Yvonne Bullock, :Ph.D.1.2041 Cholla RoadFishers, IN 46037l1otne: 317-585-8227Cell: 3l7"797-5936

July 22, 2012

Mcl'herson & Jacobson, L.L.C.7905 L Street, Suite 310

. Omaha, Nebraska 68127

Rl1:: Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Search

Dear Search Committee:

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter of interest for the position of Superintendent of Duval CountyPublic School District. Ibelieve that Ican make a long-term commitment to leadership and become part of acommunity that fosters high expectations for student achievement and promotes a sense of pride and belonging ina caring learning environment.

I have experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, and superintendent in a smallschool district. The majority of my educational experiences have been in culturally diverse school districts. Ibelieve that my administrative experiences will enable me to provide strong collaborative and instructionalleadership for the district. As a K-12 superintendent, I have had the opportunity to facilitate the development ofthe District Strategic Plan, District Improvement Plan, Local School Improvement and Restructuring Plans, and theResponse to Intervention (RTI) Plan. I have experience overseeing the operating budget, budget reductions toreduce the deficit, and making projections for the tax levy to determine needed revenue. Ihave experience withnegotiations and developing collective bargaining agreements for certified and non-certified unions. Ihaveworked with updating the Board Policy Manual and have keep abreast of new educational laws and regulations .. Ihave extensive experience with the management of Federal and State programs and have written numeroussuccessful competitive grants. My training and research-based best practices will provide expertise in the areas of

. curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, and professional development that will build and sustain thecapacity of teachers and administrators and close the achievement gap.

As the superintendent, I will work collaboratively with the Board of Education, staff, students, parents, andcommunity members to build consensus, maintain public trust, and involvement in the school district. I willprovide instructional leadership that will enhance student achievement and provide opportunities for all students tobecome well rounded by developing their academic and creative talents. I will work diligently to enhance the useof technology and provide the 21 st century skills needed to prepare students for high school, college and theworkplace. I am a visible and collaborative leader who is able to straightforwardly address all aspects of schoolleadership. I am resourceful, organized, and focused on high academic etudentachievement and continuingexcellent programs and services for a school district that strives to maintain a tradition of excellence. I am veryinterested in further discussing with you how my skills and experiences will support the needs and goals of theschool district.

ii

I

II

I

I

Sincerely,

f::::::u1:!f~

Duval County Public SchoolsARplication Information Form

Jacksonville, FloridaPosition: Superintendent

Title: [29 Dr.

Name:

Home Address:

OML OMS.Yvonne Bullock

oMrs. o (other-p/ease list) _

TelephoneOffice: ( ) _

Home: ( 317) _5_8_5-8_2_2_7_~_

Cell: ( 317) --.79_7_-5_93_6 _

E-mail:

12041 Cholla Road

Fishers, IN

Zip Code: 46037

Record of Professional Education (in reverse chronology)

Institution Graduation DateOhio University 1991

University of Cincinnati 1984

University of Cincinnati 1981

MajorEd. Adm & Ldrshp.

Degree

Ph.D.

Curri & lnst. MEd.

Elem. Education BSEd.

Record of Professional Experience (in reverse chronology)

Titl~ Dates District State Enrollment'Executive Director

of Cmricllillml!nst 2011 to 2012 South Bend Comm IN 21,000-- -- ~-Superintendent 2007 to 2010 Meridian CUSD 101 IL 700--Directorfor TchJLmg. 2005 to 2007 Hazelcrest 152.5 IL 1,400Asst to Dir of Schllmp. - ~

2003 to 2005 Fort Wayne Comm IN 35,000-- -~Principal 2000 to 2003 Indianapolis Public IN 450-

Application Questions and ResponsesCandidate: Dr. Yvonne Bullock

1. A leader who solicits, respects and values the input of stakeholders at alllevels of the organization and who has demonstrated leadership in utilizingthat input to create and sustain a culture of shared decision-making.

Iam a collaborative leader, one who seeks the input of others at all levels ofthe organization to sustain a culture of shared-decision-making. The centraloffice cabinet administrators meet weekly with me to discuss the progress ofthe district, the areas that they manage, and upcoming board meeting agendaitems. Leadership team meetings are held monthly for all administrators toprovide feedback relative to organizational issues and management.Principals meet monthly to discuss building level concerns and best practicestrategies to improve teaching and student learning. Monthly union executiveboard meetings are held to receive input and to discuss pertinentmanagement issues and teacher or non-certified staff concerns.

I have used focus groups, advisory councils, suggestion boxes, e-mail, andsurveys to solicit input and feedback from stakeholders in the decision-makingprocess. I have use focus groups with the development of a five-year strategicplan. Quarterly community/business task force meetings are held to receiveinput relative to the progress of the district's strategic plan action strategies.Monthly parent advisory council meetings give parents an opportunity toprovide feedback and share ideas. My previous district had five townships andmayors. I have rotated monthly town hall meetings to discuss pertinent issuesregarding the district as well as to give community members an opportunity toprovide input and ask questions.

2. A leader who supports and empowers principals, teachers and staff toimprove organizational and student performance outcomes.Principals are the instructional leaders of their buildings. Support is providedwith the analysis of data for standardized and formative assessments to makeinstructional decisions at the building level. Building principals have leadershipteams to assist with the school improvement planning process. The schoolimprovement plans are aligned with the district improvement plan and district

strategic plan. Targets for student performance are set and aligned with theState requirements. Schoolleadership teams and bulldlng staff develop schoolimprovement action plans to meet the targets and develop best practicestrategies to meet the needs of all students in the content areas. Each buildinghas a Response to Intervention Team (RTI) to address the academic andbehavioral needs of students. The goal of the RTI Team is to reduce thenumber of students retained, reduce the number of students referred fordiscipline and to prevent unnecessary referrals to special education. Time isprovided for teachers to work in professional learning cornmunities, gradelevel teams, cross-grade level teams, and content area teams to analyze data,review student work, and best-practice strategies to improve studentachievement.

3. A proactive visionary, able to consider, plan and implement systemic changethat increase the district's ability to recognize and respond to current andfuture challenges as they arise.As a visionary leader, Ihave used the Common Core Standards, zi" Centuryskills, College and Career Readiness skills, and technology skills to drivesystemic change to increase the district's ability to recognize and respond tocurrent and future challenges. The strategic plan has goals and objectives toaddress the current and future needs of the district. Staff/Community tasksforces and focus groups meet monthly around the central goals and objectivesof the plan to ensure that the strategic plan is a living and evolving documentthat drives systemic change. Business partners and college and universitypartners provide feedback and updates to keep abreast of current and futurecareer and college readiness skills. Staffs participate in job-embeddedprofessional development, local, state, and national conferences to keepabreast of research-based best practices. A technology plan is developed toensure that the district is able to provide up-to-date technology and skillsneeded for students to be academically competitive.

4. Someone with strong organizational and leadership skills, able tocollaboratlvelv align and focus internal and external stakeholder's efforts toaccelerate progress on achieving the district's goals for student andorganizational performance.As a strong organizational collaborative leader as well as a strong manager ofthe day-to-day operations of the district, the district has an organizational

structure that supports the needs of the district. The cabinet leveladministrators meet weekly with the superintendent to address district needsand to provide feedback relative to the areas that each member manages. Thedistrict leadership team, which is comprised of all district administrative staffmeet monthly to review the goals, strategies and targets to ensure that thestrategic plan is implemented effectively. Feedbackfrom task force and focusgroups are reviewed and changes are made to the strategic plan to reflect thefeedback to ensure district success. Annual quality improvement surveys fromstudents, parents, community, business and other stakeholders are analyzedand reviewed. This feedback is used to modify and adjust the strategic plan toensure district success. The annual "State of the District" report is anotherresource that is used to measure to progress of the district. All of the datacollected from these resources are used to modify and adjust our planning toenhance the performance of the district.

5. A person of integrity who is trustworthy and whose relationships, with theboard and across the district are predicated on honest and opencommunication.I believe the only way to build trust if to be honest in your dealings witheveryone. I am approachable and I have an open-door policy. When asked aquestion, I will answer to the best of my knowledge. If I do not know, I will tellthe person that I will find the answer. I always keep my word and I do notmake false or idle promises. I return all phone calls before the end of theworkday. I return all e-rnall messagesdaily. I provide weekly administrativebulletins for district staff. I provide monthly newsletters for parents, businessand community stakeholders. I provide an annual "State of the District" reportfor the entire district/school community. I provide weekly update packets forall board members to keep them abreast of what is occurring in the district. Ifthere is a problem, major issue or crisis, Iwill contact all members of the boardon the day of the matter to keep them abreast of how the matter is beinghandled. I work closely with the board to ensure that there is opencommunication. Board members may call, e-mail or come to the district officeif they have a concern that they would like to address directly with me. Imaintain a positive and professional demeanor with all staff, parents,community stakeholders and the board.

Do you have a Superintendent Endorsement for the state represented bythe position listed on this Application Information Form?

(If you have questions regarding the requirements to be a superintendent in theState of Florida, contact the Florida Department of Education)

Yes No~

I certi that the information provided herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Iam aware that the Florida Sunshine Act will require that all applicantinformation is public and can be released to the media upon request.

Applicant hereby waives his/her right to confidentiality with regard to his/her work record or criminalrecord and consents to and authorizes the release of information from current or former employersand/or law enforcement personnel upon inquiry under this application.

Signature of Applicant: ~~ ~a.0Printed name of APplicantU'_Y_v_o_nn_e_B_U_I_IO_Ck~ _ Date: July 23, 2012

This application must be COMPLETED and RETURNED by: MONDAY, JULY 23,2012

Duval County Public SchoolsMcPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.

Executive Recruitment and Development7905 L St., Suite 310

Omaha, Nebraska 68127Phone: (402) 991-7031/(888) 375·4814

E-mail: apps@macnjake.comFax: (402) 991-7168

ANEEO Employer

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, FL Closing date July .23, .2012

I

i

I

YVONNE BULLOCK, Ph.D.12041 Cholla RoadFishers, IN 46037

Home:Cell:

317-585-8227317-797-5936

OBJECTIVESTo serve as a superintendent in a diverse school district. To provide collaborative leadership that will enhancethe implementation of district goals and objectives. To provide instructional leadership to ensure the alignmentof system-wide curriculum and instruction programs with the standards. To provide leadership and supervisionof administrative staff to enhance teaching, learning and academic achievement for all students. To provideprofessional development that will build and sustain the effectiveness and capacity of staff. To provide soundfiscal leadership that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the district within a balanced budget.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND EXPERTISE• 30 Years of Experience in Education • Response to InterventionIPBIS Development• Visionary/Strategic Planner • Grant Writing and Development Expertise• Collaborative/Transformative Leader • Federal/State Program Implementation• Comprehensive School Reform Programs • NCLB Implementation and AYP Guidelines• Systemic School Improvement Planning • Scientific Research Based Instruction• Assessment, Analysis of Data, and Evaluation • Liaison for Community and Business Partnerships• Curriculum Development! Alignment • Human Resources Skills Including Interviewing,• Budget Development and Management Skills Hiring, Supervision, and Evaluation of Staff• Effective Oral/Written Communication Skills • Computer Literate, Use of Data Warehouse, and• Presenter/Facilitator/Trainer Skills Integration of Technology to Enhance Instruction

ACHIEVEMENTSImproved reading and math achievement scores from 2007 to 2010.Results: District overall performance improved on ISAT Reading from 41% to 60% and ISAT Math from 63%to 75%. PSAE scores improved in Reading from 8% to 27% and in Math from 10% to 20%. ACT compositescores improved from 15.3% to 20.6%. The elementary/middle school has improved reading performance andhad the highest math scores compared to the past six years as measured by ISAT. Students in the primarygrades were performing on grade level as measured by DIBELS, SRI and SPI results.

Written and awarded the School Improvement Grant for the Elementary/Middle School (150,000) and the HighSchool (142,000) for three reoccurring years from the Illinois State Board of Education.Results: Hired reading and math coaches. Improved literacy instruction based on the five essential elements ofreading. Enhanced math instruction. Enhanced instructional delivery, student engagement, and classroommanagement. Provided supplemental classroom materials, provided classroom computers and interactivewhiteboards to support instruction, and additional professional development focused on scientific-basedresearch and best practices for effective intervention and remediation of student deficiencies.

Provided job-embedded professional development in all content areas during Teacher Institute Days, SchoolImprovement Days, August Professional Development Week, and Professional Learning Communities.Results: More cohesive professional staff development. Enhanced collaboration of grade level, cross gradelevel and content area teams. Enhanced instructional delivery with the use of best practices in the classroom,and implemented comprehensive school improvement and restructuring plans. Schools now have scientific-based strategies to address the needs of every subgroup based on "No Child Left Behind" to close theachievement gap. I

YVONNE BULLOCK Page 2

EXPERIENCES

EXEUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INSTRUTION 2011-2012South Bend Community School Corporation, South Bend, INAligned the curriculum with Common Core and State Standards. Analyzed data from formative, benchmark andstandardized assessments to make instructional decisions. Managed department of 18 staff members includingdirectors, curriculum facilitators and specialists, and clerical staff. Managed Title II budget and coordinatedprofessional development opportunities for staff to enhance teaching, student achievement, use of technology anddata to support instruction, and administrative leadership through coaching and classroom walk-throughs using 1-Pads. Coordinated professional development for district instructional staff to enhance instructional delivery andclose the achievement gap.

SUPERINTENDENT 2007 - 2010Meridian Community Unit School District 101, Mounds, ILFacilitated the development of the strategic plan, Board retreats, Response to Intervention, Standards Based AlignedClassrooms, quarterly benchmark assessments, and professional learning communities. Facilitated collectivebargaining and negotiations, management of daily operations, budgets and levy projections, and district-wideimprovement planning. Managed Federal & State grant funds and human resources.

DIRECTOR FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING 2005 - 2007Hazel Crest School District 152.5, Hazel Crest, XLProvided curriculum development, mapping, and alignment with State Standards. Analyzed standardized test resultsand local quarterly benchmark assessments. Facilitated workshops, curriculum committees, textbook adoptions, andgrant writing. Assisted with the development of the district's Restructuring Plan.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS 2003 - 2005Fort Wayne Community School District, Fort Wayne, INAnalyzed test data and calculated Adequate Yearly Progress for 53 schools. Facilitated workshops for principals andteachers, and provided research-based strategies for closing the achievement gap.

PRINCIPAL 1995 - 2003Indianapolis Public Schools City District, Indianapolis, IN; Cincinnati Public Schools District, Cincinnati, OR.Managed decentralized budgets, provided Instructional leadership, supervised students and evaluated staff. Writtenschool improvement and professional development plans. Written grants to provide resources and technology toenhance instruction and student achievement.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL 1989-1995Cincinnati Public Schools City District, Cincinnati, OR.Assisted with the day-to-day operations, supervision of students and evaluation of staff. Facilitated workshops,curriculum committees and textbook adoptions. Developed a College Preparatory Magnet program.

TEACHER 1981 -1987Cincinnati Public Schools City District, Cincinnati, OH.Served as a Lead Teacher, conducted hands-on mathematics and science workshops for teachers, and developedGraded Courses of Study, Scope and Sequences, and Correlation of Skills for Reading and Mathematics.

YVONNE BULLOCK Page 3

EDUCATIONPh.D.) Educational Administration and Leadership) Ohio University, Athens, OH. 1991M.Ed.,Curriculum & Instruction, Supervision & Evaluation, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OR. 1984BSEd. Elementary Education, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH. 1981

CERTIFICATIONSuperintendentGeneral Administrative Type 75SuperintendentElementary Administration

AdministrativeAdministrativeStandardProfessional

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTPat Davenport 8-Step Training) 2011Coaching for Results, 2011Classroom Walkthroughs, 2010Collective Bargaining and Negotiations, 2009, 2007Using Data from All Stakeholders, 2009Technology Integration, 2009Professional Learning Communities 2009, 2008Hope FoundationIFailure is Not an Option, 2008Regional Office #2 Conference, 2007, 2008IDEA,2007Response to Intervention, 2007, 2008, 2009Illinois School Finance, 2007Superintendent's Conference-Demographics, 2007Assessments Aligned w/State Standards, 2006Administrative Uses for Handheld Computers) 2006Time Management for Busy Administrators, 2005Superintendents' Regional Conference, 2005Building the Reading Brain, 2005Curriculum Mapping, 2005Effective Group Facilitation, 2005Effective Instructional Strategies, 2005Managing Effective Teaching and Learning, 2005Reading First and Beyond, 2005Teacher Evaluation to Enhance Prof. Practice, 2005Three-Minute Classroom Walk-Through, 2005Understanding by Design, 2005Whole-Faculty Study Groups, 2005Classroom Instruction That Works, 2004Closing the Achievement Gap, 2004

February 28, 2007-July 1,2016, illinoisMarch 27, 1998-1uly 1, 2016, IllinoisSeptember 06,2010-2015) IndianaAugust 06) 2010-2020, Indiana

EJJhancing Student Achievement, 2004Framework for Understanding Poverty, 2004Building Leadership Capacity, 2004Multiple Intelligences, 2004Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap, 2004Balanced Literacy, 2003Good to Great, 2003Reading First, 2003-2005Model Schools Conference, 2002, 2001Indiana Dept. of Education Summer Institute, 2002Leading in a Culture of Change, 2002School-wide Planning Process, 2002Differentiated Instruction, 2001, 2005Indiana Urban Education Conference, 2001National Urban Alliance Reading Initiative, 2000Improving Instruction in the School, 1999Legal Issues, Supervising School Personnel, 1998Evaluation of Certified Staff, 1996-97Effective Schools/School Improvement, 1996Instructional Alignment, 1995Total Quality Management) 1995Developmentally Appropriate Practices, 1994Elements of Instruction. 1994Alternatives to Violence) 1993Cooperative Discipline/Learning, 1993Principal Leadership Development; 1993Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) 1993Student Creative Response to Conflict, 1993Cultural Awareness & Diversity Training, 1992-93

COMMUNITYIPROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIESAssoc. for Supervision & Curriculum Development Indiana Association for School AdministratorsAmerican Association of School Administrators National Association of Black School Educators. ,