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McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. 7905 L St. , Suite 310 Omah, Nebraska 68127 Reference: Duval County Superintendent Search
Dear Board Members: I understand the role. of selecting a quality superintendent for organizations today is a difficult task. I submit my resume for consideration for the position of an experienced superintendent with over 29 years in public education. In addition to my resume, I provide below a brief overview of my ability to match your specific needs based on the position competencies. Managed diverse school districts from varying sizes to varying wealth. I garnered significant experience in all aspects of curriculum through the establishment of an Early College Program for high school students to distance learning opportunities offered through wireless technology. Establishment of business partnerships assisting in purchasing equipment for local high schools with the promise to employ all student graduates. I have negotiated contracts for . school construction as well as managed those projects through completion on time and on budget. I have coordinated the successful passage of bond referendums in two systems and a tax referendum in a third district. Planned, organized, and raised funding for our "Growing our Own Teachers." This program identifies local high school students with an interest in teaching. They promise to teach for us for five years and we offer tuition free courses. Organized a variety of advisory committees to understand the needs of parents, teachers, business leaders, and students. Created the largest 1: 1 technology rollout (providing a laptop for all students grades 3 through 12) along with providing technology for all teachers in every classroom to meet the demands of the 21st Century. Established the.first private/public partnership in North Carolina for Teacher Merit Pay through our local Education Foundation. Established STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) opportunities for all students in grades 6 through 12. Provided opportunities for all students and staff to access 25 foreign languages at no cost.
In each of my previous districts Ihave moved the system closer to providing the skills necessary for students to succeed in the 21 SI Century. An example is our youth apprenticeship (the largest in the state) program recently acknowledged by the Secretary of Labor beginning this fall,
Jacksonville, Florida
Position: Superintendent
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Telephone ~ce: Home: Cell:
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Name;
Home Address:
Zip Code:
27330
E-:mail: Jcmoss11@gmail.com
Education (in reverse chronology) Graduation Date December 1999 May 1997 May 1987 May 1983 Major Educational Admin. Educational Admin. Vocational Admin. Accountlnq Ed.D. Ed.S. Degree
South Carolina State University South Carolina State University NC A&T University UNC:-Pembroke
M.A.
B.S.
Record of Professional . Title Superintendent Superintendent Superintendent Assoc. Supt. Asst. Supt.
Experience (in reverse chronology) District to . to to to to 1-09 1-04 12-99 6~97 Lee County Beaufort County Stanly County Hoke County Hoke County State NC NC NC NC NC Enrollment 9,850 7,500 10,100 6,500 . 6,500
Response to Questions:
1.A I~ader who solicits, respects and values the input of stakeholders at all levels of the organization and who has demonstrated leadership in utilizing that input to create and sustain a culture of shared decision-making.
In each of the districts in which I have been the Superintendent we created advisory committees to provide input on issues and concerns. These advisory committees ranged from . student advisory committees which consisted of students from each of the high schools to business leaders throughout our community. The student advisory committee consisted of class presidents from each grade level along with the principals. Teacher advisory committees included a classroom teacher representative from each school. The same procedure would be true for classified employees. Parent advisory committees allowed the PTO/PT A president to serve and report back to their respective schools. The business advisory committees were used to discuss economic development concerns and design curriculum to be incorporated. into our high schools to provide our students a competitive edge when applying for employment within the district. An example of ensuring shared decision making would be our Strategic Plan. In each of these committees the individuals shared their thoughts, concems.and direction they believed we should be headed toward. After all groups listened to each other a final draft of the plan was presented to the Board of Education for consideration. This process is desirable not only to create buy-in from the stakeholders from the on-set but to rely on the group to monitor the benchmarks and support in challenging times. Through the involvement of everyone from student to parent to.business leader there is complete transparency. This type of district involvement helps to eliminate the fear of hiding issues and builds a sense of community to work through challenges.
2.A leader who supports and empowers principals, teachers and staff to improve organizational and student performance outcomes.
I believe in modeling the approach expected at each school location. I am in the schools, not to manage but to observe Whatis occurring in our classroom. Students and teachers know who I am and are comfortable stopping mein the halls to make me aware of concerns. My belief is that I hold principals accountable for their schools based upon the direction and performance benchmarks established by the district. . Principals hold their staff accountable in the same mariner. I have high expectations for all employees and students. Two years ago we embarked on increasing the number of students at our middle schools taking Algebra I and English I. .Both are tested by the state and had only a few of the upper level students involved. During the school year 11-12we had 70% of the eight grade students taking both and 90% proficient on our state exams. Of the seventh grade students who enrolled in Algebra I 100% were proficient on the state exams. Our graduation rate has improved from 73% to 84% and our minority graduation rate has improved from 69% to 82% in the last 3 years. These results (and many more) are due to the support I have provided to each school and teacher by allowing them to engage students while providing a support structure allowing them to try new methods. From a career and technical approach we have established the largest youth apprenticeship in the state. We develop and deliver instruction designed to ensure employment of our youth in industry. Our approach is to provide learning opportunities for all students regardless of their aspirations after graduation.
3.A proactive visionary, able to consider, plan and implement systemic change that increase the district's ability to recognize and respond to current and future challenges -as they arise.
We all know technology can individualize instruction for some students. Through my leadership we have created a school system that is technology rich. All classroom have Smart Board, Projectors, Mini-Labs, and many other devices to assist the teacher. All students grade 3-12 have their own laptop used daily to deliver instruction or assist with the instruction of the day. We have a summer reading program using IPads and Nooks for at-risk students. All of this has been accomplished in a district that is 65% free and reduced lunch and rnulti-raciat. The vision created will not only serve the students of today but will move us into the world they inherit upon graduation. Through a partnership with Rosetta . .Stone all of our students and staff have access to 25 languages at no cost to them. This past school year our students logged 10's of 1,OOO's hours learning languages. We know and believe that our of students will have to compete in a language rich and technology based economy. It is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools to be successful. From a financial perspective we have to be able to do more with less. Over the last four school years we have experienced a decline in our funding. Through proper planning and a prioritization of expenditures we have held class size at the same level and have not lost a single classroom teacher. It is extremely important in the future to plan out estimated revenues and protect the classroom. My experience as an accountantandthe 29 years preparing school budgets allows me insight as to how we maximize our revenue and keep our classrooms and teachers supported.
4.Someone with strong organizational and leadership skills, able to collaboratively and focus internal and external stakeholders' efforts to accelerate progress on achieving the district's goals for student and organizational performance.
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My organizational and leadership skills began at age 17 when I started my own business. As a seventeen year old graduate from high school I began to secure job sites, hire employees, and meet payroll demands. These skills have been perfected over my career as an administrator to ensure achievement of the districts goals. As with all organizational skills the number one priority is to involve as many individuals in the planning, discussions,and recommendations as possible. Leadership is the follow-up required to guarantee progress is being made toward all indicators. I have worked for the Southern Region Education Board as an evaluator and served in the role of the lead evaluator for the High Schools That Work reform. During those 5 day visits I used the same techniques as I do daily as a school superintendentto motivate staff in designing learning experiences for students and allowing students to assist in monitoring their progress toward those goals. We.all want to feel as though we are involved and own the vision. This is accomplished through engagement of all stakeholders. As a superintendent I have put together many organizational charts and moved individuals into positions Ifelt were beneficial to the district. These moves require a level of interpersonal skills which leave aI/ with a sense of respect and understanding it is what is best for the students. As with all performance goals, we schedule semi-annual meetings to review our progress and discuss any need to modify our direction. All of these recommendations are shared and approved by the Board of Education. .
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Closing date July.23, 2012
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S.A person of integrity who is trustworthy and whose relationships, with the board and across the district, are predicated on honest and open communications.
/ have a driving philosophy that no one likes surprises. I have a/ways promised never to surprise the Board, my community,or my staff. My integrity is the one quality that I take with me everywhere I go in both professional life and personal life. This is also gained through time and cannot be given upfront. To that point I engage my staff through podcasts and newsletters. The podcast is used to provide information for not only the staff but the community as a whole. I also utilize an "Ask the Superintendent" email button on our web site for anyone to ask questions. During each quarter I have public forums where I speak to the State of Education in our county and allow all questions. Through my committee structure members bring questions and concerns from each of their respected areas. We discuss these and I provide insight as to where we may be going as well as letting them know I will share all concerns with our Board. The superintendent/board relationship is like a marriage. There will be good times and challenges as the years progress. It is due to the strong trust established early on they will be able to ride the waves of the storm. Inall my years as an administrator I have not surprised my board if I knew something was occurring and I expect the same from the board members. They have to keep the superintendent informed of what they are hearing. .
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Do you have a Superintendent Endorsement for the state represented by the position listed on this Application Information Form? .(If you have questions regarding the requirements to be a superintendent in the State of Florida, contact the Florida Department of Education) I c rtify that the information
Yes.J<_
No
Iam aware that the Florida Sunshine Act will require that all applicant information is public and can be released to the media upon request.
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. ~pplicant hereby waives hiS/her right to confidentiality with regard to his/her work record or criminal record and consents to and authorizes the release of information from current or former employers and/or law enforcement person inquiry under this application.
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Duval County Public scneole . McPherson&. Jacobson, LL.C. Executive Recruitment and Development . 7905 L St., Suite 310 Omaha, Nebraska 68127 . Phone: (402).991-7031/{888)375-.4814 E-mail: apps@inacnjake.com Fax: (402) 991-7168 .
AAlEEO Employer
EDUCATION
South Carolina State University, December, 1999 Orangeburg, S.c. Ed.D. in Educational Administration.
S.c.
Ed.S. in Educational
Administration.
North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, N.C. M.A. Vocational Education, Supervision Certification .. May, 1987
& Technical
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, N.C. B.S. in Business Administration; Accounting. May 1983
PROFESSIONAL EXPElUENCE
Superintendent: Lee County Schools, 106 Gordon Street, Sanford, NC 27330 January 2009 - Present. Guide, direct, and .supervise all aspects of the Lee County School System. Act as liaison between the board and personnel as well as provide advice and recommendations to the board. Support and follow board policy and implement board decision. Work with various communities listening and providing support and attention to problems. Develop and implement sound personnel procedures and a sound fiscal budget that places resources where they are needed for continued improvement in student achievement. Keep informed on all aspects of curriculum, finance, personnel and school construction. Supervise and evaluate all principals within the district annually. Supervise the areas of Curriculum and Instruction, Personnel, and Finance. Prepare and supervise the budgetary process annually and recommend a budget to the board of education based upon system needs. Work cooperatively with county and city officials to ensure positive relationships between each group. Communicate with the media in all manners of the system operations. Maintain a high standard of ethics and credibility through the system and state. Communicate effectively with staff and exercise good judgment in arriving at decisions. Effectively planned both short and long range goals for the system. Establish benchmarks to identify progress and areas in which we need to improve. Reorganize the central office into a central service approach to support schools and principals. Monitor school construction and ensure schools are completed on budget and on time. Listing of Highlights: established a 1:1 laptop program for all students grades 3-12; established a language program through Rosetta Stone providing access to 25 languages at no cost to students and staff; established STEM middle and high schools; established a Performance Pay Plan for Teachers and Staff; established corporate partnerships with Paxton Patterson, Caterpillar, Rosetta Stone, and HeadSprout.
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Strategically designed the passage of a 'l4 cent sales tax referendum earmarked for school construction. Lee County Schools has a student population approximately 9,650 and a budget of $82 million.
Superintendent: Beaufort County Schools, 326 Smaw Road, Washington, NC 27889 January 2004 - January 2009. .
Guide, direct, and supervise all aspects of the Beaufort County School System. Act as liaison between the board and personnel as well as provide advice and recommendations to the board. Support and follow board policy and implement board decision .. Work with various communities listening and providing support and attention to problems. Develop and implement sound personnel procedures and a sound fiscal budget that places resources where they are needed for continued improvement in student achievement. Keep informed on all aspects of curriculum, finance, personnel and school construction. Supervise and evaluate all principals within the district annually. Supervise the areas of Curriculum and Instruction, Personnel, and Finance. Prepare and supervise the budgetary process annually and recommend a budget to the board of education based upon system needs. Work cooperatively with county and city officials to ensure positive relationships between each group. Communicate with the media in ail manners ofthe system operations. Maintaina high standard of ethics and credibility throughthe system and state. Communicate effectively with staff and exercise good judgment in arriving at decisions. Effectively planned both short and long range goals for the system. Establish benchmarks to identify progtess and areas in which weneedto improve. Reorganize the central office into a central service approach to support schools and principals. Monitor school construction and ensure schools are completed on budget and on time. Listing of Highlights: Passed a Bond Referendum for school construction, restructured the academically gifted program; participated in a school budget dispute through the Supreme Court. Beaufort County Schools has a student population of approximately 7,950 and a budget of $72 million.
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Superintendent: Stanly County Schools, 1000-4 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 January 2000 - December 2003
Guide, direct, and supervise all aspects of the Stanly County School System. Act as liaison between the board and personnel as well as provide advice and recommendations to the board. Support and follow board policy arid implement board decision. Work with various communities listening and providing support and attention to problems. Develop and implement sound .. personnel procedures and a sound fiscal budget that places resources where they are needed for continued improvement student achievement. Keep informed on all aspects of curriculum, finance, personnel and school construction. Supervise arid evaluate all principals within the districtannuaHy. Supervise the areas of Curriculum and Instruction, Personnel, and Finance. Prepare and supervise the budgetary process annually and recommend a budget to the board of education based upon system needs. Work cooperatively with county and city officials to ensure positive relationships between each group. Communicate with the media in all manners of the system operations. Maintain a high. standard of ethics and credibility through the system and state. Communicate effectively with staff and exercise good judgment in arriving at decisions. Effectively planned both short and long range goals for the system. Listing of Highlights: established benchmarks to identify progress and areas in which needed to improve; developed a Strategic Plan; developed interim benchmarks for student assessment throughout the system; managed growth and redistricted the system, first time in over 20 years; passed a Bond Referendum for school construction, first bond passage in 15 years. Stanly County has a student population of approximately 9;850 and a budget of $71milHon.
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Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Technology: Raeford, NC, July 1997 - December 1999
Supervised curriculum and instruction and assisted in all financial decisions, including the preparation and presentation of the school budget and personnel decisions. Developed and implemented the pre and interim assessment practices to provide data to teachers and students pertaining to academic achievement. Disaggregated testing data to discuss with principals and staff in an effort to establish strategies for improvement. Initiated thecurriculum alignment process and developed pacing guides for each subject. Assisted in the identification and selection of K-8 reading programs. Placed over $1 million of technology in grades 3-12 classrooms and implemented staff development support programs. Created a laptop-learning program for fifth and sixth grade students, which provided a computer for each child. Led the system through the Leandro litigation and served as the key witness for all systems involved throughout the trial. Prepared documentation, reviewed evidence to be submitted in the case, and provided information requested during the trial. Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology: Raeford, NC, July 1995 - June 1997 Hoke County Schools,
Coordinated, planned, and implemented year round schools in grades K-8 throughout the system. Established a remediation program for students scoring Level I and II on the state ABC assessment. Initiated the STAR Algebra program (mastery performance), which won the Governor's Excellence Award. Facilitated the strategic planning process and identified resources to improve student academic performance. Assisted in the development of the school budget and personnel decisions. Published acase study of Hoke County High School school reform for High Schools That WOrk ' . . Director of Vocational and Technical Education: . Hoke County 'Schools, Raeford, NC July 1992 - June 1995 Prepared local vocational plans and budgets. Interviewed and hired all vocational personnel. Designed engaging learning activities and integrated learning strategies for all disciplines. Developed the high school reform effort and coordinated all activities associated with the High Schools That Work Program, one of the initial HSTW sites in the nation. Led site visits as system evaluator for in NC and other states for the Southern Region Education Board and worked closely with Dr. Gene Bottoms in presenting fmdings to a large audience. . Industry-Education Coordinator: . July 1987 -June 1992 Hoke County High School, Raeford, NC
Established partnerships with business and industry to promote student readiness for employment ~fter high school graduation. Supervised an exemplary student internship
program at Burlington Industries in Raeford. Students trained and received benefits as employees of Burlington for over 25 years. Vocational Teacher: Hoke County Schools, Raeford, NC August 1983- June 1987 Self-Employed: Construction Company specializing in Masonry, Clarendon and Raeford, NC June 1979 - August 1983 Located job sites and prepared job quotes and estimates for homeowners. Arranged work schedules for employees. Ordered materials, supplies, and equipment for site construction. Prepared payroll weekly. PROFESSIONAL and COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Career Ready State Commission, 2010 Lee County Economic Development Board: Member3 years First United Methodist Church: Member for 4 years, served on Building Committee and Church Softball League NC Association of School Administrators: Member for 17 years. Served on the Board of Directors in 1996 and Superintendent Division Board of Directors for 2006 and 2007 Rotary Club: Member for 12 years Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development: Member for 14 years Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Regional Education Board. Served in various roles and functions for visits as well as school evaluations over the past 15 years Member of Beaufort County Committee of 100 for Economic Development as well as CommitteeMember for Workforce Development and Recruitment with Beaufort County Economic Development Commission PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS (partial Listing)
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Integrated Learning Activities in State and National settings High School Reform Efforts throughout the State Uniform Dress Code for Students throughout the State Growing Our Own Teachers and Administrators throughout the State Technology & Instruction for Improved Student Learning in State and National Settings
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PUBLICATIONS AND SPECIAL AWARDS
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Outstanding Administrator for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education 2012 District-wide Laptop Initiative; Leadership NCASA, Winter/Spring 2011 Nominated for North Carolina Superintendent of the Year in 2004, 2006 and 2010 Outstanding Technology Leader for North Carolina, 2011 Administrator of the Year, District 7 NCAEOP Case studies; SREB; Strategies in Integrated Learning Activities & High School Reform SPECIAL PROGRAMS International Superintendent Experience in the United Kingdom, 2006 Bill Cooke's Strategic Planning Facilitator Certification Principal's Executive Program HIGHLIGHTS OF EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
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Developed Merit Pay Plan, 2010 Established 1:1 Laptop Program for students grades 3-12 Established S.T.E.M.Program for grades 6-12 Developed a Uniform Dress Code Policy (school uniforms) for all students grades K-12 Established a Four- Year Funding Agreement with County Commissioners Passed Bond Referendums in Stanly arid Beaufort Counties in 2000 and 2004 Strategically planned the passage of a 14 Cent Sales Tax in Lee County 2009 for school construction Created. Distance Learning Opportunities for Students at all High Schools Redesigned Alternative Education for Students At-Risk Designed Early College High School for Community and Students Served on the NC Career Ready Commission 2009