Interview of Mr. Keith Lankford by the Board of Education

June 19, 2017 (2pm)

Please note that the following are the highlights of this interview session. Not every question is represented, and answers have been abbreviated to provide an abridged and balanced representation of the candidate.

Board of Education member comments are listed at the end of the interview.

General questions

1.       Please tell us what you would like us to know about yourself.

Not on resume: My work ethic and devotion to community is unmatched and you will not question. I will not let you down… In a nutshell, I’m a leader… I give direct and descriptive feedback.

2.       Why did you apply for this position?

I felt like my skill set is what you are looking for… Opportunities are endless for the students here.

3.       What do you most look forward to in being Superintendent of Decatur City Schools?

I look forward to the relationships and partnerships to create options and opportunities I will build.

Student Achievement

1. How important to you personally is student performance on standardized tests?

It is important because of the perception our state and community has put on it. These tests are from a certain point and time. They are important but they are only one moment in time. I believe I can help increase test scores.

2. Specifically, how do you currently plan to raise our students’ performance on standardized test scores? We say, “currently,” because we realize you will know more about our system if you become our superintendent.

First, we have to raise expectations for everyone. You expect it, you support it, you achieve it.  Make it about the process.

3. How will you develop instructional leaders in our schools who are capable of consistently raising our students’ performance on standardized tests both across the school system and from year to year? We have numerous students who truly excel and some who have much room for improvement.

They have to be in the classroom often.  In DCS we should develop a Principals Academy. There are many things we can do to develop instructional leaders.

4. How do you balance the dynamic of teachers and administrators being accountable for student achievement with possible student apathy and still improve scores?

Student apathy is a learned behavior. We have to deal with it early on. It is a process. We have to connect meaning to the tests. In every school, we need to assign someone to each child to establish meaning.

6. What is the role of extra-curricular activities in a student’s school career? How do they interact with instruction?

It is an extension of the classroom. What they teach us beyond the classroom is that the team is more important than the individual.

Governance/ Chief Executive Officer

1.        Please provide your opinion on the occasional (every other year) evaluation of superordinates by subordinates; for example, teachers evaluate principals, principals evaluate the superintendent, etc.?

I will seek feedback from everyone. I love surveys…

2.       What do you consider to be the role of the Board of Education? Please give examples of the Superintendent’s responsibilities and the Board’s.

You help set the mission and the goals. The superintendent makes recommendations to the Board. We must have strong communication back and forth. It is extremely important to have a strong working relationship.

3.       What is the most challenging and troublesome decision you have ever had to make as an administrator, and what was the process you used to make that decision?

The process was simple, do what’s right.

4.       While we realize that each person is responsible for their own morale, give us your thoughts on school system morale.

I can give them stability, direction and a vision. Our teachers crave consistency… They will see we are committed to a vision, to a mission… I have high expectations.

5.       How do you feel about Career Tech opportunities?

There are so many opportunities for our kids. I want to continue to expand Career Tech. It gives them a pathway.

6.        What are your guiding principles on hiring? In providing your answer, please discuss the hiring of district level administrators, school principals, head coaches and band directors, teachers and classified employees.

Hire the best… We want to see high performing athletics and award winning bands. Find someone that fits the needs and can do the job. Find the best.

7.       Do you believe school principals and other administrators should live in the city of Decatur? Why or why not?

I would love to have everyone live here, but that may not always be possible.

8.       In the capacity of Superintendent, how do you see yourself as the public face of DCS to our community?

I represent you, the teachers, administrators, & students. I’m going to be an advocate for this district.

Decatur City Schools

1. What is your vision to improve DCS in all areas?

Classroom instruction, finance, special ed… My vision is simple. In every capacity, Do what’s best everyday for the child. Make sure everything we do what is best for a child. When you deviate from that is when you find fault.

2. Were you to be faced with rezoning, how would you go about drawing attendance zone lines? What factors would you consider?

You have to go slow, real slow… You have to consider population growth and loss… It involves city planners. You need to move hand in hand with the Board attorney. We have to look 10 years down the road. Let’s get it right the first time.

Miscellaneous

1.        Please share an example of how you have been successful in building relationships with students, teachers, or other stakeholders in your community.

Listen, to our teachers because they are on the front lines. Support and foster students… I’ll be in the classrooms, seeing them in their element. I’ll be with instructional leaders, working hand in hand with them professionally on a daily basis.

2.       What role should technology play?

Integration should be K-12 in the classroom, but technology will not replace a caring teacher. In the hands of a creative and caring teacher, you better watch out. Let’s show how to use it in research, intervention, ACCESS online courses. Our technology plan should be sound. Teachers and students should be trained.

3.       If you were to be hired, what would your first 90 days look like?

I’m going to get know the parents, students, community. I want to get in the schools. After that, I want to develop a plan for the future.

Final Question: Is there any question we did not ask you that would provide us information you would like to share with us before this interview concludes?

Lankford asked: In one or two words, what will be your mini version of where you want the system to go?

Baggett: “I want every student to be equipped… their horizons to be expanded…”

Gray-King: “Every child can leave this system and say that at least one teacher somewhere touched them in their lives.”

Duke: “I believe we have excellent people in our system, I want our next Superintendent to see that they have very thing that they need… I want to see student achievement soar because if we see SA raised then we are doing good things for our kids.”

Lane:  “I would like to see us move forward students. I want to see specific measurable targets for teachers and principals.”

Jett: “I want us to be competitive. I want to see in a Superintendent, a leader.”

Lankford: Mr. Lane, yes we have to have targets that everyday we are moving in that direction.

When asked about personal achievements, Mr. Lankford mentioned several military service awards including:

1997 Army Soldier of the Year.

He also mentioned his love for his children and wife.

He said when once asked, “If you had to write a book about your life, what would the title be? He said, Stepping Stones.