Agenda Item
b. PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATION FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION
Summary: Presented by: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education approve the hiring recommendation of Ms. Michelle Dillard to the position of Associate Superintendent Leadership and Schools.
Details: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Contact: Dr. Tekshia Ward-Smith, Administrator, Division of Human Resources , 678.676.1200.
Effective: Effective after Board approval.
Michelle L. Dillard
EDUCATOR AND AN EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Policy Development & Implementation / Change Management / Institutional Image Advocacy
Staff Recruitment, Training and Supervision / Program Design / Technology Implementation
Astute Management Executive, offering excellent educational foundation, complemented with impeccable management,
administrative, and teaching experience. Consistently successful in introducing new ideas in student development to
enhance the student experience and strengthen the institutional image. Strong leadership, communication, student and
institutional advocacy skills. Committed to holistic student development and learning. Expertise in critical phase
restructuring and realignment of educational efforts providing a decisive course of action to implement effective and
assertive educational programs.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Change Management Process Classroom Management Diversity Classroom Management
Communication Vision & Strategy Curriculum Development Special Education
Improving Student Achievement Score Technology Use in Classrooms Special-Needs Student Assessments
Creating Professional Learning Creative, Well-Rounded Improving Classroom Cultural
Communities Lesson Planning Experience
Enhancing Institutional Image Standardized Testing Test Proctoring
Creating Professional Collaboration Student-Centered Learning Creative Questioning
EDUCATION
Western Kentucky University, 2007
Rank I- School Superintendent, Director of Pupil Personnel
Western Kentucky University, 2001
Master of Science, Educational Administration Certification
Murray State University, 1996
Bachelor of Science, Special Education
Career Com Business College, 1988
Associate Degree, Business Administration
CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Certificate in Instructional Leadership
School Superintendent
Director of Pupil Personnel
Professional Certificate for Instructional Leadership
Principal - All Grades, Level 2
Professional Certificate for Special Education K-12
Professional Certificate for Business Administration
Michelle L. Dillard
Priority School and PLC at Work
PLC at Work
Transforming School Culture
Modern Classroom Teaching Certificate
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Leadership Training, Harvard University, 2022
Learning Forward Leadership, Learning Forward, 2021
Racial Equity Training on Implicit Bias, 2020
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Assistant Superintendent, 2013 – Present
Principal (Seneca High School), 2011 – 2013
Principal Intern (Seneca High School, Atherton High School), 2009 – 2010
Assistant Principal (Jeffersontown High School), 2007 – 2009
Progressively responsible and decision-making positions providing leadership and direction in implementing schools
mission and vision. Oversee day-to-day educational programs, finance, staff, and facilities. Provide a creative and
insightful approach to formulate innovative ideas and techniques to achieve organizational goals. Uphold high standards of
professionalism, moral character, integrity, and work ethic, while ensuring win-win results through relationship building
and collaboration.
● Oversees districts curriculum and instruction
● Developed the PLC framework that was used as the model for the entire Jefferson County Public Schools. ● Serves on
the JCPS District Instructional Cabinet that analyzes instructional practices, data, and culture and climate in the district
middle schools.
● Leads coaching sessions with middle school principals on MAP data analysis.
● Leads various middle school principals meetings to incorporate the six systems and three pillars work. ● Leads vital
signs meetings with middle school principals using culture and climate data; along with learning data to create a plan
of action to improve the data in their schools.
● Created documents for the CCV (Collaborative Calibration Visits to assess the six systems and three pillars work in the
JCPS schools.
● Helped develop middle school pathways for the 2020-2021 school year.
● Coached principals on leading NTI 1.0 and 2.0 work during the COVID-19 pandemic within their schools. ● In
2015-2016 the last time the state established AMO (Annual Measurement Objective) goals for schools, Dillard’s area
scored higher than any other Area in JCPS. Seventeen schools (68%) met their AMO goal. ● 100% of Area 4
elementary schools performed above the District average for total Novice Reduction for Reading and
Math points.
● 40% of the Area 4 Middle Schools performed above the District average of 17.4 total Novice Reduction Reading
points.
● 100% of the Area 4 Middle Schools performed above the District average of 14.3 total Novice Reduction Math points.
● 100% of the Area 4 High Schools performed above the District average of 19.5 total Novice Reduction Reading points.
● 33% of the Area 4 High Schools performed above the District average of 80.6 total Novice Reduction Math points.
● Recognized for improving Seneca’s student achievement test scores by a nationally acclaimed author Anthony
Muhammad in his book Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap.
● Educational pioneer, the late Rick DuFour, recognized Seneca’s PLC practices as a model for the rest of the country.
This recognition can be found on the Solution Tree "AllthingsPLC" website.
● Serves as a consultant for Solution Tree; travels nationally to low performing schools to improve student achievement. ●
Adjunct professor for University of Louisville helping to teach teachers in the Teacher Residency about the six systems
As a Principal for Seneca High School, the scope of responsibilities was diverse and included: overseeing
Michelle L. Dillard
administrative, policy directives, staff, accreditation, development of educational programs, and enforcing state
statutes, board policies, and procedures, etc.
● Instrumental in turning around and improving “State Assessment Score” by 300% in three years. ● Led various
training initiatives including: “Leadership Training Through Solution Tree”, “Leadership Training – High
Schools That Work” and “School Turnaround Training.”
● Implemented Human Resources Policies and Procedures—responsible for staff supervision, development and
performance evaluation.
● Oversaw the development and implementation of SOSs (School of Study).
● Enforced state statutes, board policies, administrative directives and oversaw quarterly report facilitating policies and
procedures.
Assumed Principal Intern responsibilities over Seneca High School and Atherton High School. Planned, implemented
supervised and maintained educational programs. Served as a leader that guided, facilitated, and supported the curriculum,
instruction, and assessment. Maintained records of local, state and federal affairs.
● Coordinated Professional Career Theme Academies.
● Led “Instructional Leadership Team” and “Faculty” meetings.
● Analyzed NCLB results and IPR (Interim Progress Report).
● Designed Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
CHRISTIAN COUNTY CAREER AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL
Principal, 1997 – 2007
Assumed full management responsibility for the school and its academic performance. Supervised all employees,
including teachers, maintenance workers, and administrative staff. Ensured that the school policies, procedures, and
controls were implements, and the school provided a safe, and an excellent learning environment for the students.
Facilitated communication between employees, students, parents, and the community.
• Served as educational leader over 1000 students.
• Responsible for staffing, training, development and performance evaluation of staff.
• Administrator for $600,000.00 in educational funds, involving allocation and resource planning. •
Prepared bell and Master Schedule for the Career and Technical Center.
• Prepared students for CATS (Commonwealth Accountability Testing System).
• Implemented Thoughtful Classroom Practices with teachers and implemented State Curriculum Guides. •
Presented CATS Data yearly to the Board Office.
• Supervised field trips and fundraising events.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Teacher, Cooperative Education, 1997 – 1999
INDIAN HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Teacher, Special Education, 1996 – 1997
HONORS
Department of Equity Woman King Award, 2023 Baird Excellence Award, 2022
District School Support Administrator of the Year, 2022
Metro Council Community Leadership Award, 2016
Woodman of the World, Kentucky Outstanding Community Leadership Award, 2015
Hilliard Lyons Principal of The Year, 2013
Named Kentucky Colonel, 2012
Academic Honors Award, Murray State University, 2006
Michelle L. Dillard
Who’s Who Among Administrators, 2002 and 2005
Keynote Speaker for Christian County High School Graduation, 2000
Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, 1996
Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award, 1996
Sister of the Year –Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, 1995
Murray State Dean’s List, 1994 – 1996
NAACP Leadership Award, 1994
Who’s Who Among College and University Students, 1992 – 1996
COMMITTEES SERVED
Committees Served — District Level:
• NTI 2.0| Virtual Academy| Pandemic Response Team| Racial Equity| Literacy | Area 4 Principals PLC | Student
Assignment | Advisory Council | Ford Next Generation Learners | Intervention/Enrichment
Committees Served — Principal Intern:
• Budget Committee | Accountability Team | Instructional Leadership Team | Learning Team | Literacy Team |
Design Team for Human Services | Principal Liaison Committee | District Calendar Committee 2010-2012
Committees Served — Assistant Principal:
• Attendance Committee Chairperson | Math/Science Committee Contact | SBDM (Administrator) | CSIP
Committee Chairperson