CCLDP 2023 (pictured left to right) Heather Brown (C.A. Gray), Denver Dunn (CCHS), Katherine Simpson (Okapilco), Hannah Boyd (Sunset), Aimee Moore (Norman Park), Jessica Webb (District Office), Monica Burton (Funston), Eric Wingate (R.B. Wright), Adriana Holden (Odom), Melonie Saunders (Doerun), Delicia Peacock (Sunset), Arden Winfield-Folsom (Hamilton) Not Pictured - Courtney Almond, Stringfellow
The second class of the Colquitt County Leadership Development Program (CCLDP) participants graduated Monday evening. The CCLDP program is for school district employees aspiring to fill leadership roles in the future. The year-long program began in January 2023 and ended with a recognition dinner.
Adriana Holden shared her thoughts on the program's impact. "After listening to Mr. Jones discuss district finances and all that goes into budgeting, I did a deep dive into our school finances. It was interesting to see how much detail goes into how we receive funding, from how we code students and the services they receive to how we schedule them in their classes. It was eye-opening."
The inaugural class in 2022 was for assistant principals seeking principal roles. Several graduates of that class are now serving as principals. This year's program was for teachers, counselors, and other employees seeking leadership positions. Candidates were selected based on a rigorous recommendation, application, and interview process. The 2023 cohort included elementary, middle, high school, and district office employees. Several from this group are now serving their schools as assistant principals.
"This year's group of CCLDP participants brought together the next generation of teaching and learning leaders in our district," shared Dr. Marni Kirkland, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Testing. "Their diverse perspectives and backgrounds added to the experience for all. Sprinkled among each location in our district are teachers, guidance counselors, assistant principals, and academic coaches eager to positively impact learning for all our students."
Throughout the year, the participants engaged with information regarding school schedules, special programs, finance, communications, student services, human resources, and the law of education. They also heard from a panel of principals from other school districts on their path to leadership. The Leadership Development Program will be an annual program rotating between groups of assistant principals and teacher leaders. The next group will begin in January 2024.
2023 Colquitt County District Leadership Development Program Graduates
Courtney Almond, Stringfellow Elementary School
Hannah Boyd, Sunset Elementary School
Heather Brown, C.A. Gray Junior High School
Monica Burton, Funston Elementary School
Susan "Denver" Dunn, Colquitt County High School
Arden Winfield-Folsom, Hamilton Elementary School
Adriana Holden, Odom Elementary School
Aimee Moore, Norman Park Elementary School
Delicia Peacock, Sunset Elementary School
Melonie Saunders, Doerun Elementary School
Kathryn Simpson, Okapilco Elementary School
Eric Wingate, R. B. Wright Elementary School
Jessica Webb, District Office
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