PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: RICK DOLL
Doll

Rick Doll, Superintendent of Schools USD 497


What is the school district’s most important service?
As a learning community, Lawrence Public Schools’ mission is to ensure educational equity and excellence so that students of all races and backgrounds achieve at high levels and graduate prepared for success in college, careers and life in a diverse and rapidly changing world. This preparation begins at the pre-kindergarten level by making sure children have the skills and supports necessary to be successful learners. As students progress through elementary, middle and high school, we challenge them to become increasingly independent in their learning so they graduate with essential knowledge and problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The school district also supports adult learners in acquiring life and employability skills training or earning a GED or high school diploma.

What is your top priority?
Our top priority is student success. The Lawrence Board of Education’s Excellence, Equity and Engagement goals are to raise the achievement of all students, close achievement gaps and engage the community in this important work.

What has been some of the most important aspects of your success?
There are as many examples of school success as there are students. I’ll address three key district initiatives. The school board’s commitment to a districtwide focus on equity, specifically examining the impact of race on student achievement, has helped us increase our graduation rate by 15 percentage points in six years. This means our schools are successfully supporting 100 more students in earning a high school diploma.

Our blended learning initiative personalizes students’ educational experiences by emphasizing student choice and increasing student engagement. Integrating technology with direct instruction maximizes teachers’ ability to support students’ individual needs.

The district will complete a $92.5 million bond issue by the summer of 2016, implementing a community plan for improving school facilities – especially the older elementary schools in central and east Lawrence, enhancing technology and expanding career and technical educational opportunities for students. I can’t wait for the community to see the revitalization of its older school buildings.

How many people does USD 497 employ? How many live in Lawrence? Do you encourage them to live in Lawrence?
As the city’s second-largest employer (The University of Kansas is the largest), Lawrence Public Schools employ 1,823 staff. This includes 1,057 licensed and certified teachers, 712 educational support staff and 54 school and district administrators. More than 80 percent of our staff live in Lawrence.

How do you and the schools make a positive impact on the Lawrence community?
Public education is a great equalizer. An educated citizenry forms the basis for our democratic society. While people may not think of their local schools as drivers of economic development, one of the most important factors in determining the attractiveness of any community is the educational opportunities it affords its residents.

One obvious example of making a positive impact in the community is the district’s development of the Lawrence College and Career Center in partnership with Peaslee Tech. This new campus will offer career and technical education and training for high school students and adults, promoting an educated and skilled workforce and filling an identified need in our community.

What do you see as your personal responsibility and the school’s responsibility to the community?
My personal responsibility is to focus and inspire educators and support staff to meet the needs of all students, to work with the school board to ensure the staff has the necessary tools and resources to do so, and to hold us accountable for student success. Through an annual goal-setting process, the board, with input from teachers, staff and administration, sets the direction of the school district. The district is responsible for the prudent use of state and local taxes to prepare students for success in college, careers and life.

Spotlight

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497

How do you manage your day-to-day stress of the district?
The most stressful issues for me are those beyond my control, such as Kansas school finance issues. I start each day believing that everyone in our organization is doing his or her best. I spend a lot of time in our schools watching, teaching and learning happen in our classrooms; this keeps everything in perspective. I try to stay in a problem solving, not a blaming, mode when difficult issues arise.

How do you reward excellent work performance? How do you manage poor performance?
A highly qualified and effective teacher is the single most important factor to a student’s success in school. The district seeks to recruit, develop and retain high quality teachers, staff and administration. District and school leaders encourage and evaluate staff.

By emphasizing effective professional development, the district works to improve staff performance. We use a clearly defined evaluation model, adopted in collaboration with our teaching professionals, to maintain excellence and to appropriately manage situations when individuals do not meet our high standards.

While student success is its own reward, the board seeks to provide a supportive environment conducive to teaching and learning, and a fair and competitive compensation and benefits package for staff. With assistance from the Lawrence Schools Foundation and other community partners, we recognize and reward excellent teaching and outstanding teamwork. It’s certainly a thrill to join the Foundation in presenting its annual $10,000 Bobs Award to deserving faculty during the last week of school.

What is the biggest challenge you feel the school district faces?
Kansas school finance issues continue to present the district’s greatest challenge. We must rely on the Governor and Kansas Legislature to take the necessary action to adequately and equitably fund public schools. It is difficult to maintain excellence in education with dwindling financial resources.

Over the course of your career, what has been the single largest change in the Lawrence education environment?
A dramatic and exciting change during my tenure in Lawrence is the district’s emphasis on expanding career and technical educational opportunities for students. The Lawrence College and Career Center, opening in the fall, will prepare students for their chosen future through hands-on learning experiences in an innovative, engaging environment.  With direct engagement with business and industry leaders, students will have access to technology and curriculum that is relevant to preparing them for post-secondary enrollment and high-wage, high-demand careers. Our students will be able to earn tuition-free, college credit while attending high school, giving them a great head start on their future. 

What do you foresee as being the biggest challenge for education currently and in the future, locally and nationally?
The greatest challenge for public education nationally is the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, which will have assessment, accreditation and funding implications for our schools. The greatest challenge for us at the local level is having the funding necessary to do what we know is best for students.

Share.

541 Comments

  1. 6 пентаклей – сочетание, 6 пентаклей значение совместимость
    овнов в браке и любви по дате рождения новолуние 11 января 2024 по московскому времени, 11 января 2024 лунный день
    примерять одежду во сне что означает обиделась на парня во
    сне

  2. Intumescent paints for timber and wooden derivatives can be found in Water and Solvent primarily based kinds with fireplace scores of up to 60 minutes, British Class 0/1 and Euroclass B. Utilising thin film intumescent expertise the paints are in a position to provide a extremely decorative finish to be used internally and Externally.

  3. In an effort to simplify your seek for a financial institution, we’ve chosen the top options within the state depending on what you find a very powerful, akin to financial savings or ATMs.

  4. Rachel was amazed. For one factor it amazed her to listen to Thackeray called second-price; after which she could not widen her viewpoint to believe that there may very well be nice writers in existence at the current day, or if there were, that any one she knew may very well be an amazing writer, and his self-confidence astounded her, and he grew to become increasingly remote.

  5. Despite the fact that Inexperienced Bay contains less than 2 of the entire water volume of Lake Michigan, it represents one-third of your entire nutrient runoff that flows into the lake, a state of affairs that revs up algae blooms and damages the bay’s ecology.

  6. The improvements to the M48 targeted on bettering the ninety mm fundamental gun and hearth control methods whereas simultaneously exploring the event of silicas glass composite armor and autoloader systems.

  7. You get the horny chat online next door. No fake nails and no silicone tits, just pure natural horniness. Just come to my chat and we will live out our hottest secret fantasies.

  8. 661046 589848I was examining some of your content on this internet site and I believe this website is rattling instructive! Maintain putting up. 324869

  9. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be useful to read through content from other authors and use something from other websites.

  10. христофор колумб ашқан теңіздер,
    христофор колумб саяхатының мақсаты атырау жер кезеги, аким атырауской
    области 2023 алтын банк колл центр с мобильного,
    алтын банк телефон атырау магнитные бури в алматы, магнитные
    бури январь 2023 алматы

  11. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this matter here on your site.

  12. кемел адам электронды кітап,
    кемел адам электронды кітап скачать ақша берет күш, акша
    деген алемди ремикс энергия магнитного поля катушки формула, магнитное поле формула ақш әлсіз жақтары, ақш президенттері

  13. When fascinated with traveling to commerce exhibits, your first thought might be, “Okay, which shows are being held in Vegas?” Nevertheless, with over 9,000 trade reveals being held yearly, it’s a must to make your choices wisely to stretch your marketing greenback, because regardless that trade exhibits offer you a great bang for the buck, in addition they price quite a bit to attend.

  14. Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint me just as much as this particular one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, however I truly believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you could possibly fix if you were not too busy seeking attention.

  15. Gauri Vishwanathan, who argued that religious conversion want not be assimilative and destroy identification, has received the 1999 Harry Levin Prize of the American Comparative Literature Association.

  16. In this grand pattern of things you’ll get an A with regard to effort and hard work. Where exactly you confused me personally ended up being on all the facts. You know, as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And it couldn’t be much more correct right here. Having said that, allow me inform you what did give good results. The text can be quite powerful and this is possibly the reason why I am making the effort in order to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, whilst I can notice the jumps in reason you make, I am not necessarily convinced of how you seem to connect your ideas which in turn help to make the actual conclusion. For now I will, no doubt yield to your issue but trust in the near future you connect the dots much better.

  17. Within the 21st century, glass manufacturers have developed totally different brands of chemically strengthened glass for widespread application in touchscreens for smartphones, tablet computer systems, and lots of other varieties of data appliances.

  18. And with regards to flowers, do as the decorators do: A cache of graceful apple blossom branches or delicate yellow forsythia (you can pressure your individual each spring) are much more enlightened in an Asian-inspired room than a fussy association.

  19. When creating an eye fixed makeup look based mostly on the orchid mantis Hymenopus coronatus, she was not afraid to transcend what is necessary to complete an accurate representation of the mantis, together with the actual insect itself.

  20. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I?ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  21. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

  22. Right here is the right web site for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for ages. Excellent stuff, just wonderful.

  23. William Graham Boss (1847-1927) was a stained glass designer most famous for his work on the Scottish Nationwide Portrait Gallery: a series of stained glass portraits on the principle staircase.

  24. Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it.

  25. Other signs of the changing fashion appeared in the nave home windows; the richness of colors of the early Chartres home windows was nonetheless there, however the ornate medallions disappeared, and elaborate canopies and arches, similar to the architecture of the church, had been positioned over the figures to focus on them.

  26. These have been mainly castles destroyed by the Civil Warfare within the 17th century and, even more significantly, vast abbey churches ruined on the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.

  27. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I have been a little bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vibrant clear idea

  28. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who genuinely knows what they are talking about on the web. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people should look at this and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you surely have the gift.

  29. Along with every little thing that seems to be developing throughout this specific subject material, many of your points of view are actually very refreshing. Nevertheless, I beg your pardon, because I do not give credence to your entire theory, all be it exciting none the less. It appears to me that your opinions are not entirely justified and in fact you are generally yourself not even totally certain of your point. In any case I did appreciate reading through it.

  30. hello there and thank you for your information ? I?ve certainly picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this site, as I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I?m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..

  31. Right here is the right site for anybody who would like to understand this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just great.

  32. hi!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to see you.

  33. I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something which not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my search for something concerning this.

  34. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after browsing through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  35. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  36. Legend has it that Noah and his family ate a particular meal as soon as the ark ultimately landed ashore — a sweet porridge with leftover substances that is immediately known as ashure.

  37. The British Middle East Command, with troops from the United Kingdom, South Africa, British India, Uganda Protectorate, Kenya, Somaliland, West Africa, Northern and Southern Rhodesia, Sudan, and Nyasaland participated within the campaign.

  38. After exploring a handful of the blog articles on your site, I really like your technique of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  39. Hey there this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  40. They are in strong distinction to these of their pupils Burlison and Grylls, who specialised in silvery backgrounds with ornate canopies underneath which stand solidly three-dimensional figures in vast cloaks of wine crimson and indigo blue.

  41. It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  42. One more thing to say is that an online business administration diploma is designed for individuals to be able to easily proceed to bachelor’s degree courses. The Ninety credit diploma meets the lower bachelor education requirements so when you earn your associate of arts in BA online, you will get access to up to date technologies with this field. Some reasons why students want to get their associate degree in business is because they are interested in the field and want to obtain the general schooling necessary just before jumping in to a bachelor college diploma program. Thanks alot : ) for the tips you really provide inside your blog.

  43. When I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Cheers.

  44. You are so awesome! I do not suppose I have read through something like that before. So good to find somebody with original thoughts on this subject. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality.

  45. One thing I want to say is that car insurance canceling is a dreaded experience and if you are doing the best things as a driver you will not get one. Some people do obtain the notice that they have been officially dumped by their particular insurance company and several have to struggle to get added insurance from a cancellation. Low-cost auto insurance rates are frequently hard to get after the cancellation. Knowing the main reasons concerning the auto insurance cancelling can help drivers prevent burning off one of the most significant privileges obtainable. Thanks for the suggestions shared by means of your blog.

  46. I do love the manner in which you have framed this specific concern plus it really does offer us some fodder for thought. However, because of just what I have witnessed, I just trust as the commentary pack on that people today remain on issue and in no way get started on a tirade associated with the news of the day. Anyway, thank you for this exceptional point and while I do not necessarily concur with the idea in totality, I value the standpoint.

  47. A bride can select to appear like a fairytale princess at her marriage ceremony, or she will be able to select to look like the queen of the castle as a substitute; she can select an enchanting hairstyle, or she will go for one which is completely bewitching.

  48. Holy cow! I’m in awe of the author’s writing skills and ability to convey intricate concepts in a clear and concise manner. This article is a real treasure that merits all the praise it can get. Thank you so much, author, for providing your wisdom and providing us with such a precious treasure. I’m truly grateful!

  49. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be useful to read through content from other writers and use a little something from their web sites.

  50. I have viewed that wise real estate agents almost everywhere are Promotion. They are realizing that it’s not only placing a sign post in the front property. It’s really in relation to building associations with these sellers who at some time will become buyers. So, after you give your time and effort to assisting these vendors go it alone – the “Law regarding Reciprocity” kicks in. Interesting blog post.

  51. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It’s always helpful to read articles from other writers and practice something from their websites.

  52. Thank you, I have recently been looking for info about this topic for a long time and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the source?

  53. There are lots of common designer bridal collections in Toronto, Ontario, Canada reminiscent of: Aglaia, After Six, Alex Hanson Bridal, Alfred Sung Bridals, Alfred Sung Bridesmaids, Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Anjolique, Avanti Designs, Bridal Originals, Silhouettes, Nadine, Bridalane Gowns, Casablanca Bridal, Davinci Bridal, Demetrios Bride, Ilissa, Princess, Sposabella, Fabulous Formals, Cassidi Sara, Eve of Milady, Eternally Yours, Private Label by G, Gordon Couture, Impression Bridal, Ines Di Santo, Isabella Bridal, J Valentina Bridal, Jade Daniels, JAI Bridals, Jasmine Bridal, Jessica McClintock, AA Bridal, Joli Bridal, Jovani, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Mary’s Bridal, Mikaella, Mon Cheri, Mori Lee, My Lady Design, Nina Duong Couture, Obsessions, Paloma Blanca, Celebration Time Formals, Princess by Demetrios, Private Label by G, Pronovias, Rahmanian Haute Couture, Reem Acra, Rena Koh, Richman Group, Madison Collection, Romantic Bridals, Romona Keveza, Sincerity Bridal, Sposabella, St.

  54. I was very pleased to uncover this great site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and I have you book marked to see new things on your site.

  55. After looking at a number of the blog posts on your website, I really appreciate your way of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my web site as well and let me know how you feel.

  56. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!

  57. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  58. I blog often and I truly thank you for your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  59. Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!

  60. би үйірмесіне шақыру, би әлемі сценарий бірақ болды бәрі бекер скачать, болды бәрі бекер скачать ремикс ақиқат немесе жалған
    екенін анықта алгебра, ақиқат жалған математика әке арман, ақбота
    керімбекова әке арманы

  61. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your web site.

  62. Great blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate it!

  63. A motivating discussion is worth comment. I do believe that you should write more about this subject matter, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t talk about these subjects. To the next! Many thanks.

  64. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I?ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  65. Thanks for your article. One other thing is when you are disposing your property all on your own, one of the issues you need to be aware about upfront is how to deal with household inspection records. As a FSBO retailer, the key concerning successfully switching your property as well as saving money about real estate agent commission rates is knowledge. The more you realize, the smoother your property sales effort might be. One area exactly where this is particularly significant is information about home inspections.

  66. Another thing I’ve really noticed is the fact that for many people, low credit score is the reaction to circumstances further than their control. For example they may have been saddled with an illness and because of this they have more bills for collections. It may be due to a job loss or maybe the inability to do the job. Sometimes breakup can truly send the funds in the wrong direction. Thanks for sharing your thinking on this site.

  67. If we assume that some explicit later Nagarjuna existed, about whom some reality is treated as given (for example, that he was an alchemist), we will deal with sure writings as giving details about him; nevertheless, if we do not make such an assumption, the writings should not independently capable of constituting good evidence for his existence.

  68. If you happen to earned more than this if you first claimed Universal Credit score, the aspect for managed migration or SDP will stop.

  69. Contemporary country type means fewer issues to mud and dry-clear, fuss with or have fall over, however they’re higher pieces, rigorously chosen to meet our needs, both physical and emotional.

  70. You are so cool! I don’t think I have read through a single thing like that before. So good to find somebody with unique thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with some originality.

  71. I’m very happy to find this great site. I want to to thank you for your time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also have you book marked to check out new information on your blog.

  72. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this matter here on your website.

  73. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. appreciate it

  74. қыздың сұлулығын суреттеу, шұға десе шұға
    еді ау эссе не қайда қашан ойыны
    презентация, не қайда қашан тәрбие сағаты аккорды
    солдат фортуны сура кахф 1 10 скачать, сура кахф с таджвидом

Leave A Reply

Contact to Listing Owner

Captcha Code