Dr. Deanna Kitson

Successful Leadership in Educational Settings: Demonstrated exceptional leadership overseeing eight schools with over 350 employees and 2,443 students, proven track record in elevating school performance and creating a positive educational environment

Expertise in Literacy and Instruction:

Championed quality literacy instruction by prioritizing text-rich environments, ensuring access to diverse and engaging reading materials at all grade levels, this included integrating evidence-based reading strategies, grounded in the science of reading, to foster a robust literacy culture, highlighting my deep expertise in literacy-focused educational settings

Driving School Performance: Spearheaded transformative initiatives at Airport Elementary and Berkeley Middle School, improving their Annual Performance Reports significantly, this showcases my ability to drive substantial improvements in school performance

Strategic Planning Skills: Orchestrated strategic planning and execution of a comprehensive operational and academic redesign across 15 schools, demonstrating advanced strategic planning skills and an ability to improve educational systems at scale

Professional Development and Equity Initiatives: Led the operationalization of anti-racist standards and facilitated professional development modules for administrators, underscoring my commitment to equity, inclusion, and professional growth in educational settings

Innovative Academic Solutions: Facilitated Block Scheduling in high schools and facilitated the implementation of elementary standards-based report cards, showcasing my ability to introduce and manage innovative educational solutions

Continual Professional Growth: Participated in the Public Education Leadership Project at Harvard University, enhancing my management and leadership competencies, vital for high-level academic leadership roles

Budget Management Expertise: Demonstrated exceptional skill in overseeing large-scale financial operations, managing an annual operating budget of over $12 million. My approach is characterized by strategic financial planning, efficient allocation of resources, and rigorous monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility

Mentoring and Coaching: Actively engaged in mentoring and coaching school leaders and administrators. This involved providing guidance on effective leadership strategies, problem-solving, and decision-making, thereby fostering a culture of continuous professional growth and leadership excellence within the district

New School Launch: Successfully managed and led the opening of a new elementary building, demonstrating strong organizational and leadership skills in establishing a fully functional educational environment from the ground up.

Academic Achievement Standards: Achieved 100% Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for MSIP 5, reflecting a high standard of educational excellence and compliance with state academic achievement benchmarks.

PBIS Recognition: Earned PBIS Gold level recognition, showcasing effective implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports, contributing to a positive and conducive learning environment.

Leadership in Student Achievement: Provided leadership and strategic decision-making to ensure annual student achievement targets were not only developed and monitored but also celebrated, fostering a culture of success and recognition.

Culture of Evidence-Based Practices: Created a culture of evidence-based practices and methodologies, ensuring the effectiveness and impact of student learning were continually assessed and enhanced.

• Operational Management: Managed effective day-to-day school operations, encompassing administrative responsibilities, assignment of personnel, and efficient allocation of resources, ensuring smooth and effective school functioning.

Data Analysis for School Improvement: Interpreted and analyzed various data sets, leading to the development and successful execution of a comprehensive school improvement plan.

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated enthusiasm and strong interpersonal skills, effectively relating with students, staff, administration, parents, and community members, fostering a collaborative and inclusive school community

Educational Leadership Instruction: Organized, prepared, and taught Master's Level courses in Educational Leadership, demonstrating deep expertise in guiding future leaders in education.

Curriculum and Instruction Expertise: Taught comprehensive topics on curriculum and instruction, including research, development, and implementation, highlighting my skills in educational program development and evaluation.

Facility Management Education: Delivered courses on School Facilities, focusing on strategies and skills necessary for planning and maintaining educational facilities effectively and economically.

School Administration and Organization: Instructed on various aspects of School Administration and Organization, covering policy development, organizational structure, faculty and staff development, communications, and instructional leadership planning.

Legal Knowledge in Education: Taught School Law, providing knowledge and understanding of the legal system's effects on education, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance and policy awareness in educational settings.