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SubscribePrincipals at three Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District schools undergoing leadership assessments do have the capacity to lead their school’s continued improvement efforts, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). Findings of the leadership assessments conducted at Doss, Iroquois and Seneca High schools were released this morning to JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens and the principals.
Each school has been designated as a priority school by the KDE, and the leadership assessment is part of the KDE’s ongoing review of these schools. As part of the review, the KDE Leadership Assessment Team determined that Doss Principal Marty Pollio, Iroquois Principal Clay Holbrook and Seneca Principal Kim Morales have the capacity to lead improvement interventions.
“I’m proud but not surprised that these thorough, independent assessments by the Kentucky Department of Education recognize the strong leadership and student-centered focus of Doss, Iroquois and Seneca,” Dr. Hargens said. “We appreciate the diligent work of the assessment teams, and we welcome the fresh perspective on our strengths and challenges as we continue to create an optimal learning environment for all JCPS students.”
Some highlights from the assessments include the following:
Doss High School
- The assessment team noted in its report that “the leadership of Doss High School has made a significant shift in transforming the school.”
- Reviewers noted that in less than two years the school has made “major strides to cultivate a positive school culture, improve student behavior, enhance student engagement and improve instructional practices.”
- The team praised the school’s culture of high expectations that “permeated across the school.”
- The KDE review team also noted areas where the school can improve. Those areas include providing new teachers with additional supports and mentoring, encouraging teachers to provide students with tangible examples of mastering academic standards and continuing its goal to ensure rigorous academic curriculum in all courses and classes.
Iroquois High School
- The assessment team noted that the principal has formed a committee to assist in the redevelopment of a mission and vision for the school, because he “wanted it to be more than words, but lived everyday throughout the school.”
- The team recognized the principal’s focus to provide support services to students and their families through the implementation of a Parent Center – a center created to ensure parents had ongoing access to their child’s academic performance even when there was not a computer in the home.
- The team recognized the school’s focus on building relationships with students and the community, and noted its focus on academic achievement – particularly in the area of college and career readiness.
- The KDE team also noted areas where the school should focus its improvement efforts. Those areas include monitoring and supporting teacher instruction to increase learning and student achievement.
Seneca High School
- KDE noted the efforts of the principal to create a new vision for the school and a renewed focus on collaboration, collegiality and a positive school culture.
- Reviewers recognized the school’s efforts to build caring relationships with scholars and staff. In fact, the team noted that when it asked scholars what they liked most about the school, the responses overwhelmingly noted Seneca’s “diversity and acceptance of all students.”
- The KDE team also noted areas where the school should focus its improvement efforts. Those areas include continuing to align curriculum and resources to improve student achievement and supporting instructional practices of teachers to increase student learning and achievement.
Copies of the leadership reviews are available here.
Knight Middle School continues to show progress in key areas, with strong leadership and a school culture dedicated to student learning, according to a state audit report made available last week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
“This independent assessment indicates that Knight is moving in the right direction,” Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “It highlights the strong, supportive relationship between students and adults, and recognizes the school’s principal as a true instructional leader.”
“I am delighted with the affirmation on how our school climate allows for a focus on academics,” said Knight principal Cathy Gibbs. “Our climate for learning is clearly evident by our school’s reduction in suspensions – more than an 80 percent reduction in the last two years – while increasing proficiency in both math and reading.”
“Knight Middle is moving and improving every day,” she added. “We’re so proud of our students and staff, and look forward to continuing on this journey of improvement.”
The review team rated the school a 3 on a scale of 4 in four areas related to school leadership; mentoring and coaching programs; engaging families; and providing learning supports to meet the unique learning needs of its students.
“This report affirms the exceptional school culture at Knight Middle School that allows the focus to remain on teaching and learning,” said Assistant Superintendent Paige Hartstern, whose achievement area includes Knight. “This is a direct result of strong, committed leadership and a staff dedicated to meeting the needs of students.”
The report cited just two areas as improvement priorities – monitoring and adjusting curriculum, instruction and assessment in response to data; and implementing a formal process to promote collaborative, data-informed discussions about student learning.
The report also indicated the school had satisfactorily or partially addressed the four improvement priorities identified in the 2014-15 Internal School Review for Knight Middle. Those areas related to determining root causes for low parent involvement; refining strategies to consistently implement the schools’ instructional framework; developing a process to adjust curriculum, instruction and analysis of data from a variety of sources; and developing a process for monitoring instructional effectiveness.
“I’m extremely proud of Knight’s progress,” said Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools. “It has great leadership, a school culture of learning and a positive behavior management system in place – all things to help lead it out of priority status.”
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Knight received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years.
Southern High School has an uplifting, role-modeling culture where students see teachers and staff as mentors, leading to positive growth in terms of annual measurable objective (AMO) each of the past four years, according to a state audit report made available earlier this week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
“Southern has an amazing culture, one in which the students feel truly cared for by the teaching and administrative staff,” Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “That environment will help Southern build on its progress as it strives to continue moving forward.”
“Southern has a theme of ‘Our House,’ and I’m proud that emphasis is evident to visitors to our school, including the audit team, which gave us high marks for school culture, great relationships, teachers that care and respectful students,” said Southern Principal Bryce Hibbard. “We are proud of the work being done at Southern and remain focused on continuous improvement so that students have opportunities to be successful.”
The review team gave the school high ratings for teachers participating in collaborative learning communities and for the school adopting a formal structure ensuring that each student is well known by at least one adult advocate.
“It is exciting that the team recognized Southern’s willingness to embrace change and cultivate a climate that promotes school pride,” said Assistant Superintendent Paige Hartstern, whose achievement area includes Southern. “This is a direct result of engaged, visible leadership and a staff that believes in advocating for students.”
The report notes that even though Southern has been focused on instructional strategies and planning, there is still work to be done in that area.
The report cited two areas as improvement priorities – monitoring and adjusting curriculum to ensure all students have opportunities to learn in a culture of high expectations, and implementing a school-wide process to ensure all teachers use high-yield instructional strategies.
The report also indicated the school had partially addressed the only improvement priority identified in its 2014-15 Internal School Review, related to the implementation of strategies to ensure a high culture of expectations for students.
“Southern continues to show progress,” said Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools. “There is always room for growth in the instructional progress, and I think this report clearly shows that Southern has the leadership and dedication of staff to make that happen.”
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Southern received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years..
Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Asset Building Coalition and AARP announced the opening of free tax preparation sites yesterday, starting as of Monday, Jan. 23, that will provide federal and state income tax assistance to eligible residents.
“Every hard-working Louisvillian should be able to benefit from all tax credits that apply to them, and by offering this free assistance we can make sure that happens,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “This is money they can use to start a savings account, buy a car, get braces for a child, pay for books and college tuition — or start a college tuition fund for their children. It’s huge for that family and huge for our community.”
Metro Councilwoman Cindi Fowler of District 14 is a longtime VITA volunteer and champion of the program.
“I have greatly enjoyed the nine years I have spent with VITA to help families prepare their tax returns,” Fowler said. “We work hard to ensure that we are maximizing their returns, allowing them to reinvest that money locally and boost our economy.”
Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs utilize trained, IRS-certified volunteers who offer free tax services at more than 20 free sites across the city. The free service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $64,000 in 2016.
Appointments are recommended for VITA free tax assistance service and can be made now by calling (502) 305-0005 or scheduling online at https://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com.
Starting Monday, the VITA free tax preparation sites are located at:
- Americana Community Center, 4801 Southside Dr.
- Bates Community Development Center, 1228 S. Jackson St.
- Louisville Urban League, 1535 W. Broadway St.
- Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird St.
- Salt & Light Community Development Center, 3025 B Gerald Dr.
- Sun Valley Community Center, 6505 Bethany Lane
- Wesley House Community Services, 5114 Preston Highway
For a complete list of VITA locations, including mobile sites, as well as hours of operation, visit http://labcservices.org/ or call Metro United Way’s 211 help referral service.
Also visit the website at https://www.labcservices.org/index.php/free-tax-filing-at-labc-services for information about a free service for those interested in filing their own taxes online. Starting Monday, two software packages — MyFreeTaxes and Turbo Tax Freedom Edition — will be available for those who meet eligibility.
In addition to the VITA sites, AARP Tax Aide’s mission is to serve any person comes through the door, with special attention to those 60 and older. AARP sites will open Feb. 1 at the following locations:
- Buechel Park Baptist Church, 2403 Hikes Lane
- Central Government Center, 7201 Outer Loop
- Clifton Christian Church, 131 Vernon Ave.
- East Government Center, 200 Juneau Dr.
- Iroquois Branch Library, 601 W Woodlawn Ave.
- Jeffersontown Senior Center, 10631 Watterson Trail
- Lyndon Baptist Church, 8025 New LaGrange Rd.
- Portland Branch Library, 3305 Northwestern Parkway
- Shively Municipal Building, 3920 Dixie Highway
- Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway
For a full AARP schedule and listing, including mobile sites, visit http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org or call (502) 394-3443.
VITA and AARP volunteers will help determine if residents are eligible for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families. Eligibility for the EITC is based on income, the number of family members and other criteria, as is the amount of your credit. Working families who earn about $53,000 or less may be eligible, with average credits last year more than $2,400.
Collectively, tax refunds filed by Louisville residents last year through the VITA campaign and AARP sites processed over 20,000 returns, adding over $19 million to the local economy, including more than $6 million in Earned Income Credits to residents.
To help preparers accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:
- Picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
- Copy of 2015 tax return with all attachments and schedules
- W-2s and 1099s from your employers
- Other 1099s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income
- 1095 for health insurance
- 1098 for education credit, plus detailed financial statement from the school
- Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit
- Child care information, including Provider ID and actual amounts paid
- Summarized list of other income/expenses for those who itemize or are self-employed
- Additional tax information that may be required
Visit http://labcservices.org/ or http://www.aarp-tax-aide-lou.org for more information about the required documentation.
The work of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition and the AARP Tax Assistance Program is made possible by Metro United Way, Louisville Metro Government, the IRS, the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and dozens of other partners.
Metro Council President David Yates (D-25) has announced the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Metro Council’s Standing Committees for 2017.
Several of the Metro Council’s nine Standing Committees will be merged to efficiently address the priorities and needs for Metro Government.
“I believe it is important for the Council to continue to be a diligent, deliberative, legislative body. As we begin a new year it is important that our committees are focused on the needs of the people of Metro Louisville,” said Yates. “These changes will provide our members more time to focus their attention on addressing the major issues of our community. I sincerely thank my colleagues who have agreed to lead our committees as Chairs and Vice -Chairs.”
Among the changes:
Community Affairs & Housing has been merged with Health & Education
Contracts and Appointments has been merged
Sustainability & Parks has been merged with Public Works & Transportation
Government Accountability & Ethics has been merged with Intergovernmental Affairs
President Yates will chair two committees: the Committee on Committees and the Committee of the Whole. The President of the Metro Council is also an ex officio member of all other committees.
Chairs and Vice-Chairs for Metro Council Committees in 2016
Committee on Committees:David
- David Yates (D-25) Chair
- Bill Hollander (D-9) Vice Chair
Committee of the Whole
- David Yates (D-25) Chair
- Bill Hollander (D-9) Vice Chair
Appropriations NDF’s and CIF’s:
- Rick Blackwell (D-12) Chair
- Angela Leet (R-7) Vice Chair
Budget:
- Marianne Butler (D-15) Chair
- Kevin Kramer (R- 11) Vice Chair
Contracts & Appointments
- Mary C. Woolridge (D-3) Chair
- Marilyn Parker (R-18) Vice Chair
Community Affairs, Housing, Health & Education
- Barbara Shanklin (D-2) Chair
- Dan Johnson (D-21) Vice – Chair
Government Accountability, Ethics and Intergovernmental Affairs:
- Pat Mulvihill (D-10) Chair
- Julie Denton (R-19) Vice – Chair
Labor and Economic Development:
- Cheri Bryant-Hamilton (D-5) Chair
- Stuart Benson (R-20) Vice Chair
Planning, Zoning, Land Design, and Development:
- Madonna Flood (D-24) Chair
- Glen Stuckel (R-17) Vice Chair
Public Safety:
- David James (D-6) Chair
- James Peden (R-23) Vice Chair
Public Works, Parks, Sustainability, & Transportation:
- Cindi Fowler (D-14) Chair
- Brent Ackerson (D-26) Vice Chair
Plans were filed last week for a $5 million redevelopment of Colonial Gardens in south Louisville.
The adaptive reuse project includes renovating the 7,000-quare-foot historic Colonial Gardens building, as well as adding two new, one-story buildings that will share a common patio and garden area.
Citizens sought successfully to designate the iconic Colonial Gardens building, located across from Iroquois Park, as a local landmark in 2008. The city purchased the property in 2013 to help foster its commercial redevelopment.
The site’s developer, Underhill Associates, is in talks with local restaurant groups to occupy the space on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and New Cut Road.
“Redevelopment will establish Colonial Gardens as a key anchor to south Louisville and Iroquois Park once again,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I applaud our south Louisville Metro Council members and Underhill Associates for their commitment to making this project a success.”
Construction is expected to begin on the property in mid- to late spring 2017.
To view renderings of the project provided by Architectural Artisans, visit http://portal.louisvilleky.gov/codesandregs/permit/detail?type=URBAN&id=17COA1007
Metro Council comments:
Metro Council President David Yates, District 25: “Too long has this historic site sat vacant. I look forward to the day when the people of south Louisville can again take pride in Colonial Gardens and the economic impact it will bring to our community.”
Councilwoman Marianne Butler, District 15: “The development of the Colonial Gardens corner not only improves the quality for life for residents, it also enhances your experience when you attend a show and/or movie at the amphitheater, and will spur development all along the corridor. I applaud and thank the Underhills for investing in south Louisville!”
Councilman Dan Johnson, District 21: “The restoration and reopening of Colonial Gardens is a top priority of mine, and I look forward to continuing my work with the administration to ensure this project is successful. When it opens, Colonial Gardens will not only restore a historic piece of the neighborhood, it could be the economic spark I have long advocated for in this area.”
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch, District 13: “It is so exciting that we are finally moving forward at this historical site, bringing long-awaited restaurants and jobs adjacent to Iroquois Park. My hope is that this will also spur other economic development along the New Cut/Taylor Boulevard Corridor.”
Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 12: “The combination of the re-vamped Colonial Gardens across from one of the city’s greatest concert venues, Iroquois Amphitheater, will be a win for south Louisville. This is another example of the positive momentum we have in the south and southwest, and we are excited to welcome people from all across Metro Louisville to see what we have to offer.”
Tim Holman, a duPont Manual High School government and politics teacher, is the first recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Mr. Holman is an outstanding teacher who demonstrates many unique talents and innovative teaching techniques in the classroom,” Manual Principal Jerry Mayes said. “He is a valuable asset and resource to our school and community. The wonderful thing about having Tim as a colleague is that I am able to teach with an outstanding educator who is passionate about fostering democratic beliefs, values and skills in students.”
During his time at Manual, Holman has organized forums with political candidates, brought in speakers and provided his students with the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. In fact, Holman has been recognized by the Kentucky Senate for going “beyond the call of duty to provide vital educational opportunities and experiences.” Students in his classes have also had the opportunity to see political leaders such as Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain.
Holman also has served in several leadership roles at Manual, including magnet liaison, School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council member, and sponsor of the Young Democrats and Teenage Republicans. Additionally, he has been the Manual cross-country and track coach for years, leading his players to the state championship in 2016. He also served as the girls’ basketball coach during Manual’s three consecutive trips to the Kentucky Sweet 16 Tournament, which included a state championship.
“He showed several students the path of being more than they thought they could be,” said Portia Wright, a Ballard High School teacher and former colleague. “I watched him effectively take students in his class and encourage them to run for him, which enabled him to earn a different type of respect and admiration. This made them want to work harder for him in the classroom.”
Before teaching at Manual, Holman was a social studies teacher at Meyzeek Middle School. He was later selected by the Center for Civic Education and Engagement at the University of Louisville to work for one year developing curriculum and working on professional development,
As an ExCEL Award winner, Holman will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
