How Do We Reach the Extraordinary?

We are presently living in remarkable times. The first three months of school have been uniquely successful largely due to the very positive opening of school in August, followed by significant changes in school climate and culture in many of our schools. These changes are the result of a host of strategies including: changes... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

September 4, 2017

Accreditation Results – What is Being Measured?

The VDOE publicly released overall statewide school division and school pass rates for 2016-2017 state assessments on August 15. State accreditation ratings will be released to the news media and general public on September 13. As superintendent, I am the first to acknowledge that the accreditation process is only “one” measure of school performance. The challenge with the... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

August 3, 2017

How Do We Interrogate Our Own Reality as a Learning Organization?

Happy New Year and Welcome Back as we begin the 2017 – 2018 school-year. While many businesses have only one grand opening, Danville Public Schools has a grand opening every year. We are excited to begin the new year of learning not only for our students but for ourselves as leaders of learning. By... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

July 5, 2017

Reflections on Year Two

July 1, 2017 will mark the beginning of my third year as superintendent of Danville Public Schools. I am very happy to have the opportunity to serve in this role, and I continue to believe we are moving in the right direction to improve learning for our school community. As I reflect on the... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

June 5, 2017

Is the Cost of Public Education an Investment or Expense?

There are moments when it is beneficial for me to step outside of the public education realm to carefully consider the idea that public education is an investment rather than an expense. This perspective may be a direct result of what has been a lengthy but successful budget season for Danville Public Schools. As... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

May 6, 2017

A Perspective on Leading in Difficult Times

As you are well aware, the challenges of working in public education are not becoming any easier. In fact, I am first to acknowledge that there is always a desire to improve our work and optimize our success. Our staff, especially our teachers, continue to give more and more time toward the demands placed upon... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

April 5, 2017

What Does It Take to Reinvest In Teaching and Learning?

We are living in an era of increasing demands and diminishing resources for public schools. In cities where there is an unwillingness to invest in public schools, the likelihood of overcoming the challenges related to economic development, creating a viable work force, improving neighborhood quality of life, reducing crime, and improving health, are nearly impossible. ... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

March 6, 2017

What Strategies Improve Student Achievement

In 2012-2013, all Danville Public Schools were Fully Accredited based on Virginia’s Accountability and Accreditation System. School accreditation ratings reflect student achievement on SOL tests and other approved assessments in English, history/social science, mathematics and science. Elementary and middle schools are Fully Accredited if students achieve all of the following pass rates: English — 75... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

February 5, 2017

What Skills Should a High School Graduate Possess?

As I continue to contemplate the significance of Virginia’s Accountability and Accreditation System, I am compelled to consider the knowledge and skills a high school graduate should possess. My perspective is based on my own observations as a highly seasoned school leader. While I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to study extensively as... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent

January 6, 2017

Much Ado About School Accreditation – Part II

Are Danville students learning? Last time, I provided a brief historical overview of Virginia’s Accountability and Accreditation System in an effort to help our readers understand the “hubbub” around school accreditation. My goal ultimately, is to inform the public about what it all means. The Virginia Board of Education revised the Standard of Accreditation in... Read More

Education, From the Superintendent