April 23, 2015
Addison Northeast Supervisory Union – Executive Committee Statement
The Executive Committee is deeply concerned about the deteriorated environment in our schools and the effect it is having on our community. The Committee recognizes the need for an immediate assessment of current conditions. Following the assessment, an action plan will be developed to rebuild working relationships and to implement a more collaborative and resilient leadership culture for our schools, students, and community.
- The Executive Committee has engaged the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to conduct this assessment by the end of the school year. The FMCS will carry out site visits and confidential interviews and discussions with administrators, principals, teachers, staff leaders, and Board members.
- Based on the assessment findings, the FMCS will work with the Executive Committee to design and lead training exercises in September to establish the new tools, standards, and practices necessary for a successful, collaborative leadership model.
- It is evident to the Executive Committee that current monitoring methods failed to bring issues of concern to the attention of the Boards before reaching a crisis point. The Committee will recommend that the Supervisory Union Board undertake a comprehensive review and refinement of current ANESU policies and procedures, including the establishment of clear expectations and measurement criteria for leadership evaluations.Over the past year, the School Boards found that Superintendent David Adams was making reasonable progress towards the achievement of ENDS outcomes as defined under our current system of evaluation, and was improving fiscal discipline in our schools. However, the Executive Committee believes more comprehensive leadership evaluation criteria, a collaborative leadership culture, and policy reform will further strengthen our organization and improve outcomes. We welcome and encourage all school members and the greater community to participate constructively in the process that lies ahead.