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90-Day Entry Plan

Superintendent John Pace visiting schools with i3 header
Cover of Superintendents Entry Plan Report

Dear Henry County Schools Community,

As I reflect upon my first 90 days in the Office of Superintendent for Henry County Schools, I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome provided to me and my family. As a new superintendent, I have spent my first several months getting to know students, employees, parents, and community members. This process has given me the opportunity to meet with hundreds of people from all stakeholder groups as I sought to understand the district from each of their perspectives. While I have gained a great deal of insight during this time, I am also well aware that there is still much to learn. 

The design of my 90-day entry plan provided me with the opportunity to gather and analyze information from a wide variety of sources. As I’ve walked the halls of each of our schools, our principals, teachers, and support staff quickly learned that I am a “data person.” My tablet is never far from my reach as I frequently ponder the wealth of data available to us as school leaders and how we can use  it to inform next steps toward improving student outcomes. However, the reason I like data may be surprising. To me, it isn’t simply about the numbers; it is more about the students, the teachers, the people behind the numbers. 

Each of our schools and each of the children and adults who walk the halls of our schools has a story. Data helps to illuminate that story. In any good story, the narrative progresses through twists and turns, ups and downs. Data gives us the opportunity to know and understand our students, teachers, and families. Comprehending the narrative as the story is being told and making the necessary adjustments along the way allow us to reach our desired outcome.

As a district of 53 schools and academies, we already have many of the elements of an exceptional story – a unified governance team, a powerful Community-Inspired Strategic Plan, driven and talented students and staff, and top-notch facilities, systems, and resources. The journey we’ve embarked on throughout my first 90 days will serve as a source to author our next chapters, which promise to bring us closer to a conclusion where every HCS student has access to a high-quality, world-class education that leads to success in a global society.

Dr. John Pace, III
Superintendent, Henry County Schools

Read more about Dr. Pace's Findings and Summary of the 90-Day Pursuit to Exceptional.

 

i3 = The Formula for Exceptional

Cover page of the PDF file: SuperintendentPace_i3_90_DayPlan

The purpose of the i3 Plan was to ensure Henry County Schools is on the path to realizing its  Vision, and its Mission is visible, understood,  and valued through our actions and processes. The district’s Strategic Plan served as the roadmap to guide the exploration and discovery process and inform next steps.

Implementing a plan that integrates seamlessly with HCS’ daily operations was paramount to establishing the synergy essential for moving forward in the “Pursuit of Exceptional.” 

Executing the plan over the 90-day period encompassed targeted engagement with stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, principals, district staff, school board members, community partners, business partners, and inter-governmental local and state partners. The i3 Plan unfolded through three phases: The i3 plan will unfold in three phases:

initiate Opportunities to Learn and Communicate, Creating Cohesion and Confidence in Henry County Schools.

integrate Access to Assess Student Learning Aligned to the Strategic Plan.

illustrate Outcomes toward Exceptional in HCS through Process by presenting findings and recommending next steps, painting and visualizing the pathway forward in “Pursuit of Exceptional.”

The goals of the i3 Plan are as follows:

  1. Ensure an effective, efficient, and orderly transition of leadership, with emphasis on increased student learning and achievement within safe and secure school environments.
  2. Build a cohesive and professional relationship with the Board of Education.
  3. Create opportunities to listen broadly and deeply to stakeholders across Henry County Schools and gain a comprehensive understanding of all key aspects, including the district's culture and climate, inclusive of student, employee, parent, and community morale.
  4. Amplify and connect the framework for success to all stakeholders regarding HCS’ Vision, Mission, and the Strategic Plan and its action steps while building on the commitment to continuous improvement.