BOE gives Reed high marks
Hartselle’s Board of Education gave School Superintendent Dr. Mike Reed high marks in a recent evaluation.
At its meeting Monday night, the board presented the findings of the superintendent’s evaluation. Of the 11 questions asked of the board, all five members responded with a grade of satisfactory on 10 of them.
Those 10 questions included areas such as being the CEO of the school board, demonstrating knowledge of instructional areas, having a high degree of professionalism, management of pupil services, having sound business and financial procedures and establishing effective relations with the community, staff, personnel, colleagues and students.
Three answered satisfactory on designing and implementing professional development plan. Two were unable to give a score based on not being familiar with the plan.
Board Chairwoman Jennifer Sittason said Reed has dramatically improved in weaknesses such as public relations with the community and staff over the last year. She said the superintendent has made significant strides in improving overall communication by attending council meetings, speaking at community clubs, supporting social media outlets and individual communication with teachers.
“It’s something that he’s really addressed over the last year,” Sittason said in a phone interview Tuesday. “We’ve seen a big improvement in his communication with the city council, mayor and the community.”
One of Reed’s strengths has been his management of the school system’s finances.
“He’s just been a wizard with our finances,” Sittason said. “He’s been very creative with our finances and we have been able not to have to lay off any teachers even through this difficult financial situation.
“Most importantly, he has worked extremely hard during proration to save teachers’ jobs while keeping money in our reserve account,” Sittason added.
Sittason also added that he has continued to keep the best interests of the students at the forefront of his time.
“The best interests of students and staff are his primary concern,” Sittason said.
In other business, the board:
• allowed the high school basketball team to use the Pettey Center Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 14 and Feb. 4 for Tennessee Valley Basketball Association games.
• had the first reading of policies on school admission and to move Live Work under Career and Technical Education Programs.
• approved family medical leave for Katie Davis, F.E. Burleson fourth grade teacher, between Dec. 21 and Feb. 21 and for Michelle Kelso, fifth grade teacher at Burleson.
• approved retirement for Larry Peck and Roger Guess, both effective Dec. 1; Stella King effective Nov. 15; Janet Eddy effective Nov. 20; and Edna Thompson Dec. 31.
• approved Tanya Watson to be a P.E. volunteer aide at Burleson Elementary Feb. 27-April 23, 2012.
