Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Carla Santorno earned praise from the Tacoma School Board in a recently completed midyear evaluation.
“Carla’s leadership and the laser-like focus she brings to the academic achievement of all students are significant and commendable,” board President Debbie Winskill said in a news release. “We’re very pleased. She has the full confidence of the board, and we’re looking forward to extending her contract after the school year.”
Santorno, a former deputy superintendent for the district, was named superintendent-elect (interim) for the first six months of 2012, then interim superintendent for a time and finally, superintendent in September 2012.
The board based its recent evaluation of Santorno on a series of 20 performance indicators they agreed to last summer, including academic achievement, leadership and finance.
“The board has heard great feedback from the community,” board members noted in their written comments. “Superintendent Santorno listens actively to community concerns, building authentic relationships. Further, she is receptive to feedback and responds to criticism with intentional discussions and plans for improvement.
“Her work with the broader community and specifically labor groups has had a tremendous impact on inspiring and leading a cultural transformation,” the board said.
In the evaluation, the board mentioned several key contributors to the academic success of students: the expansion of preschools, the latest data showing improvement in the graduation rate, the expansion of a data analysis system to track individual student progress, and the growing culture of innovation.
The midyear evaluation does not include any changes to the terms of Santorno’s contract, which runs through the end of this school year. Santorno is paid an annual salary of $225,000.
Debbie Cafazzo: 253-597-8635
debbie.cafazzo@thenewstribune.com
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