Empowered School Communities

We need a system of schools where principals are responsible for managing the most important decisions affecting their schools, including personnel decisions, so that schools are the unit of change. Decisions should be made by those who are closest to children - principals, teachers, and families. Resources should be distributed equitably and follow students to schools. Adults should be held accountable for gains in student learning and achievement.

Our emphasis should be on performance rather than compliance with rules and regulations. Therefore, innovation must be more than grudgingly allowed - it is to be encouraged. In the event that sustained growth in student learning does not occur, the accountability system should be based on collaboration and intensive support.

Autonomy for accountability will be assured when...

• The Board of Education has set high standards for student achievement and adult job performance, and has a system for monitoring school and adult performance.
• What schools need is what determines central office services, with central offices supporting increased flexibility and advocating for schools to county, state, and federal authorities.
• District leaders expend energy advocating for removal of barriers and constraints rather than focusing on compliance and accepting current state and federal regulations as givens.
• Principals are selected according to high, community standards and supported and expected to build professional learning communities and make decisions about staffing, budget, strategy, and curriculum in return for accountability for student learning.
• The OUSD Central Office provides support when schools are not making sustained growth - and has a robust performance management system for all employees with clear rewards and consequences for results.
  

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