Press Release
Greenwood Commonwealth Submissions
A Pebble On The Lake
On The Tracks of Life
Removing Life’s Central Hunger
Welcome to the Real World
Photos
News
Destination China: Local Educator Among 800 Education Leaders
to Gain Firsthand Knowledge of the People's Republic of China With Summer Tour
Program Seeks to Build, Expand Chinese Foreign Language Programs in Local U.S. Schools
Marks, MS – Valmadge T. Towner, Superintendent of Education, Quitman County School District is one of 800 U.S. educators who will travel to China for a one-week tour in an effort to build and expand Chinese language programs in U.S. schools.
In its second year, the Chinese Bridge Delegation aims to expose school decision-makers to the rich history and culture of a country whose language is the most widely spoken in the world. Ultimately, the sponsors who take part in this program aspire to foster a better understanding of Chinese culture and fluency in the language among U.S. students.
With more than 800 delegates scheduled for this year’s trip, set for June 23, 2007 participation has doubled since last year. A variety of educators, including teachers, administrators and language coordinators, will begin their tour in Beijing and then travel to other cities and provinces where they will meet with local education commissions. Participants will have an opportunity to talk with Chinese education leaders, build sister schools and network with other U.S. educators who are working toward the same goal of offering Chinese language programs to their students.
“We hope this program will eventually help to offer more students in our country the opportunity to become fluent in the most widely spoken language in the world ,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. “We’re building a bridge that will aid in strengthening our ties, our future economic partnerships and our appreciation of our respective cultures.”
Beyond cultural enrichment, the trip will also provide incentives and strategies for educators to return to the United States better equipped to support the growth of Chinese language and culture programs in their own districts. Chinese is the national language of the more than 1.3 billion inhabitants of China and millions more ethnic Chinese around the world. While more than 200 million Chinese schoolchildren are studying English—often begun as early as the second grade—experts estimate no more than 50,000 U.S. students are studying Chinese.
The Chinese Bridge Delegation is sponsored by Hanban, China’s Office of Chinese Language Council International, in partnership with the College Board, the Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools, the National Council of State Supervisors for Languages, the National Association of District Supervisors of Foreign Languages and Chinese Consulates in the United States.
I n April 2006, the College Board and Hanban announced the formation of a partnership to build and expand Chinese language programs in U.S. schools. In addition to the Chinese Bridge Delegation, the partnership features other programs intended to help educators promote Chinese language and culture programs. For more information about these programs, visit www.collegeboard.com/k12chinese.
Established by the Chinese government in 1987, Hanban is China’s official agency authorized to promote Chinese language and culture internationally, fulfilling a function similar to that of both the United Kingdom’s British Council and France’s Alliance Française.
According to Superintendent Towner, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the school district. We are fortunate to have been selected as one of six educators in the state of Mississippi to have been selected to participate in this delegation. I look forward to using this as another way to create educational options for our students.”
VALMADGE TOWNER, Superintendent Quitman County Schools
Runs on His Record of Performance
Superintendent Valmadge Towner is seeking re-election to the post of Superintendent of Schools for Quitman County School District based on his proven record of performance over the last three and one half years.
Superintendent Towner, a native born son of Quitman County, came into office in January, 2004 after the elected superintendent resigned and after an interim superintendent completed the former superintendent’s term. Prior to serving as superintendent, Superintendent Towner served the Quitman County Schools as a principal.
In January of 2004, the Department of Education for the State of Mississippi had just declared one school in Quitman County as the lowest performing school in the state (Priority 1) and the district’s status was in jeopardy because the district was not in compliance with the 32 Accreditation Standards set forth by the state.
To say the least, newly elected Superintendent Valmadge Towner, hit the ground running. He wasted no time in first taking control of the Priority School by establishing new leadership and reorganizing the school. He quickly purchased new computers and programs aligned to the state curriculum to fit the needs of the students. He trained the staff and the rest is on the record. That Priority School went from a Level 1 to a Level 3 within a semester and has held on to that performance record during his tenure as superintendent, a phenomenal accomplishment even for seasoned administrators.
Superintendent Towner did not rest during that first semester in 2004; instead he worked extremely hard and cleared all 32 Accreditation Standards with the Department of Education. He brought about changes in leadership at the district and building levels. Towner brought in a curriculum that was state approved and aligned with the software programs being used in all schools. He emphasized professional training for all school personnel and attended those sessions himself. Towner’s training his key officials to keep Quitman County Schools on the right track to educating the youth has been recognized statewide. He is often asked to speak to school organizations in and out of state.
The results are clear and overwhelmingly positive. Quitman County School District has made significant progress the under the leadership of Superintendent Towner. Consequently, he is able to run a reelection campaign on his record and not on the tactics of attempting to run down an opponent.
During his first full year as superintendent (2004-2005), Superintendent Towner held a Strategic Planning Retreat with his administrators and school board members in order to have full input from the key decision makers in Quitman County.
From this historic meeting came the following Strategic Plan for Quitman County School District :
Strategy 1
We will create and implement a retention, recruitment and development system that results in all staff embracing our core values with the commitment and energy essential to achieve our strategic objectives and mission.
Action Plan Results
All staff members understand their role in achieving the Strategic Plan.
All staff members are responsible and held accountable for job-specific skills in addition to a district-wide set of attitudes and behaviors that support the Strategic Plan.
All staff members feel valued for the contributions they make.
The recruitment system attracts applicants with the skills, attitudes and behaviors that support our Strategic Plan.
Hiring and initial orientation processes ensure that all new employees support the Strategic Plan.
The professional development program is efficient and effective in improving individual teacher skills.
Strategy 2
We will continually align and integrate all K-12 curriculum in order to achieve our strategic objectives and mission in a way that ensures student understanding of its relationship to their lives, now and in the future.
Action Plan Results
Curriculum is aligned and articulated across grade levels and schools with high expectations for each grade level.
Teachers collaborate to create and implement annual work plans, unit designs and common assessments based on concepts which cross curricular lines.
Curriculum and staff development are aligned to promote curricular delivery which guides students to use logic, reasoning and inquiry skills to interrelate concepts and competencies across the curriculum.
At every grade level students explore career options in ways that are embedded in the curriculum.
The vocational program is continuously re-evaluated to remain consistent with today’s work world.
Transitioning students receive intentional guidance, mentoring and assistance through relationships and organized activities.
Strategy 3
We will engage all members of our diverse community, uniting our talents to support the achievement of our strategic objectives and mission.
Action Plan Results
Meaningful two-way communication occurs regularly between school, community and home.
Families are actively engaged at the classroom level in their student’s learning.
Family units and student achievement are strengthened as parents access information and training from QCSD and community partners.
QCSD provides opportunities for students, families and community members to participate together in recreational, enrichment and learning activities beyond the school day and throughout the year.
There is a strong parent teacher organization that is actively involved in improving educational opportunities for students.
Service learning is integrated into the K-12 curriculum. Students learn by applying their skills in community and workplace settings.
Students feel valued through their participation and contribution towards the well being of others and and the community.
Strategy 4
We will design and implement an instructional system so that all students will graduate from QCSD and become responsible citizens.
Action Plan Results
All school board members, administrators and staff members are knowledgeable about and actively support the instructional program.
District employees clearly communicate and promote the instructional program to staff, students, parents and the larger community.
Students and parents are informed about student accountability and participate in the preparation process.
All teachers follow the curriculum and utilize the lesson planning structure provided by the district.
Strategy 5
We will create a culture throughout the system that results in all students believing in their capacity to achieve their goals and aspirations and act on their belief.
Action Plan Results
A systematic approach to goal setting exists and is implemented district-wide.
Facilities and resources are continuously being upgraded to provide the finest learning environment possible for students and teachers.
Teachers’ behaviors reflect high expectations for all students.
Teachers regularly reflect on and refine their goals, skills, knowledge and practices individually and in teams.
QCSD provides a strong extracurricular program for students to develop in all facets of life.
Students acquire skills, knowledge and behaviors to become increasingly self-reliant in pursuit of their goals.
Students’ goals and learning reflect their sensitivity of their own and others’ cultures, experiences and backgrounds.
With this Strategic Plan in place, Superintendent Towner has been able to bring the following changes to the Quitman County School District:
Academics
- Plaques given to superintendent’s list students each nine weeks.
- Added new tutorial software (Classworks) aligned to the state curriculum frameworks.
- Moved a school from priority level to level 3 in 4 months.
- All schools at level 3 (a status never previously obtained in the district).
- Strengthened AP program and added classes to all grade levels.
- Added dual enrollment (high school and college) possibility for seniors.
- Strengthened Barksdale program (elementary site as a model for Barksdale foundation).
- Developed systematic and secure procedures for storing state testing materials.
- Implemented and required the Black Board Configuration ( BBC ) as the method for teacher’s to get their students engaged in learning during the first five minutes of class.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive K-12 curriculum and pacing guide for schools to use based on the state curriculum frameworks.
- Created and implemented an Instructional Management System to insure that all students were being given the opportunity to learn.
Athletics & the Arts
- Revitalized and added baseball to athletic program.
- Implemented band program at the middle school.
- Added Dance and Choir classes to Elementary and High School respectively.
- Added foreign language classes and music classes to the Elementary and Middle Schools .
Acquisitions
- Upgraded computer labs and added labs.
- Purchased new buses, a new driver’s ed. car and a new district van
- Installed an alarm system at the Middle School.
- Installed a bigger deep fryer at the Middle School cafeteria (cooking efficiency).
- Installed a Camera Monitoring and Security System at all school sites for the safety of staff and students.
- Purchased additional lawn tractor for the district.
- Painted, cleaned and added lights to hallways at the Elementary School and High School.
Structural repairs/improvements
- Gymnasium remodeled and air conditioning added.
- Football field house remodeled.
- Repaired trailer at High School for choir class.
- Remodeled library at Middle School.
- Remodeled and reorganized the Central Office.
- Repaired and updated the intercom at the High School.
- Secured the perimeter of the Elementary School with fencing.
- Repaired roofing leaks at the High School.
- Presently in the process of re-paving all school parking lots.
- Added new walkway at the Middle School.
Administration
- All regular education courses are taught by certified teachers. (Highly Qualified).
- Teacher turnover rate has been reduced by 20%.
- Developed a uniform way of acquiring substitute teachers.
- Started Teacher of the Month for each school (includes a $100 award and plaque).
- Hired a Resource Developer/Grant Writer to locate alternate funding for Quitman County Schools.
- Developed and implemented a Personnel Appraisal System for administrators, teachers and assistant teachers.
- Developed and implemented Administrative Line and Staff for the district.
- Developed and implemented job descriptions for all employees.
- Created a job application that was free from bias and one that insured that all applicants were given an opportunity to seek employment in an equitable manner.
- Added Inventory Property Officer (Fixed Assets).
- Hired Psychometrics to evaluate students individually.
- Developed an Administrative Team that regularly meets to further the goals of Quitman County Schools.
- Developed brochures for each school and implemented a systematic way of recruiting teachers.
- Held first Administrative and Board retreat to build a team that would guide the district toward the established goals of the Strategic Plan.
- Added an Executive Secretary to the Central Office in order to efficiently maintain the flow of communication in the superintendent’s office.
- Trained all staff members at each school to maintain student cumulative and permanent records by the guidelines issued by the state.
- Revised Board Policies to reflect current local, state and federal guidelines.
Finances
- Saved over $400,000 by refinancing an existing loan.
- Implemented more than 18% pay increase for all staff over 3 years.
- Implemented Direct Deposit for employees pay checks (deposited directly to the bank of their choice).
- Implemented new procedures for record keeping school district finance records.
- Secured over 2 million dollars in outside funding for the school district.
Key district improvements
- Revamped MSIS operations for the school district (the information gathering system for schools in Mississippi ).
- Started a recognition ceremony (Retirement Celebration) for employees retiring from the school district.
- Started a “Convocation” each year at the beginning of school for all district employees to set the mission and vision of the district.
- Redeveloped counseling programs and hired counselors.
- Moved from “Probation Status” to “Fully Accredited Status” by clearing the 32 State Accreditation Standards for Public Schools.
- Placed emphasis on attrition, reducing the numbers, in Special Education.
- Re-routed and implemented new Bus Procedures to expedite departure from school so that students were safe and home on time.
- Developed a web site for all schools and the school district: www2.mde.k12.ms.us/6000
Superintendent Towner has served Quitman County School District with honor and courage. His accomplishments are noteworthy and his resilience to criticism admirable. During his first term as superintendent, Towner has stood tall and faced the challenges of being a Delta superintendent with pride and enthusiasm.
Superintendent Towner is seeking re-election and needs for each and every qualified voter to go out on August 7, 2007 and vote for him, a man with a proven track record of success.
Academics
Quitman County School District -
Runs on His Record of Performance
- Plaques given to superintendent list recipients each nine weeks
- Added new tutorial software (Classworks)
- Moved a school from priority level to level 3 in 4 months
- All schools at level 3 (a plateau never previously obtained in the district)
- Strengthened AP program and added classes to all grade levels
- Added dual enrollment possibility for seniors
- Strengthened Barksdale program (elementary site as a model for Barksdale foundation)
- Developed a systematic manner of storing testing materials
- Developed systematic way of teaching (required the usage of the BBC-model)
Athletics & the Arts
- Revitalized baseball athletics
- Implemented band program at the middle school
- Added Dance and Choir classes to elementary and high school respectively.
- Added foreign language classes and music classes to elementary and middle schools.
Acquisitions
- Upgraded computer labs and added labs as well
- Purchased new buses, new driver's ed. car and new district van
- Installed alarm at middle school
- Needed Bigger Deep fryer at the middle school (cooking efficiency)
- Installed camera monitoring system at all school sites
- Purchased additional lawn tractor for the district
Structural repairs/improvements
- Painted and added lights to hallways to elementary school and high school
- Gymnasium remodeled (implemented air conditioning as well)
- Football field house remodeled
- Repaired trailer at high school for choir class
- Remodeled library at middle school
- Remodeled central office
- Refurbished the intercom at the high school
- Secured the perimeter of the elementary school (fencing)
- Repaired roofing leaks at the high school
- In the process of re-paving all school parking lots
- Add new walkway at the Middle school
Administration
- All regular education courses are taught by certified teachers.
- Developed a uniform way of acquiring substitute teachers.
- Started Teacher of the Month for each school (includes a $100 award and plaque).
- Hired a resource developer/grant writer
- Added inventory property officer
- Hired psychometrics
- Developed an Administrative Team
- Implemented a systematic way of recruiting teachers
- Held first administrative and board retreat
- Added an executive secretary to the central office
Finances
- Saved over $400,000 by refinancing an existing loan
- Implemented more than 18% pay increase for all staff over 3 years
- Implemented Direct Deposit
Key district improvements
- Revamped MSIS operations for the school district
- Redeveloped counseling programs
- Moved from probation to fully accredited status for the district
- Placed emphasis on attrition in SPED
- Incorporated new Bus Procedures to Expedite Departure from School
- Developed a web site for all schools and the school district: www2.mde.k12.ms.us/6000
- Developed a new vision statement for the district
- Developed a five year strategic plan
- Developed a new code of conduct for students
- Developed a new employee handbook