My Path to the Superintendency Jill Siler, Ed.D. Gunter ISD Superintendent [email protected] @jillmsiler jillmsiler.com Gunter ISD 1,005 Students; PK-12
The Silers The Path… I didn’t feel like I was ready
I didn’t want to move out of the Austin area
I didn’t think I would like the job
I didn’t think I could balance being a mom and a superintendent My “yes” wasn’t on the table
Kind of District
My Path… Teacher / Coach (Pflugerville ISD), 6 yrs Received Masters (Ed Admin), Texas State University Assistant Principal for Instruction (Marble Falls ISD), 2 yrs Associate Principal for Curriculum (Lake Travis ISD), 2 yrs Director of Secondary Curriculum (Lake Travis ISD), 2 yrs Received Doctorate (Ed Admin), University of Texas at Austin Executive Director of Academic & Organizational Development (LTISD), 4yrs Superintendent (Gunter ISD), Currently serving; 8 yrs STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
Solid time in the classroom No Principalship 4 years as a campus administrator No Assistant Superintendent Central Office experience All campus level ◦ deep experience in curriculum administrative work ◦ involvement in Finance/HR on the instructional Received my doctorate side Worked in a variety on contexts Most recent 8 yrs in (large urban, small rural, rich/poor) an affluent setting Your Path… ~ Make good decisions on your path ◦Roles, Context, Mobility
~ Don’t rush it… There is learning and leadership in every position
~ Understand that your decisions can impact your future path (and that’s ok!)
Let me take you to lunch… The Superintendent Search…
Finding the Jobs ◦ www.TexasISD.com The Superintendent Search…
◦ Arrow ◦ Leasor Crass Law Firm (Rhonda Crass) ◦ CCR Educational Consultants ◦ O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo ◦ DRV Executive Search Services ◦ TASB Executive Search Services ◦ Education Solutions & Services ◦ David Thompson & Mike Moses (EdSaS) (Thompson & Horton) ◦ Escamilla & Poneck LLP ◦ ◦ George McShan Consulting Walsh Gallegos Law Firm ◦ Haglund Law Firm ◦ Waterford (Jess Butler) ◦ JG Consulting ◦ ESCs ◦ Boards of Trustees Building Relationships w/Search Firms The Initial Visit ◦ Review resume ◦ Talk about potential job paths ◦ Ask them how they operate their search firm ◦ Ask them if there is anything you could do to enhance your leadership portfolio
Nurturing that Relationship ◦ Feedback after interviews ◦ Thank you notes after interactions The Superintendent Search… Unlike any other job you’ve ever applied for
REGULAR ADMIN JOB SUPERINTENDENT JOB ◦ Resume / Cover Letter ◦ Resume / Cover Letter ◦ Application ◦ Application Package ◦ Interview ◦ Search Firm Screening ◦ Job ◦ Interview ◦ 2nd Interview (with family) ◦ Entry Plan ◦ District Visit ◦ Job Let me take you to lunch…
Yes you will be... July – Superintendent Resigned… October
September
January 2012 1. “I always took a job that was bigger than me.” 2. “Don't sit around and wait for someone to die or retire to get their job.” 3. “Communication is key... Don't let them hear it on the street.” 4. “Integrity is what you bring. Once you lose it, it is gone.” 5. “Our job is to solve all issues before it went to the Board. Buffer your board from emotional decisions that are not their decision to make. It is unfair to lay a decision about cutting Elementary Art at the feet of the Board. Own the decision and make recommendations.” 6. “A superintendent either leads the board into or out of micromanagement…” Re: brick selection: "I don't think we should be making that decision, but if you bring it to me, I will absolutely tell you what I think“ 7. “You can get in trouble by following policy without exception. There is no policy that is perfect or that can apply. If we didn't need judgment, we wouldn't need you.” February
March: Gunter ISD Opens
Boerne KNOWLEDGE WHAT “head” HOW VALUES & Gunter BELIEFS WHY “heart”
30 Minutes Later… When You Get the Call…
. April 24: 1st Interview . April 27th: Notified of 2nd Interview . April 28th: 2nd Interview .Named Lone Finalist on the spot . May 8th: Met the staff . May 21st: Hired as Superintendent . May 29th: Started my First Day The RESUME…
Structure: It’s All About Real Estate . Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing . Allocate Bullets Accordingly
Content: It’s About Setting Yourself Apart
. Be Specific & Results-Oriented . Do Your Research / Highlight the Match
Formatting: Keep it Clean & Professional . Font - Professional but not dated . Spacing - Become comfortable with points spacing . Alignment - Make it easier for your reader to view . Email - personal and professional Effectively and efficiently administrate, budget, apply for funds, approve requisition of funds, and submit state and federal compliance reports for the following special programs: Title I Part A, Title II Part A, Title III, Title VI, Migrant, ESL, G/T, ARI/AMI and SSI (when available), CTE (Career Technical Education), State Comp Ed funds audited by Campus Improvement Plans Effectively manage approximately $1 million dollars each year in budgets to maximize opportunities, programs, and equip 21st Century classrooms to enhance student learning Successfully coordinate and work with district business manager. Daily tasks include approving all requisitions and submitting them to superintendent for final approval after all aspects of the request have been checked. Monthly, campus budgets are reviewed. Throughout the year, needs are assessed and plans created to present to the board for upcoming budgets and/or requests to use fund balance. Personnel and their assigned duties are reviewed to ensure payroll costs are charged to appropriate fund sources. Identified adjustments in staffing by reviewing master schedules from all campuses to negate a $400,000 budget shortfall
The INTERVIEW…
Preparation
INTERVIEW TIPS What are 3-4 things you are most proud of? 1. Do Your Homework What kinds of questions 2. Lift the Language could you connect to? Connect your story to the 3. Tell Your Story question to their district. 4. Leave them With Something
DOING THE JOB… Purpose - Know your “WHY”
Stay Grounded
Find an Outlet
Understand the cycles
Take Respite Be Ready for Anything I didn’t feel like I was ready I didn’t want to move out of the Austin area I didn’t think I would like it I didn’t think I could balance being a mom and a superintendent
The Path to Superintendency…
QUESTIONS… Jill M. Siler, Ed.D. 106 Whispering Winds l Gunter, TX 75058 l Phone: 512-917-8569 l [email protected]
Skills
Collaborative Leader & Capacity Builder. Exceptional ability to foster teamwork, to lead from the ground up, and to build leadership capacity throughout the organization.
Innovative Instructional Leader. Deep understanding of curriculum, instruction and assessment and the processes necessary to develop tight alignment amongst each to impact student learning.
Strategic Thinker & Analyzer. Marked capacity for conceptual thinking to thoughtfully plan for and address complex issues such as budget forecasting, staffing projections, and long-range planning.
Professional Experience GUNTER ISD – Gunter ISD, TX 2012-Present Small-School district committed to challenging every student to exceed their own expectations Superintendent Led the district from financial crisis to financial health, decreasing expenditures from $7.8 million in 2011-12 to $6.9 million in 2013-14 and increasing the General Fund Balance from $475,000 in 2012 to $1.8 million in 2016 reaching the state-required minimum for the first time since 2008. Achieved exceptional results on state and national assessments including STAAR and all indicators found in the TAPR (Texas Academic Performance Report), including being named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon school. Launched community-wide Strategic Planning process involving over 300 people focused on innovative learning and preparing future-ready students, preparing for growth, building capacity and student social & emotional health. Facilitated training on curriculum, instruction and assessment and provided instructional planning time for curriculum development. Developed a comprehensive district-wide communication plan including social media program to share exciting successes of Gunter ISD students with over 2,500 followers on Facebook and Twitter. Continued development of Course Catalog for high school and course selection process including a new 6-year planning process involving individual parent meetings for all 8th grade students. Continued building opportunities for college coursework, including 80+ hours of college credit offered on the GHS campus. Also developed a STEM pathway at the high school level with Project Lead the Way engineering and launched a Health Sciences program. Gunter ISD Board of Trustees was honored in 2015 as TASB’s top 5 Texas Honor Boards Current Chair of TASA’s Future-Ready Superintendent Leadership Network, 2015-Present Mentored and coached first time superintendents as a TASA-Certified Mentor Superintendent
LAKE TRAVIS ISD – Austin, TX 2004-2012 Fast-Growth 6A “Exemplary” district with nationally-acclaimed success Executive Director of Academic & Organizational Development, 7/2008 to 5/2012 Identified $3.4 million in savings over 4 years from adjustments to secondary schedules, class ratios and efficiencies amongst staffing Collaborated with CFO and HR to develop a tiered approach to statewide budget reductions resulting in 100% retention of staff Facilitated district demographic studies and tracked district enrollment during consecutive years of 6% growth Provided overall instructional leadership resulting in double-digit increases in all subject areas and a second consecutive district rating of Exemplary Designed district-wide training to prepare teachers and school leaders for the STAAR assessment
Assisted in various aspects of capital planning projects for successful bond initiatives in 2006 ($126 million) and in 2011 ($158 million) Developed a strategic implementation plan for a new curriculum product (CSCOPE), incorporating in- depth training and leadership as well as developed structures for district customization Led the middle school campuses in a shift to a 7-Period Day to accommodate common planning times within a Professional Learning Community model to provide individual student supports Director of Academic Services, 6/2006 to 7/2008 Provided instructional leadership for over 250 secondary teachers by developing sustainable practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development Developed a comprehensive plan for Dropout Prevention and Recovery and raised the Completion Rate 20+ percentage points in a critical student group Associate Principal for Curriculum - Lake Travis High School, 4/2004 to 6/2006 Developed the LTISD Institutes of Study, a comprehensive academic program focused on career exploration and post-secondary preparation including extensive community, post-secondary, and industry partnerships Awarded nearly $200,000 in grants related to the Institutes of Study, resulting in LTHS being named one of the Top Ten engineering high schools in the country Increased opportunities for high school students to earn college credit through Tech-Prep coursework, Dual Credit study, increased AP offerings and launched enrollment in the Texas Virtual School Network; Over 100 free college credit hours available at LTHS Coordinated support services for ESL students including Sheltered Instruction Plus training for the entire staff, provided ESL certification opportunities and facilitated LPAC and TELPAS training
MARBLE FALLS ISD – Marble Falls, TX 2002-2004 Rural 4A district aspiring to excellence Assistant Principal for Instruction – Marble Falls High School, 6/2002-4/2004 Worked with 60+ teachers and 1200 students as a campus instructional leader Managed a $100,000 Freshmen Initiative Grant that assisted 300 freshmen improve grades and increase credits earned Developed master schedule with collaboration of department chairs, counselors and administrators Developed data analysis training focusing on objective and student expectation performance, leading to instructional change Assisted in disciplinary placements and revised processes for entry/exit into DAEP
PFLUGERVILLE ISD – Pflugerville, TX 1997-2002 Large urban 6A district committed to student success World Geography Teacher – John B. Connally High School, 8/1997-5/2002 Created an engaging learning environment for freshmen students through hands-on lessons Developed a scope and sequence for World Geography, course-integrated supplements for TAKS support, and an accelerated curriculum for the alternative education campus for the district Head Swimming Coach – Pflugerville & Connally High School (Boys & Girls), 8/1997-5/2001 Produced 7 District Champions and 31 Regional Qualifiers; District Coach of the Year, 1998
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS - Denton, TX Adjunct Professor, 2017-Present Teaching Masters-level students in courses focused on curriculum development, instructional leadership, professional development and coaching.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY - Austin, TX Adjunct Professor, 2010-2012 Teaching Masters-level students in courses focused on curriculum development, assessment & evaluation, teaching & learning and instructional leadership.
Education Doctor of Education, 8/2009 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – Austin, TX Major: Educational Administration l Cooperative Superintendency Program
GPA: 4.0 l Superintendent Certification
Recipient of the Teresa Lozano Long Endowed Graduate Fellowship: 2008
Treatise: Using Data to Guide Curriculum Development: How Curriculum Developers Use Formative and Summative Assessment Data to Inform the Written Curriculum
Masters of Education, 5/2004 TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY – San Marcos, TX Major: Educational Administration
Recipient of the Department of Education Scholarship & Graduate Celebrity Scholarship: 2003-2004
Thesis: Ninth Grade Effectiveness
Bachelor of Arts, 5/1996 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh, PA Major: Politics & Philosophy l Minor: Latin American Studies, Spanish, Economics
GPA: 3.68 l Graduated Magna Cum Laude l Phi Beta Kappa
Initiated Independent Research Project on Economic Development in Argentina, 1995
Captain of the Women’s Swimming Team l Academic All-American l Senior Athlete of the Year
Professional Certifications
Superintendent
Principal
Secondary Social Studies Composite
Grants 2016-2017 $61,000 Title I: To fund digital integration in the classroom for Gunter Elementary.
Purchasing chromebooks and iPads for students K-4. 2008-2009 $50,000 Achieve Texas Grant / TEA: To develop premiere program for high school business students including college articulations and field experiences 2007-2010 $26,500 Society of Manufacturing Engineers / PLTW: To develop a middle school engineering camp to expose non-traditional young students to the STEM field 2006-2010 $71,000 Siemens Grant: To foster Engineering Program into a cohort-based, integrated model to be replicated in other high schools across the country.
Honors & Community Service Serve on the Boards for the GIFT Education Foundation, Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center Gunter Chamber of Commerce; Member of the Preston Trails Rotary Club. McBee Fellow: Austin Area Research Organization (AARO), 2011-2012 Fellowship Recipient: Teresa Lozano Long Endowed Graduate Fellowship, 2008 and Texas State Department of Education & Graduate Celebrity Scholarship, 2003-2004
Presentations The Journey to Future Ready Keynote Speaker: Region 9 Superintendent Conference, Houston, TX. Spring 2019.
The Unlikely Places from Which Success is Born Region 4 TCWSE Spring Conference. Houston, TX. Spring 2019
Engaging the Community through Difficult Topics TASA Midwinter Conference Session Presenter. Austin, TX. Spring, 2019.
Leadership & Innovation: 4 Books that will Impact You and Your Team TCWSE Annual Conference. Session Presenter. Austin, TX. Spring, 2019.
Excellence in Education Keynote Speaker: Small School Seminar, TASA/TASB Conference. Fall, 2016. Houston, TX
Leading School Transformation First-Time Superintendent Academy, TASA. Round Rock, TX. Annual Speaker, 2016 to Present.
The Road to the Superintendency Aspiring Superintendent Academy, TASA. Austin, TX. Annual Speaker, 2015 to Present.
Developing Quality Local Assessments Lead4ward Learning Series. 2012-2013. Various sites in Dallas, Houston, Austin, Corpus Cristi.
Leading from the Inside Out Keynote Speech, Leadership by the Lake, Summer, 2011. Marble Falls, TX
Sustainable Practices for District Curriculum Customization CSCOPE State Conference. Summer, 2011. San Antonio, TX
Building Community Partnerships (Host of the National ACTE School Tour) ACTE Best Practices Conference. Fall, 2009. Austin, TX
Guiding Students into STEM & Facilitating Effective Advisory Boards Project Lead the Way State Conference. Fall, 2008. Austin, TX
Building Industry & Post-Secondary Partnerships Association of Career & Technical Education (ACTE Conference). Fall, 2008. Las Vegas, NM
Institutes of Study: Designing High Schools for Post-Graduate Preparation Texas Association of Supervision & Curriculum Development (TASCD). Fall, 2006. Austin, TX
Strengthening the STEM Pipeline United States Chamber of Commerce Education & Workforce Summit. Fall, 2006. Dallas, TX
References Dr. Kevin Brown, Executive Director, Texas Association of School Administrators. (512) 477-6361 Dr. Diane Frost, Former LTISD Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, Corsicana ISD. (817) 691-4069 Dr. Gordon Taylor, Executive Director, Region 10 Education Service Center. (972) 348-1000 Dr. Rocky Kirk, Former Lake Travis ISD Superintendent. (806) 293-6000 Dr. Cynthia Clinesmith, Former Asst Supt MFISD & LTISD, Retired Supt, Pleasanton ISD. (512) 626-7575 Dr. Rubén D. Olivárez, UT Doctoral Program, Former Supt, San Antonio ISD. (512) 475-8576 Dr. Ervin Knezek, Former Deputy Executive Director of ESC XIII, President, Lead4Ward. (512) 750-3823