Getting Buy-in to Make Changes in Your District · !Getting Buy-in to Make Changes in Your District Learn how one New England school district made significant changes, saved money,

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 Getting Buy-in to Make Changes in Your District

Learn how one New England school district made significant changes, saved money, and

increased quality. YES, IT CAN ACTUALLY HAPPEN!

Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools

Thomas W. Giard III Assistant Superintendent

Personnel & Staff Development

Meriden, CT •  CT’s 10th Largest City ~ 61,000 residents •  The Meriden Public Schools

– 8,800 students – 12 Schools

•  8 elementary, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools – 650 teachers – 1100 total staff

•  65% Minority Student Population •  66% Free or Reduced Lunch

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Substitute Teacher Fast Facts

•  Substitute Teachers Assignments – 2010-2011 – 11,025 – 2011-2012 – 10,732 (decrease 293

assignments) •  Equates to 16 days per teacher per year

out of the classroom

Why Substitutes Matter!

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Our “CHANGE” Scenario

•  For the last 10 years, Meriden subcontracted out its substitute teacher services at a premium price.

•  We had four months to convince Board of Education and our administrators to bring sub services back in-house.

•  …and that it was a good idea!

Our Keys to Facilitating Change

•  Research the issue •  Coherent Message and Strategy

– 2-3 Key Bullets •  Marketing •  Build Momentum •  Keep Stakeholders Informed

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Do the Research!

•  Find  out  who  else  is  doing  what  you  want  to  do.  

•  Learn  everything  about  what  they  do  and  how  they  do  it.  

•  Adapt  ideas  to  your  district.  •  People  love  data.  

Message and Strategy •  Create the vision.

–  “What could be!” •  Delineate the steps to getting there.

–  If people see you are organized, they tend to believe you more.

–  If people see you have a plan, the work becomes less intimidating.

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Marketing Your Way to Success •  Brand it! •  Build it! •  Advertise it!

Success builds momentum!

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Building  a  Team

Build Momentum

• Celebrate Successes • Address Weaknesses • Make Improvements • Recognize People

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Quality Recognition Program •  Substitutes are recognized at 5, 25, 50, and 100 days of

teaching in the district. –  5 days – Meriden Welcome Bag –  25 days – Personal Notecard from Assistant Supt. &

Pride in All We Do Notebook –  50 days – Personal Note from Superintendent & $5

coffee gift card –  100 days – Personal Notecard & Coffee Mug

•  Birthday card to all substitute teachers from Assistant Superintendent for Personnel & Staff Development

Keep Stakeholders Informed

•  Monthly analysis reports – Shared with central office team and union

leadership •  Feedback from teacher and administrators

throughout the year •  Satisfaction survey to all substitutes at end of

the year •  Keep the Board of Education apprised of

program

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Ques;ons  

Our Contact Info

Mark D. Benigni, Ed.D Superintendent of Schools

203-630-4171 mark.benigni@meridenk12.or

g

Thomas W. Giard III Assistant Superintendent

Personnel & Staff Development 203-630-4209

thomas.giard@meridenk12.org

www.meridenk12.org Meriden Public Schools

22 Liberty Street Meriden, CT 06450