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Join us on March 26, April 11 or May 7 for open job interviews. We’re hiring intervention specialists and related services professionals across the Central Ohio region. 

District Leadership Institute

District Leadership Institute

The District Leadership Institute (DLI) offers district leadership development that goes beyond the traditional superintendent licensure experience by providing practical learning opportunities necessary for mastery of exemplary district leadership practices.

Target participants are people with the potential to be outstanding educational leaders who are in or considering pursuing district leadership opportunities.  Participants must commit to attending every class session and completing assignments between classes.

Why is the ESC of Central Ohio offering the DLI?
Job requirements necessary to be a successful school superintendent continue to grow and become more complex.  It is critical that professional preparation for the superintendency be designed around critical success factors, including those competencies necessary to be successful in the position of superintendent. In addition, DLI provides support to program participants to help ensure success in their new assignments.

Dates for 2019
October 15-16, November 19-20, December 17-18
All sessions are at the ESC of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, OH 43219.
 
For more information, contact [email protected].

Additional Information

Program Testimonials 
  • “The best PD I have ever had, it has taken the fear out of applying for a superintendent’s position.”
  • “The series contained extremely informative, thought-provoking workshops.”
  • “This has been one of the ‘strongest’ professional development series I have ever attended.”
  • “This was a great opportunity to build our professional network and make connections with others in the field. Great experience.”
  • “Some of the best PD I’ve been through.  Lots of self reflection and really great networking.”
  • “The institute provides an excellent opportunity to experience various aspects of the superintendent’s job and provided me with knowledge I can implement immediately.”
  • “Thank you for this tremendous experience.”
How will participants benefit?
DLI participants will understand and be able to articulate their personal leadership vision, values, style, story and strengths. Additionally, they will:
  • Have a well-rounded understanding of the superintendency and how the leadership team impacts student success.
  • Have a solid understanding of who they are as a leader and how one’s values impact the strategic and tactical aspects of managing a complex organization
  • Have exposure to practical, critical issues and trends affecting the superintendency.
  • Have the skills necessary to engage the staff and community in planning and decision-making.
  • Understand governance of local school districts and how the board-superintendent partnership can work.
  • Be prepared for the superintendent employment process and for first year success.
  • Receive support from ESC of Central Ohio faculty in future searches.
  • Have an established network of cohorts as they move into their new roles.
What are the instructional methods?
  • Practical
  • Experiential
  • Individual
  • Collaborative
DLI curriculum
  • Establishing Your Personal Leadership Style
  • Planning and Accountability System
  • Governance/Board Relations
  • Applying/Interviewing Successfully
  • Media Relations/Politics
  • Understanding the Superintendent’s Contract
  • Creating a culture of achievement
In addition, out-of-class projects will include:
  • Use of e-mail listserv to communicate with other class members
  • Reading assignments and discussion preparation
  • Networking experiences with a successful superintendent
  • Access to search firm consultants
Participants should create a log for developing a personal leadership profile. Please download the log and save to your desktop to complete.

DLI Topics (Sorted by Date)
  • October 15
    Welcome | Introductions | Meeting Etiquette | Evaluations
    Leadership in Schools
    Who Are You? Developing Your Personal Leadership Profile
    The Advantage (Book Talk)
    Creating a Culture of Achievement
  • October 16
    Choosing the Right Leadership Style/Case Studies
    Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC)
    Collective Bargaining
    Superintendent’s Standards-Based Profile Fit
  • November 19
    First Superintendency Panel
    Board/Superintendent Relations
    A Superintendent’s Priority: Teaching & Learning
    Systems-Based Leadership
    Maximizing Your Team
  • November 20
    Understanding the 5-Year Forecast
    Leadership Search Process: Application, Research Preparation
    Leadership Search Process: Interviews and Transition
    Transportation
    Communications
    Superintendent’s Standards-Based Profile Overview
  • December 17
    Special Education
    How Does the Superintendent Affect Public Policy?
    Superintendent/Treasurer Relations
    Search Interview Process/Mock Interview
  • December 18
    Educational Facility Planning
    Political Mapping
    Ohio Superintendent Evaluation System
    Elements of the Superintendent’s Contract
How much will DLI cost?
The registration fee for participants is $800 for the entire series. This fee includes meals and course materials. Participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements.

The ESC of Central Ohio provides its member school districts with one $800 scholarship per district. Member districts can send additional staff at a cost of $800 per individual.

Interested applicants from outside the ESC of Central Ohio service territory will qualify for a scholarship of $200 from the ESC of Central Ohio for the cost of the institute, if their ESC superintendent is part of the nomination process.
 
How do I apply for DLI? (application and sample nomination letter)
Applicants must complete an application by Sept. 30, 2019 (see application). The District Leadership Institute will be limited in size to provide personal attention. The registration fee of $800 will be billed upon acceptance into the Institute.

Applications must include a letter of nomination from the applicant’s current superintendent or ESC superintendent and a current resume.  The nomination letters should address the applicant’s capacity to be an outstanding district leader.  A sample nomination letter is available here. Each applicant will have the opportunity to work with his/her superintendent to identify a project, which will be of benefit to their district.

Graduate credit (3 semester hours) may be purchased through Ashland University, or approximately 40 professional development contact hours may be earned for participation.

DLI Faculty Members
  • Mike Trego
    Deputy Superintendent, ESC of Central Ohio
    Deputy Superintendent, Dublin City Schools
    Executive Director of Learning and Teaching, Dublin City Schools
    Executive Director of Pupil Services, Dublin City Schools
    Middle and Elementary School Principal, Dublin City Schools
  • Dan Good
    Associate Superintendent, ESC of Central Ohio
    Superintendent, Columbus City Schools (5 years)
    Superintendent, Westerville City Schools (5 Years)
    Superintendent, Wooster City Schools (4 years)
    Ohio Department of Education (4 years)
  • Bill Reimer, Ph.D.
    Client Services Representative, ESC of Central Ohio
    Superintendent, Ottawa Hills City Schools (11 years)
    Superintendent, Olentangy Local Schools (8 years)
    Interim Superintendent, New Albany-Plain Local Schools, Marysville Exempted Village Schools
    Adjunct Faculty, The Ohio State University College of Education
  • Dale McVey
    CEO/President, Ohio School Leadership Foundation
    Superintendent, Hilliard City Schools (14 years)
    Superintendent, Licking Heights Local Schools (4 years)
    Principal, Lebanon City Schools (7 years)