Completed Notice of Interest Packet must be received at packet@alsde.edu by 12 Noon on Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

Packets received after this date and time will not be considered.

Notice of Interest Packet and accompanying documentation are considered to

be public documents.

Applicant agrees to be subject to a background check.

The Alabama State Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.

State Superintendent of Education Notice of Interest Packet

Alabama State Board of Education - Appointment of State Superintendent of Education

TIMELINE April 14, 2016 Work Session and Board Meeting of the Alabama State Board of Education (SBE)

Establishing Process for Appointing State Superintendent of Education. April 18, 2016 Alabama State Department of Education Releases Notice of Interest Packet to

Public. June 7, 2016 12 Noon Deadline for Candidates to Submit Completed Notice of Interest Packet

to the Attention of Juliana Dean at packet@alsde.edu. June 10, 2016 Packets Provided to SBE Members by Close of Business. THE FOLLOWING ARE TARGET DATES, SUBJECT TO CHANGE. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S

WEBSITE AT WWW.ALSDE.EDU. July 2016 Candidate Interviews; dates and candidates to be announced at www.alsde.edu. July 12, 2016 Statutory SBE Meeting (Ala. Code § 16-3-7 (1975)); discussion of candidates and possible selection of State of Superintendent of Education, with potential start date of August 1, 2016.

GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS x Each completed Notice of Interest Packet must include the following information and

documentation: o Cover letter, which should include why the individual is interested in serving as the State

Superintendent of Education; o Curriculum Vitae; o A copy of relevant transcript(s). If selected to be a finalist, a candidate must also provide

an official/sealed transcript(s) to the attention of Juliana Dean, Office of General Counsel, Post Office Box 302101, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101; and

o Letters of references, between 3-5 submissions.

x Failure to provide all information requested may be taken into consideration by Board members.

x Effective advocacy and communication are essential to successful performance as State Superintendent of Education. At a later point in the application process, candidates determined to have met the qualifications for the position may expect to be notified of an opportunity to submit a 3-5 minute video they believe demonstrates their communication skills.

x Salary will be determined by the State Board of Education within specified range. x Applicants agree to be subject to a background check. x Questions should be directed to Juliana Dean at packet@alsde.edu.

* FOR IMMEDIATE POSTING * NOTICE OF VACANCY

ALABAMA STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION

The Alabama State Board of Education is seeking qualified applicants for the position of State Superintendent of Education due to the retirement effective April 1, 2016, of Dr. Thomas R. Bice, former State Superintendent of Education. Pursuant to state law, this notice must be posted at a conspicuous place at each school campus and worksite, as well as at the central office of each local board of education, Ala. Code § 16-4-1.1 (1975). This should remain posted until further notice, Ala. Code § 16-4-1.1. The Alabama State of Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer. (1) TITLE AND JOB DESCRIPTION: State Superintendent of Education, Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama

State Department of Education. (2) REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The State Superintendent of Education shall be a person of good moral

character, with academic and professional education equivalent to graduation from a standard university or college, who is knowledgeable in school administration and has training and experience sufficient to qualify him or her to perform the duties of his office, Ala. Code § 16-4-1 (1975). Furthermore, a qualified applicant shall possess:

a. Knowledge of educational policy development and implementation in a large-scale system. b. Proven skills in working effectively with political leaders at the state level. c. Experience in working with elected or appointed educational boards. d. Practice in working with educational professionals, organizations and other stakeholders. e. Familiarity with the implementation of federal and state educational legislation. f. Experience in successfully managing a large organization as a superintendent or other educational

leader. g. Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse student population and employing a diverse staff. h. Experience in administering large budgets. i. Earned doctorate, preferred but not required, from an accredited academic institution. j. Hold or be eligible to hold an Alabama certificate in administration or supervision–preferred but not

required. k. Evidence of effective communication skills.

(3) SALARY AMOUNT: $192,000-$250,000 - Negotiable (4) SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: Candidates are to complete a Notice of Interest Packet available at

www.alsde.edu. A completed Notice of Interest Packet must be submitted via e-mail to the attention of Juliana Dean, General Counsel, at packet@alsde.edu.

(5) DEADLINE FOR APPLYING: June 7, 2016 (6) OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Application period opens April 18, 2016

June 5, 2016 Members of the Alabama State Board of Education c/o Juliana Dean Office of the General Counsel Post Office Box 302101 Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101 Dear Members of the Alabama State Board of Education: Having demonstrated a stellar track record as an executive level educator, it is a pleasure to submit an application package for the position of Alabama State Superintendent of Education. I believe that, upon review, you will recognize that my past successful executive level educational leadership performance and experiences are precisely what the Alabama State Board of Education is seeking in order to provide ALL Alabama school children with the essential knowledge and skills to be successful in a two or four year college or in a 21st century career. My greatest strengths perfectly complement the required qualifications listed in the Notice of Vacancy:

I have served as a West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools for nearly six years.

I have led national and state educational policy discussions as a past President of the Council of Chief State School Officers.

As a State Superintendent of Schools, I demonstrated sound political skill and judgment in collaborating with the Governor, state legislature, nine members of the State Board of Education, and superintendents and local boards of fifty-five school districts.

I have collaborated closely with numerous organizations that represent typically underserved students including minority populations and have been and continue to be dedicated to the proposition that “All Children Must Learn.”

Having served as President of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, I have a keen understanding and knowledge of the skills and dispositions being sought in graduates of public schools by numerous partner companies including LEGO, Apple, Cisco, Crayola, Ford Motor Company Foundation, Disney, Intel, Fisher-Price and numerous others.

I have a demonstrated track record for raising student achievement as a principal of a nationally recognized school, as a district level superintendent recognized at the state level for exemplary student performance and for superior improvement, and as West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools.

I have managed a $2.5 billion dollar budget effectively, efficiently and with fiscal integrity.

I have successfully served with one leading digital education publisher and two innovative and highly successful digital start-up/early stage companies in the past five years and possess a valuable and unique knowledge base and skill set.

There are several other of my career experiences and performance results highly relevant to the position of Alabama State Superintendent of Education that are highlighted in the enclosed curriculum vitae. I am intrigued by the high level of expectation that the Alabama State Board of Education has exhibited in seeking an executive leader for Alabama public schools. With a growing presence of STEM related companies in Alabama, I clearly understand the need to provide all students with the prerequisite skills to maintain and build upon the state’s growing and diverse economy. I have been a demonstrated champion of providing for “equity in quality” for the performance of all students regardless of zip code and socio-economic status. I understand the exploding digital world, how that world can be maximized to accelerate student achievement, and how a state system of education must position all students for success and personal responsibility in that world. In summary, it would be a great honor to speak with you, members of the Alabama State Board of Education, further regarding my candidacy for this outstanding opportunity. Sincerely yours, Steven L. Paine, Ed. D.

Page 3

Chief Academic

Advisor

Engrade

Santa Monica,

CA

January 2012 –

February 2014

Responsibilities (Continued):

Manage and contract the negotiation process

Inform the product roadmap by working with members of the content team, the design

team and the development team on the process of developing new features for existing

products, designing entirely new products and modifying existing procedures to better

meet the needs of educators

Accomplishments:

Contributed to the development of an award-winning module to significantly improve

student graduation rates by identifying students at risk of dropping out of school as early

as the first grade

Collaborated to significantly increase the establishment of research partnerships with

states and districts

Collaborated with one state to improve graduation rates in two years to become a national

performance leader

Responsibilities:

Advisement to CEO and senior level leaders of Engrade in bringing the needs of state,

district and school customers into the development and implementation of customized

Instructional Improvement Systems

Support Engrade’s ongoing efforts to add product capabilities that easily facilitate

innovative pedagogical approaches and methods in state school systems, school districts

and schools

Closely communicating with chief state school officers and district superintendents to

carefully assess future trends and customer needs

Identifying potential collaborative partners in responding to state, district and school

customer needs

Accomplishments:

Collaborated with the Engrade team to accelerate achievement by enabling educators to

connect the right learning resources to the right students at the right time

Provided successful leadership in orchestrating strategic partnerships and developing

innovative and attractive products

Provided strategic leadership and advisement that contributed to Engrade being

acquired by a leading digital education company in February 2014

Presently continue to serve as an educational advisor to the CEO

Page 4

President

Partnership

For 21st

Century

Skills

Washington,

DC

January 2013 –

February 2014

Advisor

Student

Achievement

Partners

New York, NY

April 2012 –

February 2014

Vice President

Strategic

Planning and

Business

Development

CTB/

McGraw-Hill

Monterey, CA

Responsibilities:

Executive leadership to the leading business/education advocacy organization in

positioning 21st century learning competencies at the center of U.S. K-12 education.

Building national collaborative partnerships among state education agencies, education

organizations, communities, government officials, and business leaders from nearly 30

corporations including Apple, CISCO, Crayola, Disney, Fisher-Price, Ford Motor

Company Fund, Intel, Lego, Project Management Institute, and UNICEF

Promotion and support of the rapidly growing international interest in 21st century

learning

Development of strategy for the implementation of 21st century learning competencies at

the state education agency level

Advocacy for federal and state policy in support of the implementation of 21st century

learning competencies

Continue to serve in an advisory capacity to executive leadership

Accomplishments:

Expansion in the number of corporate partnerships/memberships to P21

Successful acquisition of grant funding in support of project-based learning and civic

education

Foundational partner with several other organizations to Rethink Accountability, a

national initiative including several national policy and state membership organizations

Responsibilities:

Advisement to one of the nation’s leading organizations devoted to accelerating student

achievement by driving effective and innovative implementation of the Common Core State

Standards. Specifically, advisement to principals, district administrators, state policy

leaders and union representatives in developing effective collaborative strategies for

implementation of the Common Core State Standards

Responsibilities:

Strategic planning activities including advisement of education curriculum, instruction

and assessment needs of state education systems; development of federal strategies and

relationship management; development of assessment position statements; PARCC and

SBAC strategic relationship management; and obtaining competitive intelligence

Business development activities including relationship management with industry

organizations including NGA, CCSSO, AASA, NASBE, and other; participating on

industry and other advisory boards; coordination of CTB/McGraw-Hill lobbying efforts;

direction of special consultant efforts; and development of strategic partnerships with

other companies and industry organizations

Page 5

Senior

Advisor to the

McGraw-Hill

Education

Research

Foundation

New York, NY

January 2011 –

January 2012

State

Superintendent

of Schools

West Virginia

Department of

Education

Charleston, WV

July 2005 –

January 2011

Thought leadership with the McGraw-Hill Education Company including authoring

various White Papers, staffing speaking engagements and developing strategic long and

short-term visioning and positioning

Accomplishments:

Co-authored white papers with Andreas Schleicher, Education Director of OECD and

Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public Schools. “Lessons the US Can

Learn from High Performing Countries of the World” and ”Proven Strategies for

Developing Leadership at Under-Performing Schools”

Expansion of performance-based assessment items within both summative and formative

assessments

Development of strategy to address state assessment needs with regard to the Common

core State Standards leading to being awarded several assessment contracts

Responsibilities:

Providing executive leadership and oversight to the West Virginia Public School

Community, a very highly centralized statewide education system consisting of a diverse

population of 280,000 students, 720 schools and 55 county school systems

Collaboration with the Governor, the West Virginia Legislature, the West Virginia

Delegation of the United States Congress, and the United States Department of Education

in identifying key challenges and articulating policy in ways that draw diverse

perspectives together

Building support from the business community, citizens, parents, teacher and educational

organizations, county school superintendents and local school boards for the

implementation of key initiatives and policies

Developing a vision of high expectations for every West Virginia public school student

that is relevant to the 21st century world

Oversight of a $2.4 billion budget

Leading the West Virginia Department of Education and its 500 employees in an

environment seasoned with high expectations, innovation, excellence, trust and integrity

Accomplishments:

Partnered with the West Virginia Board of Education in maintaining and enhancing a

climate of open communication, trust, integrity and credibility

Development and implementation of an internationally benchmarked learning system

entitled Global21: Students Deserve It. Our World Demands It

Standards, assessment and accountability system rated first in the country by Quality

Counts 2010

Page 6

Deputy State

Superintendent

West Virginia

Department

of Education

Charleston, WV

January 2003 –

July 2005

Accomplishments (Continued)

Establishment of state-of-the art teaching/learning infrastructure system in all WV schools

including increased equitable access, teacher and student technology skills, professional

learning communities, comprehensive professional development, and rich on-line teacher

resources

Development and implementation of Teach21, a comprehensive on-line bank of resources

for teachers aligned to curriculum standards including lessons, assessment items, teaching

resources, video model lessons, learning activities and other resources

Development of on-line adaptive writing assessment program in grades 3-11;

implementation of an aligned on-line instructional tool for teachers and students

Transformation of the statewide system of education to an authentic internationally

competitive Global21 Learning System including curriculum redesign, systemic

professional development for school leaders and teachers; organizational leadership

development; educator preparation programs, resource acquisition, parent/community

involvement, technology integration, Pre-K programs and STEM initiatives

Implementation of Global21 world-class curriculum in grades PK-12

Design and implementation of statewide system of professional development for teachers

and principals in support of Global21 statewide curriculum

Design and implementation of the Framework for High Performing Schools for 21st

Century Learners, a comprehensive systemic school system, school and classroom

improvement initiative in partnership with the 21st Century Skills Partnership Project

Directed the redesign of the West Virginia Statewide Assessment System in order to assess

comprehensive internationally benchmarked standards

Establishment of a strategic public-private partnership between the Governor, the West

Virginia Legislature, key West Virginia business organizations, teacher organizations,

county school boards and superintendents to implement the Framework for High

Performing Schools for 21st Century Learners

Responsibilities:

Provided leadership and oversight to West Virginia public schools

Directed the implementation of WV Achieves: West Virginia’s state plan to implement the

NCLB Act of 2001

Provided leadership and oversight to school system and school improvement initiatives

Collaborating with the executive and legislative branches of state government in

developing laws in support of high quality educational practices

Collaborated with the WV State Board of Education in developing and implementing high

quality educational policies

Provided direction and oversight to the Office of Technology

Page 7

Responsibilities (Continued)

Provided leadership in the development of the public education budget for West Virginia

public schools

Oversight of the development of the West Virginia Department of Education budget

Accomplishments:

Under the leadership of the West Virginia Board of Education and the State Superintendent of

Schools, as Deputy Superintendent I managed Department of Education operations and provided

leadership resulting in the West Virginia recognitions and accomplishments:

Received top rankings in Education Week’s Quality Counts Reports in 2004 and 2005

Release from a federal Title I Compliance Agreement

Implemented highly acclaimed school system improvement framework (Framework for

High-Performing School Systems)

Increased from 2002-03 to 2003-04 in the number of schools meeting Adequate Yearly

Progress (400+ to 500+)

Ranked sixth in the nation for universal pre k program access; expanded child access and

improved program quality

Implemented the comprehensive K-4 Reading Program winning the Five Star Reading

Award two years in a row

Implemented the nationally acclaimed Virtual School program

Won two national technology grants to evaluate technology programs

Ranked seventh nationally for student access to technology

Implemented on-line end of course testing in vocational/technical education and an on-

line West Virginia Writing Assessment

Established leadership in character education and implemented the West Virginia Student

Code of Conduct and the Teacher Code of Conduct

Received no citations from the United States Department of Education for persistently

dangerous schools

Initiated the curriculum alignment process for the WESTEST and the West Virginia

Content Standards and Objectives

Created the Division to address needs of low performing schools and address the sub

group achievement gap

Enhanced the Department of Education’s focus on parent and community involvement

Developed first Department of Education Strategic Plan with the West Virginia Board of

Education

Page 8

Superintendent

Morgan County

Schools

Berkeley

Springs, WV

July 1998 –

January 2003

Responsibilities:

Improvement of the quality and equity of student achievement

Leadership and management of the school system’s curriculum and instruction, facilities,

finances, and personnel programs

Implementation of the Board of Education’s vision for Morgan County Schools

Implementation of federal, state and local policies

Positive two-way communication with parents and the community

Accomplishments:

Improved SAT/9 student achievement results from county school system ranking of 53rd out

of 55 school districts in 1998 to 21st in 2001 based on Z-score calculations

Demonstrated continued improvement with 2002 results - Z-score calculations

Recognized by the West Virginia Superintendent of Schools for exemplary improvement in

system-wide student achievement levels in 2000

Recognized by the State Superintendent of Schools for excellence in student achievement

results in 2001

Three of eight schools in the system were recognized as West Virginia Schools of

Excellence (the first recognition of its kind ever for Morgan County Schools); Berkeley

Springs High School recognized as a High Schools That Work Exemplary School

Improved West Virginia Writing Assessment results from among the lowest ranked school

systems in 1998 to the top 25% of school systems in 2002

Implemented a school-based curriculum leadership model in all schools

Implemented a research-based reading program in grades K-8 that produced increased

student achievement results as measured by multiple assessments

Awarded full school system accreditation status as assigned by the West Virginia Office of

Education Performance Audits

Initiated Advanced Placement and honors classes, successfully implemented several

virtual schools classes in grades 7-12, established several technology initiatives including

telecommunications capability at both high school, instituted A+ and Net + certification

courses and numerous technology courses in the adult education program and

significantly enhanced the fine arts programs in grades K-12

Passed a 100% excess school levy by a 76% margin, received two West Virginia School

Building Authority grants totaling $10.5 million dollars to renovate Berkeley Springs High

School, renovate Widmyer Elementary School and build a new elementary school

Named to the Executive Committee of the West Virginia Association of School

Administrators and elected chairman of the RESA VIII Board of Directors

Page 9

Curriculum

Director

Upshur County

Schools

Buckhannon,

WV

September

1995 – June

1998

Principal

Buckhannon-

Upshur

Middle School

Buckhannon,

WV

August 1990 –

September

Responsibilities:

Senate Bill 300 implementation

School improvement planning, mission integration, school climate needs assessment and

short and long range goal setting

K-12 curriculum design, development, implementation and review

School accreditation, Step VII budget development and technology planning

West Virginia Education Information Systems (WVEIS) coordination

Professional and service staff development

Grant writing and grant administration

Oversight of the alternative education program

School calendar development

Coordination of Title II and VI programs

Accomplishments:

Initiated the school improvement process for all schools within the school district

Implemented processes for test score analysis including emphasis on disaggregated score

analysis by student sub group

Designed and implemented the alternative education program

Formed a coalition with central office staff to impact efficiency

Revised the planning process for effective use of technology leading to improvement of

technology integration and use

Expanded and improved professional development

Instituted the focus on career clusters and majors resulting in the development of the high

school programs of studies

Received numerous state and federal grants

Responsibilities:

Instructional leadership/management of the total educational program for the largest

middle school (1200 students) in WV

Coordination and management of diverse co-curricular and extra-curricular activities

Evaluation, management and staff development of professional and service staff

Collaboration with parents and community

1995 Page 10

Assistant

Principal for

Administration

Buckhannon-

Upshur

High School

Buckhannon,

WV

August 1986 –

August 1990

Accomplishments:

Collaborated with the School Improvement Council, Faculty Senate and Academic

Boosters to implement a comprehensive school improvement process

Within five (5) years, improved the total school environment leading to four prestigious

national and state school awards

Improved Upshur County’s CTBS Total Basic Skills scores from the 53rd ranked county in

WV to the 3rd ranked county

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School named a United States Department of Education Blue

Ribbon School in 1993-94 and a United States Department of Education Safe, Drug-Free

School in 1994-95 (one of approximately ten schools nationwide to ever win both awards)

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School selected as a WV Blue Ribbon School and WV School

of Excellence in 1993-94, and a WV Drug-Free School in 1994-95

Improved the comprehensive physical fitness program including the development of the

fitness track, fitness and exercise center and outside volleyball facility resulting in a

significant increase in students passing the Presidential Physical Fitness Test

Responsibilities:

Duties included student management of over 1500 students within grades 9-12

Facilities management of a large diverse building

Service staff evaluation and evaluation of various professional education staff

Accomplishments:

Established safe and orderly environment as evidenced by a reduction in suspensions and

serious discipline infractions

Improved facilities with reductions in vandalism and greater attention to cleanliness

Selected as leadership staff member to the West Virginia Principals’ Academy

Selected as Residential Director of the nationally acclaimed West Virginia Principals’

Academy

Page 12

Community and Professional Activities (Continued)

Appointed by Governor Bob Wise and confirmed by the West Virginia Senate to the West

Virginia Commission on National and Community Service, 2001 – 2003

Appointed to the Board of Advisors of Potomac State College of West Virginia University,

Keyser, West Virginia, Term 2000 - 2004

Member of the Morgan County War Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Berkeley Springs,

West Virginia, 2002

Member of the Morgan County Economic Development Authority, Morgan County, West

Virginia, 1998 – 2002

Elected Chairman of the Regional Education Service Agency VIII Board of Directors, 2002 –

2003

Member of the Regional Education Service Agency VIII Board of Directors, Martinsburg, WV,

1998 – 2002

Member of the James Rumsey Technical Institute Board of Directors, Tri-County Technical

and Adult Education School, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 1998 - 2002

Executive Committee Member, Facilities Committee Chairman, and Member of the West

Virginia Association of School Administrators, 1998 – 2002

Member of the Lions Club, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 1998 - 2002

Member of the Morgan County Farm Bureau, 1998 - 2002

Member of the ASCD, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1998 –

Present

State Board Member of the Governing Board Alliance of the West Virginia Hospital

Association, Class of 1998, 1995-1998

Member of the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Buckhannon, WV, 1994-98;.

Chairman of the Finance Committee, 1995; total budget - $24 million; Chairman of the

Strategic Planning Committee, 1996-97; chaired the development of the St. Joseph’s

Hospital Strategic Plan through year 2000

Member of the Advisory Council, West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of

Education, 1995-1998

Board Member for the Upshur County Work Adjustment Center, 1995-1997; Chairman of the

CEO Compensation Committee

Board Member for the Upshur County Airport Authority, 1993

Page 14

September 2011

March 2011

June 2010

May 2010

September 2009

April 2008

Fall 2007

June 2007

January 2003 -

Present

July 2000 – 2002

1986 - Present

Related Selected Professional Activities (Continued)

Co-authored with Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade Public

Schools the white paper entitled “Proven Strategies for Developing Leadership at

Under-Performing Schools” published by the McGraw-Hill Research Foundation

Co-authored with Andreas Schleicher, Director of Education at the OECD the white

paper entitled “What the U.S. Can Learn From Successful Education Reform Efforts”

published by the McGraw-Hill Research Foundation

International Technology in Education Symposium, London, England. Invited

participant to discuss best practices in the use of instructional technologies in schools

with senior education officials from twelve countries and leading international experts

Testified before the United States Senate HELP Committee regarding the development

of common core curriculum standards and innovative assessments

International Teacher Quality Symposium, Helsinki, Finland. Invited participant to

discuss teacher quality issues with senior education officials from twelve countries

International Math/Science Education Symposium, Singapore. Policy discussion of

international math/science education with senior education officials from the United

States, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Canada, New

Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Malaysia, and Brazil

Testified before the United States Senate Finance Committee regarding the design,

development and implementation of innovative 21st Century Learning Systems

Member of Lead Delegation representing The College Board to Beijing, Jinan, China.

Policy discussions, school visitations to selected schools in China

Numerous national presentations regarding 21st Century Learning Systems Design

and Development to: The Council of Chief State School Officers, National Learning

First Alliance, National Conference of State Legislators, National Education

Association, Washington, D.C., American Federation of Teachers, Washington D.C.,

2008 Republican National Convention Panel Discussion hosted by NEA, Connecticut

Technology Directors Association, National/State Technology Directors Association,

National School Boards Association National Conference

Invited participant to the National Superintendent’s Academy at The Ohio State

University, Columbus, Ohio

Recipient of numerous grant awards totaling millions of dollars; numerous

appearances as a panel discussant and presenter at the international, national and

state levels regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment practices, school

improvement processes, leadership strategies and other contemporary education

issues and topics; membership to numerous national and state consortia and task

forces

June 2, 2016

Alabama State Board of Education c/o Juliana Dean

Office of General Counsel

Post Office Box 302101

Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101

Dear Alabama State Board of Education Members:

It is my pleasure to offer this letter of recommendation and endorsement for Dr. Steven Paine as a candidate for the Alabama State Superintendent’s position. I have known Steve for approximately five years. We first met as fellow state chiefs when I served Ohio as its 35th state superintendent from 2008–2011. Additionally, I have worked with Steve in two different roles: as the Assistant Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education (2012–2015) and also in my current role as Executive Director and CEO of ASCD, a non-profit organization that includes 125,000 members across more than 138 countries.

Throughout all of my interactions with Dr. Paine, I have found him to be a colleague with high integrity, clear vision, and a deep commitment to all students. Steve was one of the first state chiefs I met when I assumed my role in Ohio and, due to our states being adjacent, we developed a mutually respectful relationship and, in so many ways, he served as a role model for me. He was always available to assist in working through issues and, in this role, he was intellectual, a problem solver, and exhibited amazing communication skills. Throughout all of our conversations, he erred on the side of relationship-building and what would ultimately be in the best interest of kids. Additionally, we served together on the Board of Directors for CCSSO and developed a mutual appreciation for understanding

education across the nation and were committed to developing partnerships across states.

Dr. Paine introduced me to the notion of 21st century skills and increased my knowledge of their importance in preparing all students for their future. He readily shared the work he developed and facilitated in West Virginia that ultimately benefitted Ohio’s educators. As one of the leaders of the 21st

Century Partnership, I observed his influence on a significant number of our colleagues and even his outreach to potential naysayers. His easy-going mannerism invites colleagues into conversations and he is adept at reaching consensus across various stakeholders.

Since Dr. Paine left his role in West Virginia, we have remained collaborators and thought-partners, especially in regard to federal laws and policies (in which he is very well versed) and how best to transform teaching and learning. I continue to rely on Dr. Paine’s deep wisdom about education and value the insights he has gleaned from a lifetime of service to kids.

Having served as a state chief, I am very aware of the demands and complexities of the position. Given this knowledge, I offer a hearty endorsement for Dr. Steven Paine in the role of Alabama’s State Superintendent.

Sincerely,

Deborah S. Delisle Executive Director and CEO, ASCD

LOWELL E. JOHNSON, ED.D

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

From: Lowell E. Johnson

RE: Recommendation for Dr. Steven Paine

Date: June 2, 2016

I have known Dr. Steven Paine since 2004. I was a member of the West Virginia Board of

Education when he was hired by our Board to be State Superintendent of West Virginia Schools. In

addition, I worked directly with Dr. Paine as President of the West Virginia Board of Education for two

years and as a Board member with him for four more years. He received excellent evaluations during his

tenure and left of his own accord. I am pleased to give him my highest recommendation and support for

a position as the State Superintendent of Alabama schools.

I make this recommendation because he is one of the best administrators I have had the honor

to know. When you hire him you will employ a man who:

can work with legislators at the state and federal level on a personal and professional

level.

puts children first.

has vision and can develop strategic plans for the school system.

will promote and implement safety programs for children in schools.

will visit schools in the district regularly.

will implement exercise and nutrition programs for school children.

is a great communicator and will listen to board members, staff, principals, teachers,

counselors and service personnel and their professional organizations.

will work with the community to improve low performing schools.

will not deviate from state policy or state code.

is a curriculum expert who can develop and implement curriculum standards for school

Instruction.

will support technology implementation in instruction.

understands the importance of professional development for the school system.

knows the programs of the U. S. Department of Education .

knows state initiatives such as the common core and its implementation.

will communicate with the board often about all his activities.

is knowledgeable about testing and its implementation.

Dr. Paine is everything you would want and can ask for in a superintendent. Please contact me

if you have questions. I have only scratched the surface on this honest and dependable man who will

work whatever hours necessary to help children.

DestinationImagination.org | © 2015 Destination Imagination, Inc. | 1

June 2, 2016

Re: Recommendation of Dr. Steven Paine as Superintendent of Education for the State of Alabama.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Steven Paine when I was Chairman of the Board and he

was President of the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (www.p21.org ). He came to P21 with

impressive credentials including roles as the Superintendent of Schools of West Virginia and President

of CCSSO where he worked tirelessly to transform education for the children of West Virginia and the

nation into true 21st Century learning environments.

I recall in our initial discussions, he said that the fight to deliver 21st century learning to all

children is one he embraced when P21 was at its earliest stages and one which he was unwilling to lay

down until that goal had become reality. You see, at that point P21 was in the midst of a very divisive

time and was suffering from lack of cohesion and vision.

He became the catalytic force shaping a new strategic direction reigniting the organization to

new levels of membership, forging stronger ties to CCSSO member states, expanding state membership

and setting in motion a much stronger advocacy and research effort around the vision of preparing all

children for life and careers.

Steve laid the foundation that propelled the organization to secure a stronger role in the dialogue

around 21st century learning which ultimately led to a rebranding and expansion of the organization’s

work.

On a personal basis I have been the beneficiary of Steve’s mentorship, support and wisdom in

negotiating the myriad relationships that are critical for any organization or state to be successful in

change. He has proven himself not only in the world of education from which he arose, but also the

world of industry as he continues to lead industry level solutions that are both transformative and timely.

In my almost 40 years’ experience as an executive in multiple industries including 17 years as

President of LEGO Education North America, I have rarely seen the unique combination of executive

leadership capability and personal empathy that Steve exhibits. He has a true spirit of entrepreneurship

which is strengthened by his ability to guide diverse stakeholders to a common vision; then enlist those

same stakeholders into a shared implementation of that vision. He does this by fostering collaboration

and teamwork among his peers, employees and stakeholder networks.

For all these reasons, I heartily recommend Steve to the position of State Superintendent of

Schools for the State of Alabama. He is friend to children, teachers, industry and to me personally. He

will always do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

Sincerely,

Stephan S. Turnipseed

Executive Vice President

Chief Strategy Officer

Destination Imagination