The Deal is Done
HUSD and Superintendent Lutrey parted ways amicably last night. It is not really a “buyout” situation, rather it appears Dr. Lutrey will be paid through the end of this school year and not beyond that. In the meantime Dr. Birdwell will take over the primary superintendent responsibilities while the new board hunts for a permanent replacement. Here are some articles:
Here is a press release:
HUSD JOINT SEPARATION STATEMENT
December 19, 2008The Higley Unified School District (HUSD) Governing Board and District Superintendent Dr. Joyce Lutrey have amicably agreed to terms of separation upon Dr. Lutrey’s request. Both the Governing Board and Dr. Lutrey support this separation and are confident the district will continue to make great strides with the district strategic plan* underway and a strong leadership team in place.
The Governing Board and Dr. Lutrey have worked as a team to manage the district’s fast growth and build a strong foundation for the district. In just eight years, HUSD has grown from one school to nine, received North Central Accreditation as the first k-12 district in AZ to do so, achieved two Excelling school labels from AZ State Standards, and surpassed the Arizona average in every subject area tested in every grade level at every district school.
These successes provide the perfect opportunity for Dr. Lutrey to seek opportunities outside the district to advance her career knowing the district is making great strides with a goal and plan in place to achieve Excelling labels for every district school. She believes the district is well positioned to move forward as a new Governing Board takes shape in January 2009.
Dr. Lutrey will officially depart the district June 30, 2009 and will work with the Governing Board and the cabinet to complete district projects from December 19, 2008 through the June 30, 2009 date.
Beginning December 19, 2008, Dr. Denise Birdwell will assume Dr. Lutrey’s daily duties as the Governing Board determines who will assume the Superintendent title beginning July 1, 2009.
The Governing Board wishes Dr. Lutrey well and thanks her for the dedication and commitment she has provided the Higley community over the past five years.
Dr. Lutrey wishes to thank the community, the Governing Boards, the students staff and families for their support. She wishes them all well for the future.
Trevor Grant:
Hi, im a current Higley High School Sophmore, and i was wondering if you knew or anyone knew why Dr. Lutrey left office??
Im current Chair/President of HUSD of the council “SSAC”
=)
Thank you very much for your time!
December 21, 2008, 8:52 pmGeoff Johnston:
I suspect you’d have to ask Dr. Lutrey her motivations Trevor. From my vantage point it appears she decided that bowing out now would be best for HUSD and best for her career as well.
December 21, 2008, 9:21 pmKatie:
I am interested to hear others opinions on last nights meeting. I, personally, found a few things rather confusing. I realize it was a long night and a new board, however, there are some things, as a tax payer, that I feel we should be asking.
1. I understand Dr. Birdwell is the interem superintendent and that she is wanting to stay on for one year. What would it hurt to interview others and make sure she is the best candidate? There is six months left of this school year that we need a leader for, make some changes for the positive.
2. Ms. Standage stated she has spoken to staff and they want Dr. Birdwell to stay on in the current role. What Ms. Standage did not clarify is to which staff members she spoke with. Was this only the directors at the district office or did she speak to teachers, support staff etc? How many people did she actually speak to? Is there any sort of documentation to support the results of this? I would be curious as to how these people were chosen.
3. Perhaps I misheard, but it sounded like Ms. Whitner said that Dr. Lutrey had resigned. I was under the impression that it was a mutual separation and that she would be there to assist the transition and therefor would be continuing to fullfill her contract through the end of this school year. Is she in fact doing that? Is she still present in the office working at all?
4. With Dr. Birdwell filling the role as interm superintendent, will they also begin interviewing for an assistant Superintendent or will they be picking a buddy from within the district office? What is the policy for the hiring of such? It appears to me that there would not be very many internal candidates as the majority of the directors are very new (recent hires as of July 08). I would not think they had been with the district long enough to even be considered.
5. Ms. Standage, you stated you will not be able to attend several board meetings as you have a scheduling conflict, your schooling. If I may ask, why did you run for this position knowing you would be unable to give 100% to the board meetings? You stated that the board may vote without you being there. In addition, why did you throw your name into the ring to be board president? I was very happy when Mr. Land was chosen as such. We need a leader that is able to focus on such.
I would also like to say, I was quite amused by the antics last night between Ms. Standage and Ms. Anderson. Ms. Standage, you were so concerned in making sure you had more hours of “leadership training” than Ms. Anderson. Do you believe that makes you a better person. There is book smart and there is street smart. I would like to say that the constant bickering last night, led by Ms. Standage, showed very little leadership and came across as immature belittling.
As a tax payer and parent, I do not see any harm in wearing a nice pair of blue jeans on “spirit days”. I do not have an issue with that at all, in fact, I have seen teachers and administrators wearing much more casual attire. The focus should be educating the children, not what color jeans should be worn. I feel it will boost confidence.
January 9, 2009, 10:00 amazfam:
I attended a portion of the last meeting. I am also glad that Mr. Land is president. I think he conducted business as best he could, trying to keep a certain board member from acting like a spoiled, attention-seeking child.
January 10, 2009, 10:27 amI also think that Dr. Howell seems to have a good head on his shoulders, and he is asking the right types of questions that are needed.
And it was very nice to see the Gateway Point’s band perform. Focusing on positives like childrens’ performances and parent support for their students was a welcomed change.