By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.–The results of the end-of-year evaluations for the Trussville City Schools superintendent and chief school financial officer were announced during a presentation at last week’s Board of Education meeting.
Both Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin and TCS CSFO Jim Kirkland received an overall rating of “accomplished,” which was the highest rating possible.
Lisa Stamps, the director for leadership at the Alabama Association of School Boards gave an overview of both evaluations as well as the process behind them.
Stamps said that one of the first things Martin did after being hired on as Trussville’s superintendent last year was to call her and say that he wanted the board to participate in the evaluation.
“That speaks volumes there that he was concerned about what [the board thinks],” Stamps said.
Martin and Kirkland’s performances were judged in multiple leadership categories with one of four possible evidence-based ratings–not demonstrated, progressing, proficient, or accomplished.
Martin received an accomplished rating in all five superintendent leadership categories–strategic, instructional, fiscal & managerial, human & resource, and climate & engagement.
Stamps highlighted some of the actions Martin took to earn the rating including introducing the state of the schools addresses, developing the parent and teacher advisory council, building trust with the staff and the community, working hard to retain teachers, prioritizing student achievement, and revitalizing the culture in the district.
Kirkland, Trussville Schools’ CSFO of 20 years, also received an accomplished rating in all of his skill categories–fiscal, collaborative, and professional.
Some of the evidence Stamps provided included Kirkland’s effective communication during monthly financial reports, building the fund balance, and his problem solving.
“The word accomplished doesn’t even come close to what both of these gentlemen do,” Board Member Dr. Steve Ward said, thanking them for their service to the district.
Board Vice President Kathy Brown added that they earned their accomplished rating by tackling some of the issues that the board was most concerned with such as safety and communication.
“We both feel very, very blessed to get to work here at Trussville City Schools as well as with our Board of Education,” Martin said.
“I want to thank you as a board for setting such a clear vision of what the need is here for Trussville City Schools. I think that’s so important that you came in and said these are the things that we need to get accomplished and we’ve stuck to that.”
