Newberg School District Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza is headed back to school as a member of the 2015 SUPES Academy. SUPES is a comprehensive leadership development program established to prepare individuals who will be the next generation of school system leaders.

“It is not often a superintendent gets to participate in a cohort of highly talented, accomplished education leaders that serve in the same role,” said LeBlanc-Esparza. “ This program offers that opportunity to superintendents.  I look forward to learning from others and bringing my learning back to benefit our district.”

The SUPES Academy curriculum focuses on preparing superintendents to “change school districts from a culture of adult entitlement to a culture of performance, developing accountable systems.” The SUPES Academy curriculum focuses on preparing superintendents to “change school districts from a culture of adult entitlement to a culture of performance, developing accountable systems.” Key topics are:

• Building an accountable school system
• Developing the political skills to orchestrate needed changes to the system
• Developing the communication skills needed to engage the staff and community in a coalition for district transformation
• Utilization of data and information technology in district leadership