Cindy Risher
Terry,MS
Summary
Team Leader experienced in directing activities of workgroups. Develops strategies, provides training, sets goals, and obtains team feedback. Excellent systems and communication skills. Big picture focus with excellence in developing goals and vision to succeed. Problem solver, networker and consensus builder.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Program Development Team Lead
Mississippi Department of Education
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Provided professional development support to school districts state-wide
- Met with school- and district-based teams to provide targeted technical assistance
- Designed support resources for district and school use
- Data collection and analysis regarding effectiveness of services
- Collaborated on guidance documents and other support materials to ensure alignment to state policies and laws
- Conducted monitoring checks for appropriate policy implementation
- Worked with team to identify areas of improvement and devised solutions based on findings
Superintendent
West Valley School District
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Chief executive officer of the school district responsible for daily operations and management of a five-million-dollar general fund budget in addition to other state and federal grants
- Coordinated with the Montana School Board Association on legal and policy matters
- Reported to the Board of Trustees regarding fiscal and human resources allocations
- Coordinated directly with the District Business Manager to develop budgets and establish purchasing procedures
- Made recommendations to the Board on matters related to staffing, curriculum, and facilities management
- Ensured conditions of the certified staff’s collective bargaining agreement were met
- Oversaw maintenance and transportation departments
- Ensured that the District operated within adopted board policies along with state and federal laws
- Established operational procedures and systems aligned with district policy
- Reported to the State all necessary documentation and data for accountability and accreditation purposes
- Coordinated district level activities to support two schools
- Lead the development of school improvement planning to increase funding for the District
- Monitored implementation of curriculum and classroom instruction to support alignment to District goals
- Oversaw building facilities to ensure safe and efficient operations
Principal
Ocosta Elementary School
07.2018 - 06.2022
- Responsible for all daily operations for Pre-K to sixth grades
- Collaborated with district and school leadership to increase instruction aligned to state standards
- Developed annual school improvement plans with targeted goals, strategies, and time-bound measures
- Lead teachers in evaluating formative and summative assessment data
- Developed and supported systems within a tiered model to identify and provide early intervention
- Responsible for the coordination and implementation of school-wide staff development
- Ensured accountability with local, state, and federal laws and regulations
- Participated in district strategic planning to establish goals and objectives
- Utilized data to make decisions related to staffing, scheduling, and program development
- Collaborated with administrative staff to develop functional budgets
- Responsible for evaluation of all certified and classified staff as outlined by respective collective bargaining agreements
- Participated in contract negotiations with both certified and classified staff associations
- Coordinated and oversaw federal requirements under Title IX, the McKinney Vento Act, and ADA
- Supervised enrollment of 330 students with 27 certified staff and 12 paraeducators.
- Administered personnel policies and procedures for school faculty and staff
Assistant Principal
DeSoto County Schools
08.2012 - 06.2018
- Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies
- Responsible for teacher supervision and evidence-based evaluations
- Supported teachers in supportive discipline practices and fostering strong student/teacher relationships
- Chairperson for the Multi-Tiered System of Supports team
- Supervised and ensured accountability for special education students based on district, state, and federal policies
- Assisted with teacher recruitment and retention
- Actively participated in professional learning communities alongside teachers
- Coordinated with local agencies and district employees to update and monitor school safety plans and procedures
- Supervised student enrollments between 970 and 1,700 students and staffs of 75 to 100 depending on campus assignment
- Implemented effective communication channels between administrators, teachers, students, and parents to foster strong relationships within the school community
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success
- Built productive relationships with parents of students facing difficult situations at school or at home
Teacher
Desoto Central Middle School
08.2005 - 05.2012
- Seventh Grade Science, Eighth Grade Pre AP-Science, and Yearbook Advisor
- Designed daily instruction aligned to state standards, incorporating literacy components, problem-based learning, and hands-on experiences
- Advised yearbook staff, including designing, marketing, and management of funds
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends
- Developed interventions for Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III students and implemented within daily instruction
- Assisted with school-wide technology integration
- Class enrollments averaging 135 students per year.
- Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment
Education
Doctor of Education -
University of Mississippi
University, MS01.2018
Master of Education -
University of Mississippi
University, MS01.2011
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Mississippi
University, MS01.2005
Skills
- Fiscally responsible
- Focus on organization and systems
- Works collaboratively with stakeholders
- Staff education and training
- Data analysis to identify strengths and growth areas
- Safety processes and procedures
- Project planning
- Supervision of operations and resources
- Instructional program development
- Employee evaluation
- Complex problem-solving
- Regulatory compliance
Timeline
Education Program Development Team Lead
Mississippi Department of Education
09.2023 - 01.2024
Superintendent
West Valley School District
07.2022 - 06.2023
Principal
Ocosta Elementary School
07.2018 - 06.2022
Assistant Principal
DeSoto County Schools
08.2012 - 06.2018
Teacher
Desoto Central Middle School
08.2005 - 05.2012
Doctor of Education -
University of Mississippi
Master of Education -
University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Mississippi
Similar Profiles
REBECCA L PALCULICTREBECCA L PALCULICT
619 Coordinator at Mississippi Department of Education619 Coordinator at Mississippi Department of Education
Charisma McNairCharisma McNair
Client Technician III at Mississippi Department of EducationClient Technician III at Mississippi Department of Education
Belinda BrooksBelinda Brooks
Special Education Teacher at Arkansas Department of EducationSpecial Education Teacher at Arkansas Department of Education
Tammy AdenTammy Aden
Teacher at Clinton Public School DistrictTeacher at Clinton Public School District
Princess DavisPrincess Davis
Behavioral Health RN at Merit Health CentralBehavioral Health RN at Merit Health Central