Waltham School Committee Reviews Superintendent

Waltham Public Schools Superintendent Susan Nicholson received mostly good marks for performance during her annual evaluation on Tuesday.

The Waltham School Committee, during its Tuesday meeting, issued their second review of Nicholson since she came to Waltham in 2011. 

This year marks the district’s first time using the newly-mandated educator evaluation system imposed by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, according to School Committee Vice Chairman Lisa Limonciello. She compiled the reviews from the committee members. It covers July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2013. 

Below are highlights of the review. For even more detailed results, please contact the school district for a copy of the evaluation) 

PROGRESS TOWARD GOALS

·      Professional practice:will conduct 6 observations per week: exceeded

·      Student learning: will work with staff to increase the percent of grade 2 students reading at or above their grade level from 64 percent to 70 percent) : met

·     District improvement: met

a) Create and implement district data team to analyze dist wide trends and patterns in achievement and provide oversight and coordination: met

b) Implement new educator evaluation system: met

Standards

·      Instructional Leadership: Proficient

·      Management and Operations: Proficient

·      Family and Community Engagement: Proficient

·      Professional Culture: Proficient

·  IMPACT ON STUDENT LEARNING: Moderate

COMMENTS/AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

·      In the comments section of the review, the committee noted areas for Nicholson to improve, including: conflict management, communication with the community on district’s challenges, retention of staff and budgeting.

·      The committee also hailed Nicholson for her frequent classroom observations and marked increases in student learning.

·      Limonciello noted the comments reflect common themes among the members and do not reflect the opinions of individual members.

--Nicholson asked the committee why the grade 2 reading goal was only "met" instead of "exceeded" given she got to 72 percent, to which School Committee member Robert Cincotta said he viewed getting to the "exceeding" rating as a matter of getting enough above the 70 percent rating to justify exceeding. He said had Nicholson received at 73 percent, she could have got the "exceeding" rating.