area. Ellis returned to work and earned a living on the plantation in Tallahatchie County where he grew up. Ellis worked six (6) sometimes seven (7) days a week to provide food, shelter, and the bare necessities for his family. He always knew that if given the opportunity, he would provide them with a better way of life.

After working one full year and saving every penny that he could, Ellis departed for Dallas, Texas where he obtained a job with a janitorial service, cleaning grocery stores at night. Within two months Ellis saved enough funds for a deposit and first months' rent on an apartment. He then returned to Mississippi to get his wife and child and they returned to Dallas, Texas. Within six months, the store at which Ellis was employed took notice of his hard work and daily attendance and the store manager offered him a job as an apprentice baker that provided health insurance, dental, and vision benefits for both him and his family. With this break, Ellis used the extra earnings to provide a better place for his family to stay. Within six months, Ellis had worked his way from an apprentice baker to a journeyman baker and was able to provide his family with the kind of things that he had always dreamed of having.

Although he excelled in his employment, Ellis realized that in order to do more for his family he would have to obtain a college education. At the same time, Ellis desired to return home to be with his elderly father who became ill. So, he applied for and was hired with the Mississippi Department of Corrections as a correctional officer trainee.

He then made plans to attend Mississippi Valley State University to obtain a college degree. Prior to applying to Mississippi Valley State University, the Pittman's home caught on fire in which Ellis received second and third degree burns over a large portion of his body. His wife received severe burns as well. After a month, she passed away from the injuries she sustained from the fire. Ellis remained in the Greenville Burn Center for a month and half before he was released. After a short period of time, he returned to his place of employment at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The home that he had purchased for his family had burned down, so the Department of Corrections provided him with a house on the grounds for him and his two minor sons to live.

At this point, he made the decision not to attend Mississippi Valley State University due to the drive because he would have to commute. Being a single parent and still having to work, Ellis applied to Delta State University which was closer to where he was living at the penitentiary and he could make the daily commute. He commuted five days a week for three years until he graduated from Delta State University with a degree in criminal justice and political science.

Prior to graduation from Delta State University, Ellis applied to law school at Mississippi College, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the University of Mississippi School Of Law. He was accepted for admission at all three law schools. However, he chose to attend the University of Mississippi--School of Law due to the financial aid available for African-American applicants. After obtaining his law degree and license to practice law, Ellis returned to the Mississippi Delta from Memphis, Tennessee and opened Pittman Law Office in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1996 where he continues to practice to this day.

Ellis has given countless young lawyers, that have recently graduated with no experience and unable to find a job, a position at his law office to give them a start. He realized that most people will do well if given the chance which he learned from personal experience when he needed someone to give him a chance. There has not been a time when a newly admitted lawyer came to Ellis looking for job and was turned down for employment.

Ellis' practice has included representing countless individuals in cases for excessive force, employment discrimination, criminal defense, family law, as well as personal injury and wrongful death.

Attorney Will Ellis Pittman's work ethic, passion, dedication, dependability, and service have made him synonymous with being one of the best, if not the best, attorney around. At the end of the day, Ellis is recognized for his service to God, his family, his country, his community, and the people that seek his help.

[[Page E1332]]

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Attorney Will Ellis Pittman for his dedication to serving this great state and country.                          

       

 

Sign In

Close

Sign In

Email
Password

Forgot password?     Create an account

Letter to the Editor from Bob Tuchel

The following letter appeared in the 2 Jan 2015 of the Tunica Times:

Put energy into solving problems

 

Again the cries go out, "Fire Michael Thompson."  This attitude disappoints me.  For months many have said some pretty rough things about three of our County Supervisors, about Michael Thompson, and even my spouse, Barbara Tuchel.  A lot of energy has gone into name calling, making threats, intimidation, and creating distortions of the facts.

 

If as much energy had been put into solving our financial problem, it would be solved and done.  Throughout history those who were aware of human failings told us that emotions were more powerful than the intellect.  So here we are in all our glory howling for blood when the problem is that our expenses are greater than our income.  To hell with the intellect, let's substitute it with emotions.  What kind of people have we become?  It looks more and more as though we are no less than an angry, misguided mob.

 

Why are so many telling stories that have no base in fact or have no relevance to correcting the problem?  I guess it must be fun.  Persons are getting something out of evil stories because they so enjoy repeating them.  There is no sense in asking those out of the county how they view us.  We would ignore their condemnation and derisive laughter and continue to be rock solid in our misguided self-righteousness.  And then what? 

 

We will be placed in receivership and the government would send in a person to run the county.  If you do not understand what that is, think, DETROIT.  Wouldn't the Wall Street Journal have a time replaying the story from many years ago when they wrote about the Casinos in Tunica County, Mississippi?  Now they will write about our inability to manage our "wealth."  Won't we be proud then?