Superintendent's report returns positive; Harrison to retire from PSD
by Krystin Fain
Nov 20, 2009 | 1381 views | 8 8 comments | 10 10 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Polk Superintendent Marvin Williams
Polk Superintendent Marvin Williams
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The Polk School District Board of Education held its annual evaluation of the superintendent on Tuesday night, and results came back positive.

“I would like to thank the board for their vote of confidence,” said Superintendent Marvin Williams.

In a special session held at 5:30 p.m., members called an executive session to discuss Williams’ performance over the last year on criteria including educational achievements and professional and financial matters.

Williams credits the positive report with his student-based focus. This year, two Polk County Schools that were in Needs Improvement status met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2009 year. This was Williams’ third evaluation by the Polk School District Board of Education.

“I simply won’t allow myself to be distract by peripheral issues,” he said.

The Board discussed the matter for more than ninety minutes before inviting Williams to hear the decision. Williams said that such an evaluation fosters better communication between the board and superintendent and allows for more informative feedback and a fresh groundwork. A contractual offer is expected shortly.

In a public announcement following the executive session, Holbrooks also commented that she has enjoyed serving as the Chair, and looks forward to the positive direction of the County’s school system.

Additionally, the board approved the retirement of longtime system director of student services Buddy Harrison.

The Polk School District Board of Education budgetary committee will meet Monday, Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the central office.
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comments (8)
« k2002 wrote on Monday, Nov 23 at 09:00 AM »
I totally agree with what Studen wrote.
« anonymous wrote on Monday, Nov 23 at 08:58 AM »
Why does my comment not show up? Basically what I said was that the school board needs to do something about the bus drivers. 1 bus driver constantly yells at the kids and tells them to shut up. If you can't handle the job, then quit. Kids will be kids and they will talk.
« anonymous wrote on Monday, Nov 23 at 12:11 AM »
I know that it stinks that not all children have textbooks, BUT being an educator means utilizing other resources besides just textbooks. Besides, parents fussed when kids had to sit still for extended periods of time while they read from their books. Mixed media is a fantastic idea, not all kids learn the same.

I think the two schools who didn't earn AYP and then DID should say A LOT.

A child's performance in the classroom isn't a direct reflection of SOLELY the superintendent. It's a reflection of the child, their parents, their teachers, etc etc....

Nobleman - you are correct, higher education is NOT the norm.

This county struggled before Williams, and will continue to struggle if he leaves. Maybe some stability is what the county needs, but everyone has an opinion.
« nobleman wrote on Sunday, Nov 22 at 09:07 PM »
Letting the people of Polk County evaluate the Superintendent would ba a disaster. Higher education among adults in this county is not the norm. Have anyone mentioned the test scores.

This year, two Polk County Schools that were in Needs Improvement status met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the 2009 year. positive

As a graduate student working toward a doctorate, Issues concerning my education like TEST SCORES would be my main concern as a parent. The Superintendent and board must be doing something right. Its not a packed out crowd at board meetings.

Last thing-" I know the next election I will be voting out my districtes Rep. and advice others to do the same no matter how god you think yours is doing."

Why would you make a statement like this without any reason to dismiss someone. Just Start Over!!! We need to think and analyze issues and situations before we act out with just our feelings. What we think would be right for our kids and county may not be the best!!!
« parkers wrote on Saturday, Nov 21 at 10:00 AM »
Why are the comments not visible?
« A Studen wrote on Friday, Nov 20 at 03:08 PM »
Since our children do not have enough books and the essentials of getting a good education. Our school board should consider cutting administrative salaries. It is rediculous what these people get paid, travel, etc. I am not against our teachers, they deserve every penny they get but come on $90,000.00 and up for Cedartown. Since so many people are out of work I am sure we could find some well qualified people to fill these peoples shoes for a lot less money and more caring of our children's education.
« anonymous wrote on Friday, Nov 20 at 01:44 PM »
Doing what he does best.... NOTHING!!! He needs to retrain some BUS DRIVERS that have ATTITUDE Problems. No talking on the BUS, come on these are KIDS! Kids talk, if you can't handle the job of a BUS DRIVER then quit but don't take out on the KIDS!!!!!!!
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