308 K-12 LEADERSHIP PRACTICES
Over the last two years, student test scores have improved in all but one area (5th grade
reading), and the graduation rate improved by a striking 11.25% (currently 88%). Franks is
the only non-traditional superintendent in this study who had any previous experience with
school reform. Early indications are that he has used this experience to benefit the system.
The Darin School District
The Darin School District has an operating budget of over $2.2 billion, and serves over
167,130 students in 281 schools. Over the past three years, student enrollment has declined by
approximately 13 percent. This majority-minority system is comprised of a student population
that is approximately 63% African-American, 17% Hispanic, 13% Caucasian, 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander, with the remaining 1% identified as multi-racial, American Indian, or
“other.” Roughly, 75% of these students are from low-income families and 8% are
ELLcategorized as English language learners.
After years of poor student academic performance, the Darin School District was taken
over by the state in 2001. The district is currently governed by a five member panel (three
members appointed by the governor and two members appointed by the Mayor of Darin).
Superintendent Paul Emmy was named as interim superintendent in June 2007. Emmy had
previous experience as the Chief Operating Officer in two other school districts, but it was his
military background that he believes best prepared him for the superintendency. He reported
that: “upon exit from the military I had the leadership and management skill sets to do
something in any organization, you name the organization.” Emmy had served in the military
for 25 years and was the commander of a base that had fiscal obligations of $700 million, an
annual payroll of $660 million, and $93 million in contracts.
Emmy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from a small liberal arts university and a
Master of Arts degree from a university in the Western United States. He is also a graduate of
the Military War College which prepares candidates to assume strategic leadership
responsibilities.
Over the past three years, the district has increased student test scores on state-
mandated exams and graduation rates have remained around 70%. Since he has only been in
the position for a few months, it is too early to tell what impact, if any, Superintendent Emmy
may have on the district.
The Glen School District
The Glen School District has an operating budget of over $7.5 billion, and serves 704,400
students in 800 schools. Over the past three years, student enrollment has dropped over ten
percent. This majority-minority system is comprised of a student population that is
approximately 73% Hispanic, 11% African-American, 9% Caucasian, 6% Asian/Pacific
Islander, with the remaining 1% identified as multi-racial, American Indian, or “other.”
Roughly, 77% of these students are from low-income families and 38% are ELL.
After 35 years of military service, Mike Carswell was unanimously selected by the board
of education to be superintendent of Glen Public Schools in 2006. He stated that his
experience in the military enabled him to “develop significant leadership and management
skills.” Carswell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from a university in the
Southwest. He was a member of the first graduating class of the Reserve Officer Training
Corp at the university and earned a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.