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NASD Hosts Annual Administrators Retreat

Pictured above:  Kelly Coltharp, Bob Rainer, and Lisa Mitchell make a presentation related to the book "Crucial Conversations:  Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High".  Administrators read this book in preparation for the Administrators' Retreat and were assigned a particular chapter of the book to present to the entire group.  Presentations included discussion, role play, PowerPoint presentations, and videos.

The New Albany School District held its Administrators’ Retreat on June 21-22 at the Magnolia Civic Center.  The retreat’s theme, “Step It Up”, reflected the expectations for administrators, teachers, and students for the coming school year.

Phil Nanney, Executive Director of the Union County Development Association, welcomed the group of administrators to the Magnolia Civic Center and encouraged them to continually measure up and evaluate their performance.  Nanney reminded the administrators that educators have more control of what will happen to the future of our community than any other group.

Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent of Schools, welcomed the administrators to the retreat and to a new school year.  “I feel that our district is ready to ‘step it up’ more than any other time since I have been in New Albany,” Garrett stated.  “We have the right people in the right place and a School Board that is ready to lead and support us.”

Garrett discussed some of the changes that had occurred in the district over the past year and how these were specific examples of how the district was “Stepping It Up!”  The required summer reading assignments for grades 3-12 is a huge step in increasing awareness for the importance of reading in our school district.  The revised exam exemption policy sends a great message to students that academics are important and we want them to be ready for comprehensive tests and college.  A longer school day will provide additional minutes in the day for accelerated reading, health education, tutoring, and remediation.

Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent, gave an overview of the new on-line teacher certification renewal process offered through the Mississippi Department of Education.  Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, and Transportation, discussed the Federal Programs from which the district was receiving funds including Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant.  She also discussed the possibility of receiving funds from the Even Start and 21st Century Grants.

During the afternoon session on June 21, each administrator worked and gave a fifteen-minute presentation about their specific area of responsibility and the specific goals they would be working toward in the coming school year.

A book entitled Crucial Conversations:  Tools for Talking When Stakes are High was assigned to the group of administrators in early June.  Their assignment included reading the book and each administrator was asked to give a presentation on a specific chapter.  These presentations included PowerPoint presentations, videos, role-play, and discussions.

“The New Albany School District Administrators’ Retreat provided us uninterrupted time to discuss the district’s goals and how everyone is revenant in meeting those goals,” said Kelly Coltharp, Director of Special Services. “The best part about the time together was seeing everyone dedicated to making New Albany Schools the best district in the state, no matter what obstacles the future holds. We have a group of creative, loyal, hardworking, and intelligent people who want the best for New Albany's children and families and I am thrilled to be a part of this excelling group.”

Those attending the Administrators’ Retreat were:  Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent; Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent; Lecia Stubblefield, Director of Curriculum, Federal Programs, & Transportation; Jamey Wright, NAES Principal; Kristen Richey, NAES Assistant Principal; Lisa Mitchell, NAMS Principal; Bob Rainer, NAMS Assistant Principal; Lance Evans, NAHS Principal; John Ferrell, NAHS Assistant Principal; Earl Richard, NAHS Assistant Principal; Minerva Graham, Director of NASTUC; Kelly Coltharp, Director of Special Services; Larry Pannell, Assistant Director of Transportation; Melanie Shannon, Media Relations; Shane Sanderson, Athletic Director; Terry Stidham, Director of Maintenance; Margaret Floyd, Director of Child Nutrition; Suzanne Hill, Business Manager; Les Sumner, Network Administrator; Heather Linville, Administrator Intern; and Talina Knight, Administrator Intern.

Pictured below:  Jackie Ford, Assistant Superintendent; Heather Linville; Dr. Charles Garrett, Superintendent; and Talina Knight.  Linville and Knight are associated with the University of Mississippi's Principal Corp and will serve as Principal Interns this school year.  Knight will be serving at NAES first semester and NAHS second semester.  Linville will be serving at NAES second semester.  Knight and Linville attended the first day's session of the Administrators' Retreat.