Monroe County School District “Constant Improvement”

1. Monroe County School District“Constant Improvement” State of the District Address 2011-2012 School Year Dr. Jesus Jara, Superintendent of Schools July 23, 2012

2. District Grades 2011-2012 • Monroe County has been recognized as an “A” rated school district for the past seven years. • Of the state's 67 districts, 39 slipped a letter grade and none improved.Seven earned D's compared to one last year, while the number earning C's nearly doubled to 25 this year versus 13 last year. • More than half of the state's A-rated districts dropped a letter grade. The number of B districts fell to 22 compared to 23 last year. The state's virtual school program also posted its first grade — a C.

3. District Grades 2011-2012 Monroe County is ranked 9th out of 67 counties in the state!

4. School Grades 2011-2012 • Nine out of 12 schools excluding high schools achieved an “A” designation in performance with a more rigorous assessment. • Gerald Adams School increased one letter grade to achieve an “A.”

5. School Grades

6. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Increase Student Achievement • Two of the three schools in Correct II status under Differentiated Accountability will obtain Correct I status. HOB achieved Correct I status, and we are awaiting the designation for the other two schools. • The Monroe County School District increased from 81% to 88% the number of seniors attending a post-secondary institution after graduation. The goal was a ten percent gain.

7. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Increase Student Achievement • College Readiness—Data available in October 2012. • Nationwide recognition in The College Board’s 8th Annual AP Report to the Nation “30% or more of their graduating class earned a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam in high school.” • First AP Teacher Summit and Algebra Professional Development. • 43 percent of the Monroe County School District Biology students scored in the top third as compared to 35 percent statewide. • 42 percent of the Monroe County School District Geometry students scored in the top third as compared to 34 percent statewide. (8th grade students #1 in the state).

8. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Increase Student Achievement • Created pathways for advanced/accelerated courses in the middle schools. (ex. Algebra, Geometry, Physical Science Honors). • 667 students participated in AP Programs district wide with 1254 tests administered. 47% of the students in Monroe County achieved a three or higher, a nine percent increase from the previous year. • SAT data available Fall 2012.

9. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Improve Human Capital • New Evaluation tool for teachers/guidance counselors approved by the School Board. • New Principals’ Evaluation approved by the DOE and board. • Updated employee job descriptions for senior leadership/consolidated positions. • Employee Accountability. • Instituted GEMS.

10. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Improve Human Capital • Moved the Internal Auditor into the Chief of Staff position and realigned District leadership. • Reinstituted guidance counselors in elementary schools. • Instituted the MCSD District Comprehensive Health Education. • The DAC, District Advisory Council completed its first year of meetings with the SAC representatives from every school improving community relations throughout the Keys. Members of the DAC participated in the Superintendent search, organization of the District Employee Recognition Banquet, and the Budget reduction priorities.

11. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Improve Public Support and Confidence • Budget publication through various vehicles including the MCSD Website. • Communication with the Superintendent, School Board, and public on budget priorities. • Monitoring checklists and consistent financial reporting for Charter Schools. • Conducted six Town Hall Meetings recognizing stakeholder input.

12. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Fiscal/Financial Responsibility • Increased the percentage of money in the classroom by reducing costs in operations (ex. outsourcing custodial/grounds). • Recalibrated teacher allocation to schools. • Streamlined maintenance department. • Implemented budget to actual reporting in March. • Cleaned up 12 out of 18 audit findings from Auditor General by the end of the year.

13. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Fiscal/Financial Responsibility • Improved the financial condition of the district fund balance, health care reserve, and worker’s comp. • Aligned health benefits for all employees and retirees with national and state trends. • Paid FEMA debt from 1998. • Satisfied capital projects for Big Pine Key/KW Montessori Charter Schools.

14. Superintendent’s Goals2011-2012 • Fiscal/Financial Responsibility • Improved budget controls and instituted accounts receivable in finance. • Consolidated KCA/ACE $682,000. • Met class size. • Increased the Fund balance with a hiring freeze for • non- teaching positions. • Reduced the budget by $9.3 million in one year.

15. Financial Overview 2011-2012 • Seven Furlough days and elimination of 1.5% raise saved approximately $2.1 million. • Outsourcing custodians saved approximately $800,000. • Total savings: Approximately $2.9 million. • Ending fund balance 2012: Approximately $3.8 million. • Ending fund balance without savings: Approximately $900,000=1.19% of $75 million revenue.

16. Superintendent’s Recommendations • Points to Consider: • Support leaders who are willing to make tough decisions in the best interests of the district. • Always remember Students First! • Commit to organizational change “Let leaders lead.” • Rely on labor expert when renegotiating the contract. • Recognize the outstanding contributions of teachers, administrators, and staff.