WVUSD: 2019/2020 Year-End Results
In an effort to build a more robust professional development program for classified employee
leaders, the District consulted with Pryor Learning and Fred Pryor Seminars. This resource
provided workshops and online learning opportunities for all site supervisors.
The District’s parent-level leadership development emphasis also continued this school year.
The Coordinating Council met monthly with the Superintendent and District representatives.
Approximately, 800 parents participated in the 3 rd Annual Parent Leadership Symposium. Award
winning author Maureen Healy was this year’s keynote speaker. She is a leader in the field of
children’s emotional health and was very well received.
Additionally, the District continued the Parent Leadership Development Seminar, which was
attended by approximately 30 parents. The Superintendent facilitated the year-long seminar
that targeted parent leaders at each of our schools.
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council welcomed 30 new student members this year.
The Advisory Council, facilitated by the Superintendent, is intended to provide leadership
development opportunities to students from all 15 schools. This also provided a vehicle for twoway
communication between the School District and student leaders.
Lastly, on March 13, 2020, the District announced that all Walnut Valley schools would be closed
due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Weeks later, it would be announced that
all schools in California would be closed for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year.
Two weeks prior to the school closures, the Leadership Team held a professional development
session in which the team discussed the book The Obstacle is the Way: The Timeless Art of
Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday. The book focuses on approaches to overcoming
obstacles, including our attitude to how we approach the obstacle and the energy and creativity
that allows us to turn obstacles into opportunities. The author also reminds leaders, when trying
to overcome an obstacle, to remember concepts such as trying to be objective, controlling
emotions and keeping an even keel, choosing to see the good in the situation, placing things in
perspective, and focusing on what can be controlled.
Members of the Leadership Team have demonstrated their growth in these areas during the
COVID-19 pandemic, which has clearly disrupted education in a way never before experienced.
Teachers, administrators, and support staff leaders across the School District immediately
addressed the situation by developing Distance Learning plans for all students, including
professional development and support services for educators. Employees led discussions and
actions to redefine many aspects of the organization during this time period in order to allow the
District to perform necessary duties and functions.
Finally, educators and community members led efforts to ensure that students had their social
and emotional needs addressed to the best of their ability given the current crisis. During the
school closures, the District continued to focus on leadership development, including holding
regularly scheduled Leadership Team Meetings and studying resources such as the article,
“Leading Through Crisis – 8 Tips for Navigating Turbulent Times.”
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