Shawn Larrimore, Superintendent, Laurel School District, Laurel, Del. and Victoria Gehrt, Superintendent, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, Wilmington, Del.
Delaware: Leaders Matter
Nominated By: Tammy Croce, Executive Director, Delaware Association of School Administrators
Shawn Larrimore, Superintendent, Laurel School District, Laurel, Del.
Shawn Larrimore (https://www.laurel.k12.de.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=637869&type=u), utilizing a systemic process to improve instruction resulting in increased student achievement, has seen good gains in student achievement. A district-wide walkthrough and feedback process along with data tools to connect student progress to interventions have been keys to their success.
Larrimore is the driving force behind this initiative. A small district in rural southern Delaware, Laurel School District has a low-income rate of 48.8 percent. Larrimore and his team designed and implemented a plan that had focus and provided the professional development and feedback to ensure success. This initiative is a great example of districtwide systemic change.
Exemplars of Leadership:
- Employed systematic process for achievement improvement with an emphasis on being highly visible and accessible for community feedback.
- Deployed structure staff improvement plan as essential element of reform efforts.
Victoria Gehrt, Superintendent, New Castle County Vocational Technical School District, Wilmington, Del.
New Castle County Vocational Technical School District includes four high schools in New Castle County Delaware. The district offers a variety of vocational and technical pathways. Victoria Gehrt (http://www.nccvt.k12.de.us/parents-prospective-students/district-administrators/victoria-c-gehrt-ed-d/) has worked diligently to expand programming to meet the needs of the job market and to develop a long list of business partners who offer insight for programming as well as job training for students.
Gehrt is a true advocate for vocational technical training and has worked to assure the district is aligned with the current and future job market. She has built a strong leadership team that is forward thinking and passionate about their work.
Exemplars of Leadership:
- Expanded programs to mirror job market as identified by business partners.
- Developed a leadership team clearly focused on common goals.
To learn more about the superintendents profiled in AASA’s Leaders Matter campaign, visit aasacentral.org/leadersmatter. To join the conversation via Twitter, please access #LeadersMatter.
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