Lexington One Board conducts Superintendent’s performance review
November 6, 2017
On Oct. 11 and Oct. 17, 2017, the Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees met in executive session to conduct the 2016–2017 performance evaluation of Superintendent Gregory D. Little, Ed.D.
This annual evaluation, required by board policy and by the district’s employment agreement with the superintendent, focused on the school system’s 2016–2017 accomplishments under Dr. Little’s leadership.
In open session of a special board workshop held September 26, 2017, the board reviewed these accomplishments, while the superintendent and his leadership team answered board members’ questions, reviewed the district’s significant wins and the conditions that led to those successes, and discussed recommended 2017–2018 district priorities.
In open session tonight, after finishing Dr. Little’s review, the board publicly expressed its very strong approval of his performance and overall vision for Lexington District One; remarked on what a pleasure it was to have Dr. Little leading the school system; and pointed out his particularly effective performance in the following areas:
- his outstanding leadership in academics and human resources including, but not limited to, a successful continuous improvement process resulting in the distinction of accreditation process by AdvancED, expansion of the district’s dual credit program and World Languages program, and leadership in the creation of the district’s Aspiring Principals Academy and Principals Institute;
- his approachability, relatability and energy level;
- his ability to quickly build relationships with students at all grade levels and with their parents, community members, teachers and support staff;
- his successful first-year school visits to all 30 schools and FOCUS which resulted in visits to more than 1,600 classrooms;
- his skill in creating meaningful partnerships with private and public sector businesses and governmental agencies in order to expand educational opportunities for students and employees; and
- his impact on morale system wide as he moves the district forward by empowering employees.
In response, Dr. Little reflected, “My family and I have really enjoyed our time in Lexington District One. It is an easy place to fall in love with, and I am honored and humbled to lead such a dynamic community.”
Board Chair Debra Knight stated, “Dr. Little exceeded the board’s expectations in his first year as superintendent. He has embraced our school district by empowering our teachers, support staff, administrators and aspiring leaders; shown us the value of getting staff and community input when hiring principals; and advocated heavily for bus driver salary increases and changes in our Transportation Office.
“After successfully leading the district through the AdvancED accreditation process last year, he is now leading the district through a complex strategic planning process, while continuing to champion the value of customer service and the importance of meeting the needs of all students.”
As the result of his exemplary job performance evaluation, the board acted to extend the superintendent’s contract term for an additional year (until June 30, 2021); to provide an annual salary of $204,373 (a 2.7 percent increase, the same 2017–2018 percent increase provided to other district administrators); to specify that he receive a yearly annuity contribution of six percent of his annual salary; to adjust the number of vacation leave days he can earn from 15 to 20 days; and to increase his monthly automobile allowance for in-district travel by $100.
