Board gives Drakulich strong evaluation

The Sisters School Board strongly endorsed the performance of Superintendent Elaine Drakulich at their meeting on March 11.

The formal written evaluation declared that "The board is pleased with the leadership that Superintendent Drakulich has shown in moving the district forward in implementing data-driven decision-making focused on improved student achievement at all levels."

The board lauded Drakulich's leadership in establishing a "district-wide plan to improve student achievement..."

The board showed appreciation of Drakulich's financial management of the district.

The evaluation included language that Drakulich indicated to the board she intends to improve her "communication and personal leadership style," while she continues to "deepen her efforts to foster effective two-way communication with various groups of stakeholders in the school district and community."

Board chair Christine Jones said when Drakulich was interviewed for the job two years before, she said she was "dedicated to the success of every child." Since that time, Jones said "the work that is being done is the direction we want to take the district."

Jones did note that "in any district, there is room for continuous improvement."

Praise also came from board members Mike Gould, Glen Lasken and Tom Dumolt.

Gould said that Drakulich was the right person to hire two years ago and was still the right person for the job.

"I hope we can work something out to have you hang around longer," he said, referring to upcoming salary negotiations between Drakulich and the district.

Lasken said it was difficult during the evaluation process, in which three dozen people were interviewed, to "distill any criticism." He called Drakulich a "sound leader with education and programs, and (it's been) a wonderful bonus to have someone fiscally conservative. I don't know if there is a better person out there, but I don't want to look."

Dumolt recalled that when Drakulich was first interviewed for the position, he believed that it "was her job to lose." Nothing has changed his positive opinion.

Drakulich thanked the board for "taking the time to create an evaluation that gave me the opportunity to find those areas to stretch and grow."