As part of their interview packet, the four finalists for the Osceola County School District superintendent position released a plan for their first 100 days in the position, if they were hired.
The eventual signee, Dr. Mark Shanoff, with whom the district is now negotiating a contract with, plans to hit the ground running, tying employees and families together.
“Our collaboration over the next several months will generate enthusiasm in our community, confidence among our team members, and ultimately lead to the best outcomes we have ever had,” his missive reads. “The district leadership, the district staff, the school-based leadership and the schoolbased staff are dedicated professionals that deserve trust. I’m not in the business of changing people. I will have to work to earn their respect and their trust … I’m in this to enhance what we are doing to accelerate the work.”
He highlighted a number of topics in his 100-day plan. Here are some of the highlights: You may see plenty of Shanoff — an entry plan goal includes scheduling as many public events, town hall-style events and visits needed to introduce himself to the district workforce and community, while opening lines of communication with stakeholder groups to determine things that are working — and what isn’t. Developing a weekly YouTube newsletter or message to highlight work to the community is also a goal.
He’ll address course scheduling by July, instances of chronic absenteeism by August, discipline data and safety by September, graduation rates by October and language services for English learners by November.
Working in academic success, his plan includes meeting with students with GPAs below the graduation rate to discuss support, meet with all public and charter schools and principals and convene a Superintendent’s Advisory Council of student leaders from high schools.
In talent management, Shanoff wants to establish relationships with colleges of education along the I-4 corridor like UCF, Rollins, Bethune-Cookman and Florida Polytechnic in Lakeland, adding to the district’s talent pipeline by expanding skills of those with upward mobility and having a Beginning Teacher of the Year program to complement the Teacher of the Year award.
Noting implementing the district’s Enterprise Resource Plan (ERP) will be, “The single-biggest lift in the district between now and its implementation … the Superintendent has to know how to implement an ERP system.” He also mentioned making sure the District’s network and refresh plans are current, and that IT tools are in place to protect networks and environments.
Quotables from his message: “You can only spend a dollar once … If something doesn’t work, then we can acknowledge it doesn’t work. There is safety in transparency.”
If a contract is reached in the next two weeks, Shanoff will likely appear in his leadership role at the Tuesday, June 27 School Board meeting.
