Members of the Aiken County Board of Education shared their continued excitement for the forward momentum of Aiken County’s schools under the leadership of District Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford. October 24’s evaluation marked Dr. Alford’s second annual review as superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools. During his tenure, he has consecutively received “Excellent” ratings.
At October 10’s School Board Meeting, Aiken County’s superintendent presented highlights of the work he and his team accomplished during the 2016-17 school year, with particular emphasis on four focus areas: monitoring instructional programs for continuous improvement, maintaining active communication with stakeholders to promote positive relations, oversight to ensure compliance with mission and beliefs, and managing operations and functions efficiently. Dr. Alford also shared progress made in three areas of board concern, including middle school transformation, leadership development for current employees and public perception, especially within the business community.
District highlights from the 2016-17 school year include the following, and many more:
· Attained a record-high graduation rate of 90%.
· Expanded Summer Learning, including many advancement and remediation opportunities for middle school students.
· Established thematic programs at all high schools.
· Conducted a series of Town Hall meetings throughout the community.
· Launched a community workforce collaborative, Aiken Works.
Following a discussion and formal evaluation of his performance, Board members returned from Executive Session expressing gratitude to Dr. Alford for energizing employees, students and the community on a path to a premier school district.
Vice Chair Mr. Tad Barber made the motion that the board concluded Dr. Alford would receive an “Excellent” evaluation for the 2016-17, and that as a result of his “overall excellence,” that his contract would be extended by an additional year through June 30, 2021 and that he’d receive a 3% salary increase, effective July 1, 2017.
Mr. Barber’s motion was properly seconded and unanimously approved by all school board members.
“Aiken County Public Schools, under Dr. Alford’s leadership, is working extremely hard to expose all students to a great learning experience,” Board Chair Mr. Levi Green concluded. “I believe that we’re well on the way to becoming a premier school district.”
To review a comprehensive packet of 2016-17 Superintendent Goals & Results, click here.
ACPSD Communications