At the Oct. 24 regular Hernando County School Board meeting, Superintendent Stratton received the prestigious CEOLDP certificate in recognition of his exceptional leadership in the field of education. David Sykes, a representative from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), gave the certificate.
The Chief Executive Officer Leadership Development Program (CEOLDP) is a program created to nurture and enhance the leadership skills of elected district superintendents in Florida, but appointed superintendents also benefit from the program. This law-mandated initiative, also known as the CEOLDP, is comparable to leadership development programs made for corporate executives. What sets this program apart is its primary focus on ensuring that the actions and decisions of district superintendents are directed toward enhancing student learning outcomes.
The CEOLDP entails an extensive evaluation process. It comprises written learning protocols, portfolio submissions, a series of reflective questions and a final presentation in front of a panel of evaluators. Successful completion of the program culminates in the awarding of a CEOLDP certificate, which signifies the superintendent’s commitment to educational leadership. Notably, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) bases the annual salary supplement it issues on the superintendent’s evaluation score. This supplement ranges from $3,000 to $7,500, with Superintendent Stratton’s score near the upper end of this scale at $7,150.
Sykes shared that Superintendent Stratton’s journey through the CEOLDP program was particularly impressive. His leadership development challenge was centered on students with disabilities, shining a spotlight on a vulnerable group in the educational system. Through his dedicated work, he has already made substantial improvements in outcomes for these students, aligning with Hernando’s strategic goal of providing learning opportunities for all students to achieve individual success.
The FADSS has invited Superintendent Stratton to share his leadership development challenge at the upcoming spring leadership conference. By doing so, he will inspire and educate fellow superintendents, offering them valuable insights into his groundbreaking work.
Overall, Superintendent Stratton’s exemplary performance in the CEOLDP program serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to the betterment of Florida’s educational system. His success underscores the importance of fostering leadership skills among district superintendents and the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of education in the state. As we celebrate Superintendent Stratton’s achievements, we also look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make in the field of education. Congratulations to Superintendent Stratton on this well-deserved recognition of his outstanding leadership in Florida’s education system.
