New Collaborations Result in Greater Success

With high retirement numbers, coupled with the huge influx of pending new leadership, there was a real need within the school district to refine evaluation processes, produce additional training, and assist with development of new leaders.

Acknowledging a request for advancement of the leadership’s skill set from the school district, The Hillsborough Education Foundation delivered resources to help Hillsborough County Schools’ talented training department enhance its leadership program.

By seeking the assistance of two business partners, GE Healthcare and Citigroup, a great collaboration was created.

GE Healthcare has provided facilitators to work with various groups of administrators to improve the two year training our district provides to prepare administrators for their new roles as principals. GE also worked with school leaders of multiple levels to develop training solutions and create a manageable action plan that the school district could implement.

The generous provision of GE’s expertise has helped create systems which will benefit the district and its leadership development for years to come. This is a great example of a partnership which, while not involving huge dollar amounts, creates an annuity of benefits which Hillsborough County Public Schools will receive lasting advantages. Currently, other districts in Florida are copying our existing model for Preparing New Principals. The recommended changes and strategies will go far in making our program one of exemplary status around the state and nation. More importantly, those who participate in the program will be much better prepared for the appointment to principal.

Citigroup, through the Foundation, has allowed four employees of the district to participate in their Leadership1 training. Citigroup’s methods provide greater substance and relevance to the leadership goals that Hillsborough County Public School System sets.

By Citigroup providing a series of “Train the Trainer” sessions on evaluation techniques, 360’s and leadership development, this substantial training is cost effective.  While it would be prohibitively expensive to provide this training on a “pay as you go” basis for all of the leadership candidates in the district, by training the trainers, the value continues with no on-going cost.

The Foundation is proud to be a part of this success and continues to seek ways to bring community expertise and resources into the schools and school district. If you feel that you have a partnership opportunity available that the district would benefit from, please link to How You Can Help.