Syracuse superintendency Sharon L. Contreras

1 syracuse superintendency

1.1 new schools, programs, , facilities
1.2 student discipline practices
1.3 graduation rates , dropout rates
1.4 community , labor relations

syracuse superintendency

with initial three-year contract, contreras became superintendent of schools in july 2011. in 2012, contract extended through 2016. upon becoming superintendent, contreras took on district graduation rate under 50 percent, dropout rate of 30 percent, high , dramatically increasing poverty rate, , hundreds fewer positions due significant budget cuts in each of 2 years before start. when state education department identified lowest performing schools in state, every 1 of syracuse s public schools in lowest-performing 15 percent of schools. contreras led development of 5-year strategic plan aimed @ improving schools providing students equitable access rigorous curriculum, investing in teachers , leaders, developing systems support student success, building district culture based on high expectations, , improving communication.

new schools, programs, , facilities

the new york state education department required several historically low-performing schools restructured due consistently poor test scores, graduation rates , learning environments. board of education support, contreras avoided closing schools altogether developing plans phase out underperforming schools while phasing in new, innovative schools. following new schools opened in fall of 2014:

delaware primary school, neighborhood elementary school bilingual spanish/english immersion program
public service leadership academy @ fowler, open enrollment high school of choice providing multiple career , technical education/vocational education pathways
syracuse latin school gifted, selective admissions elementary school offering classical education curriculum

contreras expanded career , technical education (cte) , science, technology, engineering, , mathematics (stem) programs partnering syracuse university, state university of new york s onondaga community college, le moyne college , state university of new york college of environmental science , forestry. syracuse developed dozen new cte pathways in areas including computer forensics, cybersecurity, law enforcement, geospatial intelligence, , nursing. expansion driven report blue ribbon task force commissioned superintendent goal of ensuring students have multiple authentic opportunities access 21st century stem fields, emerging technology opportunities, , other professions , trades.

under contreras, district completed construction projects in 4 schools renovated @ cost of $150 million. 3 schools completed on time; project costs under budget; 2 schools achieved leed silver certification; 1 school won american institute of architects (aia) design award; , overall project exceeded minority , women’s business enterprise , eeo goals. in partnership syracuse, new york mayor stephanie miner , legislative delegation, contreras secured passage of enabling legislation phase of construction in $300 million designated use in school renovations.

student discipline practices

contreras led overhaul of district s code of conduct through year-long, community-driven process part of strategy, including groundbreaking agreement new york state office of attorney general, correct historical overuse , disproportionate use of suspension. other school districts, including new york city department of education, later announced similar changes student discipline practices.

in march 2015, contreras served panelist congressional briefing: “from police precinct principal’s office: challenges facing school districts 1 year after release of federal school discipline guidance.” panel explored on-the-ground efforts reform discipline practices , challenges facing school districts try improve school climates.

graduation rates , dropout rates

by 2013-2014 school year, district s graduation rates had passed 50 percent (51.1%); august 2014 rate had reached 56 percent. dropout rate decreased 16.5% 2013-2014 school year, down 25.8% 2 years before , representing fourth consecutive annual decrease in dropout rate. meanwhile, district recognized 1 of effective large school districts in nation feeding students, offering free breakfast , lunch students.

community , labor relations

contreras worked closely teachers union develop plans turning around lowest-performing schools, negotiating agreement extend day students @ least 180 hours per year in 7 schools in 2013 while obtaining on $30 million in state education grants; 5 more schools extended student learning time in 2014. contreras established innovation zone made of , serving lowest-performing schools.

to broaden educational experiences during extended school days, contreras established new partnerships community organizations provide enrichment students; these partners included syracuse university, museum of science , technology, redhouse arts center, state university of new york college of environmental science , forestry, baltimore woods nature center, syracuse stage, peaceful schools, catholic charities , contact community services.

perceived closely aligned new york state education commissioner john king, jr., against whom state teachers union had approved vote of no confidence in april 2014, contreras faced vote of no confidence syracuse teachers association in june of same year. contreras pledged continue working school stakeholders. meanwhile, union vote questioned , criticized many local community leaders

often in collaboration teachers , administrators unions, contreras won multiple competitive grant awards state , federal education departments turn around low-performing schools, train new leaders, , expand teacher , principal leadership opportunities. created peer observation program , expanded number of teachers served peer assistance , review program, district-union collaboration.