March 24, 2010

TO: Dr. Heuschel’s File

FROM: Renton School District Board of Directors
SUBJECT: Summary Statement for Superintendent Heuschel’s Evaluation

The evaluation was conducted on March 11, 2010, with all of the board
members participating in the process. The Board also considered the
ratings and comments of the Cabinet, which used the same evaluation
format. The Cabinet continues to indicate a strong vote of confidence
in Dr. Heuschel.
The evaluation covered the following areas:
I. Statutory Duties
II State Standards
 Curriculum & Instruction
 Staff Relations
 Board Relations
 School Community Relations
 Fiscal Management
 Personal Qualities
III. Performance Goals (2008-2010)
 Achievement Opportunities
 Community Partnerships
 High Expectations
 Implementation of Best Practices
 Engaged Students
 Vision Shared & Lived
 Effective Parent Partnerships
Each of the areas was evaluated by each board member. The rating
options ranged from 1 (deficient performance) to 5 (substantially
exceeds expectations). The ratings from individual board members
were averaged to reach overall ratings in each area.
The Superintendent’s overall evaluation rating from the Board is 4.9
(out of a maximum of 5.0). It should be noted that this spring brings
the completion of the ACHIEVE performance goals time frame. An
average rating of 4.95 for these goals reflects the Board’s appreciation
of Dr. Heuschel’s professional excellence in meaningful goal-setting
and substantive follow-through. Her leadership skills have focused us
as a district on the establishment of a foundation for life-long learning,
with high expectation for all of our students.
The Board continues to appreciate Dr. Heuschel’s exceptional depth of
experience in the areas of curriculum and instruction, and the ability to
implement them consistently. The emphasis on the importance of
data-driven, student-centered decision making has transitioned to the
district-wide Summit Initiative and numerous instructional strategies
which staff are embracing with growing success. Her direct experience
with state and federal education structures continues to be an asset to
the district in a variety of ways, even with the current budget
constraints.

She continues to conduct numerous in-services and trainings for staff

which has built her credibility across the community. In addition, the
Board acknowledges the ongoing ability to partner with local higher
education institutions to provide the Math Academy and Special
Education Certification programs, and so on.

Another strength is her communication skills as they relate to the

steady improvement of classroom instruction, and advocacy for
education and the District throughout the community and the state.
The Board appreciates the commitment to high expectations for
student achievement and to the necessary professional development
for district staff. We also appreciate the effort to be visible and
engaged in schools and in the community, and to spending substantial
time in classrooms. Dr. Heuschel’s quick grasp of issues, collaborative
problem solving style, personal integrity, clear vision, and leadership in
difficult situations have resulted in outstanding expectation modeling.
As noted earlier, the Board reviewed Dr. Heuschel’s performance goals
for the year and acknowledged that they are nearing completion, and
agreed to discuss the Superintendent’s performance stipend upon
completion of the school year.
The Board compliments Dr. Heuschel for her work in our District and
our Community, is very pleased and proud to have her leading the
District.

Lynn Desmarais, President

Renton School District Board of Directors