This message is written jointly between the school district and Salem Keizer Education Association. All licensed employees of SKSD and members of Salem Keizer Education Association please read the following, as there will most likely be an article in the Statesman Journal tomorrow, Friday, March 19. It is our intention to communicate with in you in a factual and timely fashion.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools has applied to the Oregon Department of Education for School Improvement Grants for four schools: Hallman Elementary, McKay High School, Early College High School and Roberts High school. If successful, the grants could bring the district up to $2 million per school per year for three years to be used for increasing student achievement in those schools.

There are four School Improvement Grant (SIG) models, OEA and NEA support the Transformation Reform Model, which requires comprehensive instructional reforms and other collaborative improvement strategies. Educators are key partners in every successful education reform effort. The importance of collaboration must be emphasized if the federal money is to be used efficiently and effectively.

Please be aware that SKEA leadership will be communicating more information regarding the Transformation Model via representative assemblies, building representatives and newsletters.

Each of the four schools will seek the Transformation Model, which has the least impact on staff turnover at the schools and is least disruptive to students. In the case of McKay High School, this grant option will mean the reassignment of the principal. The principals at the other three schools would remain because they have not been there long enough to require replacement, according to the grant rules.

Principal Cynthia Richardson will remain principal of McKay through the current school year. She is a valued instructional leader in the district and she will have a yet-to-be-determined opportunity to serve our staff and students within the district. The district is in the process of finding a replacement for her at McKay.

The school improvement grant transformation model will allow our schools to build on the work they have done to support our students, and will provide resources for expansion and enhancement of programs and services. It will also provide resources for professional development, technology, curriculum design, curriculum materials and supports for staff determined by staff to increase student achievement.

A diverse SIG leadership team will take the lead on developing and writing the application. There will be ongoing communication with all staff about ideas, proposals, and direction as the application is developed. The application will build on what has been done at these schools and will use the comprehensive school improvement plan as a starting point to frame and develop the plan.

OVERVIEW OF SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANT TRANSFORMATION MODEL
- Teachers and Leaders
School leadership
Implement new evaluation system
Developed with staff
Uses student growth as a significant factor
Identify and reward staff who are increasing student outcomes; Implement strategies to recruit, place and retain staff

- Instructional and Support Strategies
Select and implement an instructional model based on student needs
Provide job-embedded professional development designed to build capacity and support staff
Ensure continuous use of data to inform and differentiate instruction

- Time and Support
Provide increased learning time for staff and students

- Staff and students
Provide ongoing mechanism for community and family engagement
Partner to provide social-emotional and community-oriented services and supports

- Governance
Provide sufficient operating flexibility to implement reform
Ensure ongoing technical assistance