The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 9, 2012

Board gives Allen high marks

By Amanda Dyslin

MANKATO — The Mankato Area Public School Board gave Supt. Sheri Allen high marks on her annual review.

The evaluation was conducted several weeks ago by board members, district administration (including human resources, community education, curriculum, the business office and special education), and the District Leadership Team, which includes various administrators. The results were discussed at Monday night’s school board meeting.

“We are very happy, very satisfied with the role that Mrs. Allen has chosen here,” said board chairwoman Ann Hendricks.

Identified as Allen’s areas of strength include: developing a culture of achievement and success for all students; leadership that is “woven with integrity, vision, big picture and community involvement”; and responsiveness to public concerns, among other things.

Areas of growth include continuation of leadership and communication-building. Hendricks pointed out the growth areas are simply “ongoing goals” and not necessarily criticisms of performance.

In Hendricks’ written evaluation report as part of the school board agenda, she states:

“Responses consistently identified Mrs. Allen’s strength in leadership. She continues to work with her leadership teams to develop skills and this can cause some differences of opinion within the group; however, it is the responsibility of the superintendent to move teams in the direction of growth.”

The board also conducted a self-evaluation recently using an evaluation tool from the Minnesota School Boards Association. District staff, including paraprofessionals, teachers, counselors and clerical staff, also weighed in.

Areas of strength included: open discussion and understanding the district budget process and the outcome; community involvement; open forum; and understanding the board’s role. Areas of growth included: communication among board members and making decisions based on collaboration and open conversations.

“I feel that these are ongoing goals,” Hendricks said. “We’ve all identified how busy we are ... and we need to keep that (communication) going between us.”

Allen thanked the board for its strong direction and leadership, and for its confidence in her.

“When you get home tonight, or when you get in the car tonight, give yourself a nice pat on the back,” Hendricks said to Allen and board members.

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