As the school year gets underway, Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D., will be building off the feedback gathered through the Listen Learn Lead process to shape his first year with the Upper Arlington Schools.
“I have always believed the best public schools are a reflection of the values and expectations of the community,” he shared. “Thanks to the vision of our Board of Education, the Listen Learn Lead process reflects a commitment to listen to our stakeholders about what’s going well and how we can continue to improve so that we are offering the excellence our community expects.”
The Listen Learn Lead sessions in the spring of 2023 gathered feedback from nearly 600 students, staff members, parents and community members. This feedback fell into several categories, including specific ways to build strong relationships with the different stakeholder groups and how to support students in developing the characteristics outlined in the district’s Profile of an Engaged Learner.
“Taking part in those sessions was a great introduction to our community,” said Hunt. “I really appreciate the candor, the kindness and the insight that came through from all of those in attendance.”
This fall, Hunt will put that feedback to work as he continues building relationships while also looking to the future.
“Our current strategic plan runs through 2024, so the next planning process isn’t too far off. This fall and winter, I will be intentional about creating opportunities to continue listening and learning with a specific focus on strategic planning and the strategic planning process.”
Beginning in September, he will be going on a great adventure — “Dr. Hunt’s UAdventure.” Those opportunities will include becoming a Bobcat, Lion, Hawk, Wolf and, of course, Golden Bear for a day as he embeds himself in each school to kick off his first school year as superintendent. This will give him an opportunity to connect with students, staff and parents/guardians and learn more about the day-to-day experience of Upper Arlington’s students.
“While I had an opportunity to visit our schools in the spring, I am truly excited to take a day at each building — to experience a school day through the eyes of our students and staff and learn about what makes each building so special,” Hunt said.
To complement his tour of schools, he will also host opportunities to engage with community members this fall, including informal coffee chats and a town hall meeting in November. More details on the community-based sessions will be available on the district website this fall.