Matt McCauley

Assistant Superintendent

Centralia S chool District | 232 0 Bors t Avenu e Cen tralia, WA 98531 Tel: 360.330 .7600 | FAX: 360. 3 30.7604

February 10, 2014

To Whom It May Concern: This letter of recommendation is written with respect, admiration, and thanks to a person who exhibits highly effective leadership behaviors and skills. Scott Niemanns relationship focus, communication skills, and ability to balance a myriad of duties at a given time exemplify talents that have positively impacted the Centralia School District. As executive director of teaching and learning, he has provided collaborative leadership, held others to high expectations, and has been responsible for many of our districts key initiatives. As assistant superintendent for the past two and a half years, I have had the pleasure of working with Scott. I find him to be dedicated, capable, strong, visionary, and relationship oriented. During this period of time, he has developed and led the following district initiatives: implementation of Common Core State Standards, K-6 Standards Based Grading, a district RTI system, shift to Smarter Balance, a K-3 reading adoption, and a 6-12 ELA and social studies adoption. I have worked in four districts as a district office administrator and have seen few who have the ability to lead several initiatives in such a short window of time so successfully. Additionally, Scott has been a key player with our Instructional Framework and Peer Observation Advanced Cohort. His skills in facilitating peer observations ensure for professional practice, deep analysis of the instructional dimensions, and purposeful reflection. Scott has also been a valuable member of our Teacher Assistance Program by his involvement in the design of the program and contributions during the sessions. Scott has also participated in our TPEP trainings and has a solid grasp of the new evaluation system. Besides being an effective leader of teaching and learning, Scott has been an instrumental part of the Cabinet team. He uses his voice and is comfortable with courageous conversations. He co-facilitated our Strategic Plan process and development. Additionally, Scott oversees all aspects of all categorical funds. In his leadership, he empowers others via trust. He allows others to lead when appropriate and steps forward with leadership when necessary. His oversight with our two district instructional facilitators provides evidence of such. He expects them to provide the essential aspects of our professional development with Common Core State Standards, mathematics, and the implementation of our K-3 reading adoption. Yet, when his vision or direction is needed to keep positive momentum, he steps forward through communications and meetings with school staffs in order to ensure district

Dr. Steve Bodnar

Superintendent

Matt McCauley
Assistant Superintendent

Scott Niemann
Executive Director of Teaching, Learning, & Special Programs

consistency. He provides the vision and puts his boots on the ground when beneficial. His instincts in leading educational change are superb. He understands people, guiding coalitions, budgetary demands, and how to involve others in the implementation process. Scotts administrative school experiences provide him the understanding of how decisions impact the school level. When he works with teams to build coherent practices and systems across the district, he does so in a way that provides safety for all in using their voice. He has an ability to feel the pulse of the implementation of initiatives and adjusts the pace accordingly. Additionally, his strength with technology provides staff with key communications and documents, easing their work in obtaining resources. Scott is one of those leaders who possess a nice balance of human relations skills and technical/managerial skills. People enjoy Scotts presence and expertise. He understands Common Core State Standards, Standards Based Grading, categorical funding, and development of a Strategic Plan well. During the past two years, Scott has led a complete review of our districts Highly Capable program. He facilitated a team of principals, teachers, and parents through a process that has created a new paradigm in how we will serve our highly capable students. Scott makes himself available and accessible to all staff. His door is open, he corresponds via phone and e-mail consistently, and he develops effective communications. Besides being accessible to staff, Scott involves himself in the community and has developed quality relationships with a variety of community leaders. In closing, I strongly encourage you to consider Scott for any district leadership position in which he applies. His myriad of skills will allow him to effectively integrate into and provide leadership with any school district in which he pursues to serve. You will be fortunate to have his service and dedication. Sincerely,

Matt McCauley Assistant Superintendent