For immediate release
February 26, 2001

Board develops leaders for tomorrow
        Everyone can be a leader - not only that but the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is investing in the development of leaders from within. A leader in education is a driving force behind continuous school and system improvement and student achievement.
        "We have been examining the impending need for leadership across our Board," said Audrey Carter, Chair of the Board. "This has resulted in a long term process to foster the development of leaders within our system. This commitment to developing individuals, professionally and personally, will ensure that students of the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board will continue to have a great place to learn."
        Planning for the leadership program started in the Fall of 1999 when the Board identified the need to develop a clear succession plan. The first step was to talk to employees from across the Board about leadership. These consultations with all employee groups, teaching and non-teaching, lead to the development of some key beliefs.
        "As with any organization, there are positions of added responsibility - but fundamentally, every employee must demonstrate leadership skills," says David Fox, Assistant to the Superintendents.
        Several strategies stemmed from the development of the key beliefs. An Administrative Handbook is being compiled to bring together all of the incidental information in addition to Board policies and procedures, that will help individuals new to a principal or vice-principal role with the Board. A Leadership Profile was developed which provides a framework for all staff to build a professional portfolio. Workshops are being planned for topics such as portfolios based on the new profile and mentoring.
        To introduce the leadership program to employees, the Board has developed resources for staff. There is a brochure that explains the beliefs and components of the leadership plan. An internal website has also been developed where employees may view the contents of the brochure and also download their own copy of the complete Leadership Profile.
 

For information contact:
David Fox, Assistant to the Superintendents 966-1170 ext. 2412