Highlands School District

Superintendent Evaluation - Final Rating for 2023-24 School Year: DISTINGUISHED

The Highlands Board of School Directors rated Dr. Monique Mawhinney on separate attributes that apply to the six performance standards noted below. Dr. Mawhinney met each of these standards with an overall rating of distinguished for the 2023-24 school year. 

Superintendent's Goals 

Student Growth and Achievement: The Superintendent uses multiple data sources to assess student success and growth as appropriate, specific to needs within the District and as determined annually in collaboration with the Board of School Directors. Annual or other District performance objectives are articulated and clearly achieved under the direction of the Superintendent relative to measures agreed to by the Board and Superintendent which may include any national, or state measure or locally determined measures.

Organizational Leadership: The Superintendent has worked collaboratively with the Board to develop a vision for the District, displays an ability to identify and rectify problems affecting the District, works collaboratively with District administration to ensure best practices for instruction, supervision, curriculum development, and management are being utilized, and works to influence the climate and culture of the District. Superintendent has implemented an effective grant writing process and extended funding process and shall provide goals and measurable results to the Board on an annual basis.

District Operations and Financial Management: The Superintendent manages effectively, ensuring completion of activities associated with the annual budget; overseeing distribution of resources in support of District priorities; and directing overall operational activities within the District. 

Communication and Community Relations: The Superintendent communicates with and effectively engages the staff, the Board, and members of the community, clearly articulating District goals and priorities, addressing local and broader issues affecting the District, and building support for District initiatives, programs and short/long-range plans. 

Human Resource Management: The Superintendent incorporates best practices for human resource management and oversight, coordinating staffing, recruitment, and other human resource functions.

Professionalism: The Superintendent models professional decision-making processes and ethical standards consistent with the values of Pennsylvania's public education system as well as that of the local community. Superintendent additionally works to individually reflect upon her effectiveness within the role and works to improve effectiveness through the use of professional development literature and activities.