Career Pathways for Guilford County Schools' Principals

  • MEMORANDUM

     

    TO:                   Members, Board of Education

     

    FROM:             Sharon L. Contreras, Superintendent

                             Shirley Morrison, Chief Human Resources Officer

                 

    DATE:              March 16, 2018

     

    RE:                  Career Pathways for Guilford County Schools Principals

     

     

    Under the leadership of the Board of Education, Guilford County Schools has launched a bold and innovative strategic plan that will guide the work of the district through 2022. The strategic plan will ensure that GCS students will graduate as responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education, or in the careers of their choice. The district has valued diversity, empathy, integrity, innovation and equity as it moves into the next chapter of its development. And, investing in the district’s people is one of the top priorities essential to the district’s success.

     

    Principals are a vital part of the Guilford County Schools (GCS) vision to ensure effective staff are ready to meet the needs of every student in the district. The GCS Board and leaders have realized that effective principals attract and retain strong teachers, and that the district will lose the most effective leaders if it doesn’t pay attention to the leaders most effective at supporting outcomes for students. In addition, lockstep compensation systems and a lack of career pathways hinder the district’s efforts to retain the brightest and most effective staff to meet student needs.

     

    As part of the 2022 strategic plan, GCS has committed to develop career pathways and strategies that reflect, retain and expand the reach of excellent teachers and principals and allow them to grow professionally in their current positions and beyond. In addition, the district is looking to implement compensation policies and practices that allow the district to attract and retain effective teachers and principals, incorporating higher compensation for those who perform better and lead or teach in high-need schools.

     

    Attachment