according to his evaluation. Here is the press release blurb:
Reno, Nev., (May 26, 2010) --During the Tuesday evening WCSD Board meeting, the Board of Trustees announced it had completed the evaluation process for Superintendent Heath Morrison. The evaluation, which included interviews with board members and staff, was facilitated by Dr. Tom Payzant, a former superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. Payzant gathered data and opinions on both Morrison and the WCSD Board governance performance.
Morrison, who joined WCSD as Superintendent in August 2009, is in his first year evaluation cycle and as such, the Board of Trustees evaluated his performance based on the goals he articulated in his 100 day entry plan. The entry plan focused on listening broadly and deeply to a multitude of stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of WCSD and develop strong trusting collaborative relationships. Before coming to Washoe County, Morrison was a community superintendent in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Board President Estela Gutierrez commented "Superintendent Morrison hit the ground learning. Immediately he became Superintendent of Washoe Schools his focus was to listen and to learn. His message and vision of educational reform has been consistently emphasized during his many visits at differing venues. He stresses the importance of the key building blocks of educational reform to provide an overarching framework and direction of change for the district."
During the Tuesday Board meeting, Vice President Dr. Barbara McLaury talked about clear, measurable, meaningful goals for the superintendent that focused the evaluation on those things most critical to the board and the quality of education in the school district.
The WCSD Trustees universally agreed that Dr. Morrison has met and exceeded all goals and objectives as outlined in his 100 day entry plan. "The theme of his entry plan, "Every child, by face and name, to graduation," has positively resonated with the community." commented McLaury. "Over the course of this school year, Morrison has met with principals, staff, and parent groups at school sites and with all departments in the district as well as with community leaders in business, private industry, non-profit agencies, and education." she concluded. Trustee Dan Carne, added "Superintendent Morrison had reached out to stakeholders who are traditionally underrepresented to elicit feedback and support for reform."
Local businessman, Mike Cate, CEO of Pavers Plus Inc. respects the way Morrison has connected with the business community, "He understands the needs of business and in turn, we have a better understanding of how vital a quality education system is to the economic well being of our community." He added, "I appreciate the way he has been able to bring the business and education communities together and develop a common purpose. He's dynamic and makes things happen."
Morrison has met with local elected officials, throughout the State and at the national level. In addition, he received the honor of being selected by Governor Jim Gibbons to be a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force for Education Reform for the State of Nevada. Elaine Wynn of Wynn Resorts, a long-time Nevadan and a Co-Chair of the Blue Ribbon Task Force is impressed with Morrison "I recently had the privilege of working closely with Superintendent Heath Morrison in leading the efforts of the Race to the Top application and spearheading the efforts regarding education reform on a statewide level. I am truly impressed with the work Dr. Morrison has accomplished."
Morrison leads the efforts to reform the school district. To guide those efforts a new strategic plan is being developed in conjunction with stakeholders. When completed, it will clearly redefine where the school district is, where it wants to be and how to get there. It will have specific goals and strategies that include metrics to measure progress and provide accountability. Although faced with immense budget challenges Morrison refuses to allow that to derail the reform agenda. As he approaches the 12 month mark, Morrison commented about his time in WSCD saying "I remain extremely excited and honored to be leading this school system. I wanted to join a district that is proud of its schools, is honest about their standing, and has the desire and drive to be one of the top educational systems in the country. Washoe County is such a district."
In concluding the annual evaluation, the Board of Trustees universally agreed that Morrison had met the expectations of Board with dedication, energy and a passionate belief that the district is here for all children.
linkI supplied Morrison with a few suggestions for "reform" via certified letter. He will rue the day that he blows off my correspondence.
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