The board members completed evaluation forms to “grade” Superintendent Dr. Lori Romano’s performance over the past year and each was given the opportunity to meet privately with Dr. Romano before the public board meeting. The highest rating in each of the nine categories is “outstanding” performance, for which Romano could receive three points. A rating of “proficient” awards two points, and “needs improvement” earns one point.
Susan Duval awarded Romano a total of 21 points. She felt Dr. Romano was outstanding in the areas of communications and community relations, organizational management, and policy and governance. Duval stated she is still concerned about” the culture and/or climate of the school district overall.” She has heard from district employees that they have trust concerns and they are fearful of speaking their minds. Duval feels strongly that the employees are “the heart and soul of the school district.” She hopes next year’s revised 360 Degree survey will be more accurate. (A 360 Degree survey is a confidential online survey that provides feedback from employees about their workplace environment, management, and peers.)
Beth Narverud stated her support of Dr. Romano as a leader, but acknowledged there have been problems. She awarded Dr. Romano 14 points, with most of those in the “proficient” category. The form is lacking, she said, in a category which shows that improvement is taking place, which would be a more accurate assessment. The district is making positive changes due to Dr. Romano responding to staff and the Board, Naverud believes. The goal, to bring the district to “A” status, will provide quality education to students and make everyone proud to live in Hernando County.
Gus Guadagnino gave Dr. Romano a score of 25, stating that his evaluation included not just Dr. Romano’s current year, but as a comparison to previous superintendents who did not properly serve the district. Guadagnino believes Dr. Romano has done well to build a better culture in the district. He is very pleased with the changes Dr. Romano has made.
Mark Johnson concurred with Guadagnino’s remarks, and stated he understands that the mistrust and fear among employees will take time to change. Johnson expressed a willingness to hear from anyone who wished to speak up, stating he will protect the employee by making any report anonymous. He also gave Romano a score of 25 and stated she was doing a “fantastic job.”
Board Chair Matt Foreman recalled what he and Dr. Romano discussed when she took the position and that the culture of fear existed even with the previous superintendent. Foreman stated that over the past few years the district has begun to function as a meritocracy, which does affect employment when contracts are not renewed or when staff voluntarily leave. He acknowledged that Dr. Romano has made mistakes but she has learned from them and because of that, grown. His evaluation score for Romano was a 25. Foreman stated that he is happy that Dr. Romano will remain under contract for a while longer.
Dr. Romano responded to the Board, thanking them for the new evaluation tool and for providing feedback. It helps her to see where she can improve as she is the model for other leaders in the district, and in this way they can grow as well. Dr. Romano stated she thinks that the HCSB works well together and they will seek the best interests of the children they serve.