1. DOWNINGTOWN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Transition Plan
Dr. Emilie M. Lonardi

2. PURPOSE OF TRANSITION Listen Gather Information
Create Expectations/Goals in concert
with needs of Board, District and
Community
Determine Priorities

3. DATA GATHERING
Board (9)
Administration(25)
Teachers (13)
Support Staff (12)
Students (20)
Parents (16)
Total: 95

4. SATISFACTION SURVEY
Board (7)
Administration (62)
All Staff (640)
Community (21)
Students (44)
Parents (2098)
Total: 2872

5. SURVEY QUESTIONS
The Superintendent’s 2 prong vision of attention to Academic Rigor and Student Engagement makes sense at this time.
The curriculum and instruction offered to students is relevant, engaging, rigorous, and supports 21 century learning.
The gifted and/or special education services provided by the district adequately support our students’ needs.
The school staff is supportive, caring and maintains an orderly learning environment.
There is sufficient attention to balance both core and encore(elective) courses.

6. SURVEY QUESTIONS
The athletics program is supported by modern and safe facilities, knowledgeable and caring coaches, adequate district funding, and teams that model sportsmanship and teamwork.
The music program offered to students is of high quality and adequately funded by the district.
Technology in the district supports 21st century learning, has a reliable infrastructure, and is adequately funded.
The facilities are clean, well-maintained, kept current, and support the educational programs for students.
Overall, Downingtown Area School District offers a quality education and I am proud to be a part of this school district.

7. SURVEY QUESTIONS Open Ended Questions
What is going extremely well in DASD that the new superintendent should preserve?
What is NOT going very well that should be the focus of the new superintendent?

8. Multiple Choice Results
SATISFACTION SURVEY
Multiple Choice Results
VISION
CURRICULUM
SPECIAL ED
STAFF
CORE=ENCORE
ATHLETICS
MUSIC
TECHNOLOGY
FACILITIES
OVERALL
PERCENT SATISFIED
89.80%
88.40%
66.70%
92.60%
85.60%
77.10%
84.40%
81.90%
90.50%
94.50%

9. Open Ended Survey Results PRESERVE … Mentioned by >100 respondents
Staff – great teachers and administration, caring teachers/staff
Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment – STEM Academy, 21st Century learning, academic rigor, academic options.
Technology – 1:1 initiative, access to technology
Athletics, music, and arts – all strong programs

10. Open Ended Survey Results CHANGE … Mentioned by >100 respondents
Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment – too much testing (K-5), too much homework, issues related to Math and Reading
Special education and Gifted services – teacher burnout, caseloads too high
Overcrowded classes -- not enough staff; class sizes high
Technology – iPad gaming, ipad to laptop switch, consistent use of Schoology, Tech support, Wi-Fi reliability; infrastructure issues

11. Top 5 areas to PRESERVE … Academic Excellence Staff Technology Pride
Continue focus on academic rigor and student engagement
Continue STEM
Continue focus 21st Century skills
Staff
Continue to promote positive contributions made by staff
Continue to hire quality personnel
Technology
Complete the K-12 1:1 initiative
Continue access to technology
Pride
Continue the annual District Welcome facilitated by the Superintendent to maintain district pride and sense of community
Continue community outreach opportunities wherever possible
Continue athletic and music programs – sources of pride
Communication
Continue to promote and encourage strong communication between schools and families
Continue to use social media to reach the maximum number of constituents

12. Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …
1. Academic Excellence
Develop and implement a comprehensive K-12 curriculum review cycle
Review MS course requirements and make recommendations
Review and ultimately update HS master schedule
Consider implementing full-day kindergarten
Be mindful of the number of new initiatives

13. Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …
Professional Development
Create a plan that allows for increased teacher collaboration focused on instruction
Clarify and communicate roles of central office administrators as related to daily operations
Provide specific training in math for K-8 teachers

14. Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …
3. Technology
Assess current cyber and blended learning options and create a clearer vision in the best interest of students
Increase consistent use of Schoology 6th through 12th grade
Evaluate ways to reduce gaming on the District tablet devices
Review device selection and select the best device for students and staff

15. Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …
4. Special Education
Evaluate current K-12 gifted education program
Increase communication regarding special needs programming
Evaluate accelerated mathematics programming

16. Top 5 areas that need ATTENTION …
5. Staffing/Class Size
Evaluate staffing at all levels; particularly special education caseloads
Evaluate support personnel for K-5 buildings
Manage the District growth

17. I ask everyone to collaborate with me to make an excellent school district even better!