Accountability
“We each have to do our part—and do it very well”
-James Kouzes and Barry Posner

• Today Columbus City Schools is a statewide model for data tracking and reporting;
• The District Office of Internal Audit stands as a national model for risk management and organizational effectiveness;
• Developed new “Zero-Base Budget” model that manages District resources;
• Demand a District culture of compassion and excellence in staff and student performance.

Curriculum
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”
– Socrates

• “Raise the Bar” for our students with more rigorous classes and homework assignments;
• Reward our students by keeping good teachers and principals in their school buildings;
• Increase teacher support through intercollegiate partnerships that put more graduate students in our classrooms;
• Offer certifications, apprenticeships, service learning and/or college credit options for students through community partnerships.

Transparency
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
-Benjamin Franklin

• Eliminate waste with options like “Zero-Based Budgeting” the make the budget process more inclusive;
• Create building “Impact Teams” within our schools that help parents and students become better informed, engaged and connected to their schools and local resources;
• Establish a “School Pride Citywide” campaign that sets goals towards an A or B rating in all schools.

Safety
“For safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.”
-Eleanor Everet

• Increased police officers in schools in strong partnership with School Resource Officers and District staff;
• Work with first-responders to implement emergency plans that address violence, natural disasters etc.;
• Encourage student and staff activism against bullying with “Peer-to-Peer” mentoring and service projects;
• Created new partnerships with organizations including Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Franklin County Job and Family Services that introduced new health and wellness supports for children.