Potential Wakulla County School Leaders Complete Year-Long Program

{sidebar id=1}Albert Einstein observed, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” As we look around us and recognize the growth potential for our county and our schools we realize the importance of being proactive. Knowing that quality schools must have quality leaders in order to provide the desired educational opportunities for the students, the Wakulla County School Board and Superintendent have dedicated resources and support to the school district Human Resource and Management Development (HRMD) program. Karen Wells, Human Resource Director believes the HRMD program is a key to future success. She is quick to announce, “Leadership doesn’t make A difference, it makes THE difference.”

The HRMD program consists of training for those aspiring to obtain leadership roles within our school system and developing leaders currently in our system. The Level I Leadership Development participants, current Wakulla County faculty members, are Belinda McElroy, Sunny Chancy, Mike Smith, Kasey Hollington, Rachel Ryan, Renee Kelly and Melissa Rios-Rosier. The culminating project was a portfolio that included reflections, observations, leadership activities, literature reviews, community awareness, and job shadow experiences.

Superintendent David Miller further explains, “Great leaders define, shape and inspire the human experience. In a world of ideas, there must be leaders who realize them. The Wakulla County School District Level I Leadership Development Program is put in place to build interest and awareness of the qualities needed for leaders. Leadership matters – a lot.” Understanding the importance of local interests and needs and how to maximize community resources for the good of the whole is an important component of the program.

The participants shared the following reflections at the last seminar.

At the conclusion of the training Wakulla High’s Sunny Chancy stated, “I now see a bigger picture and have a better understanding how our school system is managed.”

Mike Smith, WHS Dean, was impressed with, “the professional atmosphere, clear agenda and the enthusiasm of Superintendent Miller.”

Renee Kelly added, “It is now clear to me why strong teachers are selected as administrators.”

Kasey Hollington wraps it all up with, “Whether I pursue school administration or not, I have learned and have become more aware of how our district operates.”

Every leadership participant spent a day job shadowing a current school administrator. After spending a day with Mr. Crouch, WHS Principal, Belinda McElroy, Medart teacher shared, “Mr. Crouch could be the poster child for Florida Leadership Standards. Mr. Crouch embodies ethical leadership. He acts with integrity, fairness, and honesty at all times. Spending the day with Mr. Crouch was an inspiration to me.”

The next school district leadership development training opportunity will start the fall of 2007.

- Karen Wells, Human Resource Director

This article originally published on May 11, 2007.

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