Pamela Bartkowski From: Rhonda Saegert Sent: Thursdayl July 02, 2015 12:28 PM To: Pamela Bartkowski Subject: Application for Parma Interim Superintendent Attachments: CorrSaegertResumeZOlS.doc; Parmadocx; MimsRecommendationdocx; ZITEK Letter of Recommendationdocx Ms. Bartkowski, Enclosed I have included my resume, letter of interest and 5 letters of reference for the Interim Superintendent position with the Parma City Schools. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this exciting opportunity to serve the Parma community. If you need additional information, please email me at this address or call me at Sincerely, Rhonda A. Corr Saegeit Iuly 1, 2015 Dear Search Committee: Thank you for considering my application for interim Superintendent with the Parma Public Schools. With nearly 27 years of educational experience in both teaching and leadership in large diverse districts, 1 would be honored to some your district and draw upon my leadership experiences. I am from Northeast Ohio and would love the opportunity to come home to work with the Penna community. As Chief of Schools for the Chicago Public Schools, I have had the opportunity to work with 36 schools that are comprised of nearly 30,000 students. The schools range from very high performing to mrnaround schools. This past year, my team and I were able to implement data?driven supports to make gains in 34 of the 35 schools that we had in our Network (one additional school was added this year), the largest in Chicago. Additionally, the work with the Local School Councils (elected school boards for each school) and communities has also been a very positive eXperience as We collaborated to put positive measures in place to ensure effective and timely communication and success for our children. I truly believe that relationships and Open dialogue are essential elements to the success of our schools and community and work tirelessly to make sure that we are partners in this important work. I am also bilingual and this has been very helpful while working with my Hispanic parents and partners. I believe that my vast experiences provide me with a well~rounded perspective of the school superintendent position. I understand what it takes to lead a highly functioning school system, from being an educational leader to being ?scally responsible and ensuring district resources are used appropriately. Throughout my career, I have always been collaborative and visionary. I have a track record of hiring well and building highly functioning team. 1 thoroughly enjoy working with people and leading teams to make ongoing improvements. The Interim Superintendent position with Forms Public Schools is an exciting opportunity. I have had success in my former endeavors and would welcome the opportunity to work with your schools. I look forward to talking with you about my candidacy. Sincerely, RWA. Cow 50?ch Rhonda A. Corr Saegert, Eds. Rhonda A. Corr Saegert . Chicago, IL 60655 Phone:; Email: I Executive Profile Ambitious and results driven educational leader who creates strategic alliances with organizational leaders to effectively align with and support key educational reform initiatives. Builds and retains high performance teams by hiring, developing and motivating skilled professionals. Students are at the center ofall decisions. Skill Highlights Project management Strategic planning Leadership communication skills Data Analysis Bilingual (Spanish) Employee Relations Planning/implementation of programs Training and development Organizational development/restructure Local School Council Collaboration Social-Emotional Learning implementation School Improvement planning Core Accomplishments Obtained highest network student growth in Chicago for 2013-14, second highest network student attainment, and preliminary results for 2014-15 show gains as well. 0 Spearheaded efforts to move 3 schools from Level 3 (lowest) to Level 1 (highest), 14 schools moved from Level 2 to Level 1, 1 school moved from Level 3 to Level 2, and 17 schools made growth within their Levels. Spearheaded efforts to reduce suspension rates (10% in 2013-14) and preliminarily, 42% in 2014-15) and improved attendance rates. 0 Selected by CEO to lead district efforts with English Learners, neighborhood high schools, Assistant Principal evaluations, and Senior Leadership presentation. a Engaged with community leaders, businesses and families to partner with schools. 0 Selected to be key speaker in South Korea for refugee educational efforts, and by the Council of Great City Schools and National Association of Bilingual Education to present on English Learners, immigrant and refugee education. Professional Experience Chief of Schools (Area Superintendent) August 2013 to Current Chicago Public School District - Chicago, - Led Network comprised of 36 schools and nearly 30,000 students. 0 Provided leadership in instruction and student growth strategies. - Selected and trained a network staff consisting of 6 Instructional Support Leaders, a Data Strategist, 2 Diverse Learner Coaches, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, a REACH (Principal and Teacher Evaluation) specialist, and an Executive Assistant. 0 Developed and provided differentiated professional development for Principals, Assistant Principals and Teachers in 36 schools as well as Network Instructional Support Leaders in the areas of Instructional Leadership Teams, Priority Standards, NWEA RIT Band Instruction, Data Team Process, Common Formative Assessments, Priority Standards, Common Core, Social-Emotional Learning, Data Analysis, Problem Solving Process, and School Security. a Direct supervision over Principals, Assistant Principals, Instructional Support Leaders and other Network personnel. 0 Collaborated with State representatives to target intervention strategies for priority schools. - Developed and monitored school improvement plans (CIWP) and budget alignment. - Facilitated the implementation of Cycles of Professional Learning for all schools. - Monitored hiring process for all staff. 0 Conducted Principal evaluations. - Developed and maintained a network SWOT analysis to monitor school performance. 0 Implemented personalized learning strategies across Network. - Offered specific training programs to help employees maintain and improve job skills. - Evaluated all school-wide programs. - Managed a $20 million operating budget. - Collaborated with the Local School Councils (School Boards) for 36 schools. - Implemented community and business partnerships with schools to support student learning and experiences. Principal January 2004 to July 2013 Cleveland Metropolitan School District Cleveland, OH International Newcomers Academy, Founding Principal, (Pre-K 12) John Marshall High School (student population 1,800 2,100) Corlett Elementary (Pre-K - 8) Hired, supervised and evaluated teachers, para-professional staff, custodians, safety and security officers, clerical staff and kitchen personnel. 0 implemented social-emotional learning initiatives with all students, staff and parents. Collaborated with District and Cleveland Police Department to create and implement safe schools policies and procedures. 0 Created school-business-community partnerships. - Coordinated events with media and district personnel to promote the District. - Co-Chairperson to collaborate with union leaders to create and implement Peer Assistance Review initiative Collaborated with District personnel for Scope and Sequence initiatives. 0 Selected by Chief of Staff to participate in customer friendly service program and instructional Rounds protocols. Received Harvard Leadership Award (Northeast Ohio). Assistant Principal July 1999 to January 2004 Cleveland Public Schools Cleveland, OH John Marshall High School Collinwood High School Jane Addams Business Careers Center Master Scheduler. Supervised interview committee to select staff. Supervisor of athletics and extracurricular activities. Supervised safety and security staff and policies. Evaluated teachers and staff. Selected by Superintendent to be the Principal of Summer School. Teacher August 1988 to July 1999 Cleveland Public Schools Cleveland, OH - Taught Spanish, special education and sociology at Glenville High School, Jane Addams Business Careers Center, Harvey Rice Elementary School and Patrick Henry Junior High School. - Developed lesson plans and instructional materials and provided individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student. 0 Used a variety of instruction strategies, such as inquiry, project based learning, group discussion, direct instruction, etc. - Served as Grade Level Chairperson - Served as Cleveland Teachers? Union building representative. - Evaluated students? academic and social growth, kept appropriate records, and prepared progress reports. - Communicated with parents through conferences and other means to discuss students? progress and interpret the school program. - Identified student needs and cooperated with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students and families solve health, attitude and learning problems. a Coach (Swimming, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball and Bowling) and tutor. Education Ed. Doctoral Studies, Educational Leadership September 2009 to Current University of Akron Akron, OH *All Coursework Complete! All But Dissertation status Educational Specialist Degree - Superintendent Endorsement, Educational Administration 2000 Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH Masters of Education, Special Education, Specific Learning Disabilities 1993 Cleveland State University - Cleveland, OH B.A., Bachelors of Arts in Education, Spanish Major, Sociology Minor 1988 Cleveland State University - Cleveland, OH Undergraduate Studies, Education 1983-1986 University of Toledo - Toledo, OH Additional Training Chicago Executive Leadership Academy 2014 Superintendent Leadership Training - Chicago, IL 2012 Executive Principals Academy (School Turnaround), The Ohio State University Columbus, OH 2012 McRel Leadership Training - Cleveland, OH 2010 Larry Coble Leadership Training - Cleveland, OH 2009 Certification Superintendent, Principal (K-12), Spanish Specific Learning Disabilities (K-12) and Sociology (7-12) - Ohio July 1, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter of recommendation for Rhonda Corr for the position of Interim Superintendent for the Parma City Schools. I have known Rhonda for the past 15 years. She first served as a Principal of an elementary school and the largest comprehensive high school while I was the Chief Executive Of?cer in Cleveland. Rhonda is now the Chief of Schools in Chicago where she leads 36 schools, which serve nearly 30,000 students in Chicago. Rhonda successfully manages a large network in Chicago that has nearly 30,000 students. Each school has it?s own Local School Council as well as area Aldermen. During her two years, Rhonda has effectively built solid relationships with the community and political representatives and has done a great job as the instructional leader. Her Network led all networks in student growth last year and was second in student attainment. Suspension rates decreased in her ?rst year and preliminary data shows additional and substantial decline again this year. She is a genuine advocate for her students and community. Rhonda has strong people skills and has developed a solid leadership team. She has a thorough understanding of educational issues on both a state and national level. Rhonda is a person of high integrity who is very caring and compassionate about the communities she serves. She believes that children should be at the center of all decisions. I believe that Rhonda has both the passion and skillset needed to lead a diverse school district and highly recommend Rhonda Corr Saegert for the position of Interim Director for the Farina City Schools. She has a strong track record of success and is a proven organizational and educational leader. Sincerely, Barbara Byrd?Bennett (C CIBVELAND PYROPULITAN {001. DISTRICT Chief Executive Officer Em. S. Gordon Board of Education Denise W. Ln Board Chair Louise D. Dempsey VICE Chair Ericka L. Atxa'as Anr-e E. Bingnarr Robert M. Heard, Sr. Willetta A. Milam Shaletha T. Mitchel' Stephanie Memes Lisa ?1 homes, PM). Ex Of?cio Members Ronald IV, Berkman, Phi). Alex Johnson, PM). Natividad Pagan, Principal International Newcomers Academy @Thomas Jefferson July 1, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter of recommendation for Rhonda Corr Saegert for the position of Interim Superintendent for the Parma City Schools. I have known Rhonda for the past ll) years. As the Director of Multilingual Education and as Principal in the Cleveland Metropolitan Schools, I have had the opportunity to know and observe Ms. Corr Saegert in the performance of her professional reSponsibilities, and I can attest that she possesses dynamic leadership qualities, innate compassion for diverse students and the ability to forge collaborative and productive relationships with diverse stakeholders that has resulted in her excellent success as an urban school leader. In Cleveland, Ms. Corr Saegert demonstrated her capacity to lead educational reform initiatives to successfully meet the needs of diverse communities and school settings throughout various sectors of our large urban school district. She served as Principal at an elementary school, a large comprehensive high school, and at an International Newcomers Academy, addressing systematically in each school the needs of special education students, English Language Learners and students with gaps in academic performance with innovative interventions services. In all assignments, she addressed challenges with tenacity, and by a clear vision, leading teacher teams to embrace change, and establishing broad based community partnerships to usher resources and supports to achieve established goals. She has a strong track record of success and is a proven organizational and educational leader. At the district level Rhonda served on many to lead educational reform and initiatives such as social emotional learning, teacher evaluation systems, LEP improvement plans, Closing the Achievement Gap for minority students, Hispanic graduation rate, and professional deveIOpment. She is a person of high integrity who is very caring and compassionate about the scholars and families she serves. She always puts the students at the center of all her decisions. I believe that Rhonda has both the integrity, the compassion, the drive and the multi? level leadership skills needed to lead a diverse multicultural school district and highly recommend Rhonda Corr Saegert for the position of Interim Superintendent for the Parrna City Schools. Sincerely, Natividad Pagan Principal INA Jefferson S-?ooc, 3145 lat-est 46"- - Sf OH rH1102 Of?ce: 21o sea?Slot! Fax. 216 401-5492 ClevelandMe:roSotooascrg ATLANTIC RESEARCH PARTNERS REAL. RESEARCH. REAL RESULTS. July I, 2015 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This letter is in reference to Ms. Rhonda Corr-Saegert, who is now a candidate for a leadership position within your organization. During my tenure as a member of SUPES Academy faculty, I gained extensive opportunities to observe Ms. Corr?Saegert?s leadership skills, and to review her extensive record of achievement. I sense that I am well-positioned to provide you with a candid analysis of her abilities and talents. I should also add that, for a multiplicity of reasons, I do not hesitate in recommending her for the position. First, I have found Ms. Corr?Saegert capable of leading and inspiring diverse groups towards Specific, focused and well thought-out goals?- even when the groups she brings together tend to be otherwise fractious. Her method of helping disparate interests ?nd common ground is genuinely eXceptional. Second, Ms. Corr-Saegert has demonstrated a signi?cant commitment to high standards for all kids and to appropriate supports for those kids and educators who may need more to ensure actual and sustainable achievement. Her focus on standards and clear objectives is data?driven and tenacious. The changes she helped implement as Chief of Schools at Chicago Public Schools?changes I observed ?rsthand while performing services for the District?were systemic and thorough, and designed to serve kids long into the future. Ms. Corr?Saegert appeared markedly successful in empowering and deveIOping her staff; further, from my discussions with her, I have concluded that her systemic knowledge of programs and curriculum is profoundly deep. Third, I sense that part of Ms. Corr~Saegert?s effectiveness arises from her Openness, approachability and candor. Unlike a lot of leaders, in both the public and private sectors, she remains grounded, and focused on What?s important long term. That, coupled with her willingness to listen and consider all options, serves her and the education community well. For all of these reasons, I am more than happy to recommend Ms. Rhonda Corr~Saegert for your organization?s consideration. Should you have any questions, or wish to discuss these matters further, please feel free to contact me directly. Sincereiy, ?m Joseph Wise (Io?Founder and CEO 910 West Van Buren ST, Suite 315. Chicago. IL 60607 June 30, 2015 To Whom it May Concern: I'm honored to be writing this letter of recommendation for Ms. Rhonda Saegert. Ms. Saegert was the principal at the International "Newcomers Academy at Thomas Jefferson (Cleveland MetIOpolitan School District). I was lucky enough to work as a teacher with her from. 201 1~2013. Ms. Saegert was the type of principal every teacher wants: supportive, collaborative, and passionate about educating. Students at the International Newcomers Academy (INA) are new to the United States and are English Language Learners. Many of our students are refugees who have limited education experience or interrupted education. Ms. Saegert created a school environment that not only was welcoming and supportive to all, but also academically challenging. Teachers and students alike felt appreciated in the educational process. Ms. Saegert believed all students could succeed, thus building a school-wide positivity. Our students believed they could learn, and our teachers believed they were more than capable in teaching students with many academic and emotional needs. Under Ms. Saegert's leadership, we were all successful. Ms. Saegert also understood the need to collaborate with the teachers. She made sure that she was Visible throughout the day visiting classrooms, walking through the hallways, and sitting with students in the cafeteria. She made herself available to teachers and students. We all felt encouraged and supported in sharing ideas to better educate our students. There was not a teacher in our building who didn't feel he or she could go to Ms. Saegert with questions and concerns. Ms. Saegert is a true leader in the ?eld of education. She is warm and supportive of her staff and students. She leads with con?dence and humor. Any school district would be enhanced by her employ. I would be more than happy to discuss my positive experiences with Ms. Rhonda Saegert. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Stacy E. Zitek Intervention Specialist International Newcomers Academy Thomas Jefferson Cleveland, Ohio 44102 . MEETING STREET June 30, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: I am happy to write this letter of reference for Ms. Rhonda Saegert, an exemplary instructional leader with whom I have had the pleasure of working for the past two years. Ms. Saegert joined Chicago Public Schools as Chief of Schools as lwas leaving the same position to serve in an educational consulting firm. Therefore, I have had the opportunity to get to know Ms. Saegert both as a colleague who shared the same unique role in CPS and also as professional development provider who worked with several of schools she led. I have seen ?rst hand the talents, skill and passion that Ms. Rhonda Saegert possesses in the name of driving great outcomes for students. Ms. Saegert is a goai~oriented and enthusiastic leader with an towards educational equity for all students. She is fearless in her work to ensure students are first in all decisions her team makes. Ms. Saegert is an excellent communicator and demonstrates consistent ability to problem solve and manage multiple challenging and high priority issues with outstanding results. Her ability to build positive relationships with teachers and staff, students and parents, internal and external stakeholders, in my opinion, is one of her strongest assets. It is her strong desire to build a system that supports the individual needs of all students. Over the past two years as Chief of Schools, Ms. Saegert has worked to improve the schools in her Network and has driven significant results. Last year, the schools she led were the highest in growth and second in attainment as measured by NWEA, quite a feat in her first year as Chief in a system as large as From the moment she arrived in Chicago, she hit the ground running and hasn?t stopped since. This leader clearly has the vision and also the ability to follow through strategically to produce signi?cant impact for students. Without reservation, I recommend Ms. Rhonda Saegert for the role of interim Superintendent for the Parma City Schools. She is ready for the challenge, and consistently demonstrates the ability to serve your students, families and community well. Sincerely, Am Mims Executive Director