SPS Committee Gives Superintendent 'Proficient' Rating

(CORRECTION: The overall rating given to Superintendent Anne Wilson was "proficient.")

The Sudbury Public Schools Committee made public its evaluation of Superintendent Anne Wilson during its meeting on April 24 and rated her second year as "proficient."

Chairman Rich Robison said the Committee was using as new evaluation system approved by the Department of Education.

"It's an important thing to recognize this is a system that is based on an evaluation framework," he said. "The priorities are to look at student learning, promote growth and development, shorten time-lines for improvement in all staff performances."

Performance on standards and how she was rated are:

Standard I:  Instructional Leadership -- Exemplary
Standard II:  Management and Operations --  Proficient
Standard III:  Family and Community Engagement -- Proficient
Standard IV: Professional Culture -- Proficient

Progress toward goals:

Professional Practice Goal -- Met
Student Learning Goal -- Met
District Improvement Goals -- Met

Ratings for indicators are either:

• Unsatisfactory
• Needs improvement
• Proficient
• or Exemplary

"We were all very much aligned with each other," said Committee member Ellen Winer Joachim. "Our own individual reports are very similar and in agreement. It gave me confidence in the process."

The Committee, minus Vice Chair Lisa Gutch who was absent, unanimously gave Wilson an overall rating of proficent.

"During her second year Dr. Wilson has provided high professional standards, provided a higher learning environment, significant time implementing a new evaluation system, and has worked with leadership teams," Robison read from the evaluation report. "There have been many challenges. When she has encounter dissatisfaction, she has addressed those concerns. In addressing student safety, she has handled this in the eyes of the Committee quite effectively. She took action quickly, worked to address student and Committee concerns. She has established herself as a leader in Sudbury Public Schools."

Committee member Bob Armour said despite giving a needs improvement grade in a few areas, he was overall pleased with the direction Wilson is leading SPS in.

"I do appreciate the high standards for the district, it’s important we have that at every level," he said. "You’ve made a lot of progress.There a few areas I rated as needs improvement, just to give her a sense of room for improvement. I want to make it clear I feel good about the progress."