JUSTIN JOHNSON

SUPERINTENDENT ENTRY PLAN

Professional Portfolio:
http://johnsonleadershipportfolio.weebly.com
 Introduction
The purpose of this plan is to share my beliefs and philosophies as a
school leader as well as share my intent to listen and learn from all
stakeholders as I take on this role. Please know that I value and welcome
your input as we work to make this district a destination district in
Central Iowa.

My core values as a leader revolve around the following five

components:

1) Character

2) Caring

3) Communication

4) Collaboration

5) Continuous Improvement

My vision for leading a school is to create and sustain an environment

where students WANT to learn, teachers WANT to teach and employees
WANT to work. We will engage the community and parents to develop
effective school/family/community partnerships. We will take pride in
offering a whole-child education where each individual is respected and
encouraged to reach their highest potential academically, socially and
physically.”
 ENTRY PLAN - GOALS
The following plan establishes broad goal areas and entry
actions for my first year as Superintendent.
● Ensure a smooth transition with change in administration
leadership.

● Establish positive relationships with the most valuable resource of

the school - the people.

● Listen and learn to develop an understanding of the perceived

school/district’s strengths and opportunities for improvement.

● Seek to understand the current systems operating with the

district.

● Establish a system for clear and effective communication and

feedback opportunities.

● Seek opportunities to maintain and build effective

school/family/community partnerships.

● Develop a community presence along with my family.

 PHASE I - PREPARATIONS
This phase is primarily for me to listen and learn about the district
and how it currently functions. This is not an all inclusive list.

● Meet with current superintendent

● Attend important events as possible
● Meet individually with each board member
● Meet with the administration team
● Assist in the screening/interviewing/hiring process for district openings
● Take an extended tour of the district/community
● Learn history and traditions of the district
● Familiarize myself with the challenges facing the district.
● Determine community partnerships that already exist between the
school district and the community.
● Seek housing within/near the school district and establish a transition
plan for my family.
 PHASE II - THE FIRST 100 DAYS (JULY-SEPTEMBER)
JULY
● Continue progress from Phase I
● Be visible within the district and community
● Review all pertinent school information:
○ Master Contract & Evaluation Procedures
○ Master Schedules
○ School Calendar
○ Student & Staff Handbooks
○ Professional Development Plans
○ Budget & Finances
○ Student assessment data
○ Building Improvement Goals
● Send a letter inviting all staff to stop in for a meeting at their discretion
and availability to gain multiple perspectives:
○ Why are you proud of the district?
○ What does the school do well?
○ What are some opportunities for improvement?
○ What advice can you give me?
● Meet with every board member for coffee/lunch/meeting or phone call.
Focus on building relationships.
● Discuss budget and finances with SBO
● Get connected with SAI Superintendent Mentor
● Attend SAI New Superintendent Institute
● Send introductory letter(s) to staff/community
● Develop an understanding of the current communication plans in place
● Plan back-to-school conferences
AUGUST
● Continue to be visible in the district and community and meet families
and students
● Send back to school letter to all personnel in the district
● Connect with teacher leaders
● Schedule a board work session or retreat to develop a shared vision, goal
setting, board meeting procedures, etc.
● Visit every school - walk halls and greet students
● Develop a regular leadership team meeting schedule
Develop team norms and procedures with the leadership team
● Familiarize myself with current instructional framework
● Analyze District Data
● Attend conference and AEA superintendent meetings
SEPTEMBER
● Continue to be visible in the district and community and meet families
and students
● Determine current practices in regards to Department of Education
Portal submissions. Make adjustments to current practices as needed.
● Attend ISFLC New Superintendent Conference
● Schedule first SIAC Meeting
 PHASE III - DEVELOPING NEXT STEPS
After Phase I and II throughout my first year, I will continue to work with the
school board and stakeholders to identify next steps to continue to build off
the momentum gained in year one. We will work in the following areas to
continue progress as a district:

● Develop a district-wide vision for skills, learning and experiences for all
students. Answer the question, “What is it we want our students to know
and be able to do when they leave our district?”

● Attract, hire and retain highly effective teachers and staff

● Utilize data driven decisions to keep focus on learning and take necessary
actions through a tiered approach

● Ensure the district has clear systems and expectations for encouraging
positive student behavior

● Ensure the district addresses and support student and staff social
emotional needs.