EdCircuit Staff 
https://vimeo.com/210953256
Dr. Carol Kelley discusses her district approach
“Elicit and nurture the giftedness of students.” – Dr. Carol Kelley
I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Carol Kelley, superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 in Oak Park, IL to discuss her progressive approach to district improvement. As a graduate of AASA’s National Superintendent Certification Program, Kelley enjoys the ability to easily communicate with a collective group of AASA peers when brainstorming ideas for her district.
Kelley advocates the concept of “unpacking values.” It starts with the question: “What does the district most value?” and moves to the unpacking phase through community listening boards and feedback. Information is gathered and formed into primary objectives to be referenced and analyzed using a variety of metrics. Kelley points to four key terms of Oak Park District Elementary 97: 1.) Promoting a positive learning environment 2.) Inclusivity 3.) Equitableness 4.) A focus on the whole child. By aligning growth to the principals mentioned above, a clear and sustainable path for student success can be achieved.
The importance of public school learning brought Kelley from an engineering degree and an MBA into teaching, and a doctorate in Education. Lifting the lives of others became a motivation for Kelley after she began to examine the less fortunate outcomes of students from her childhood neighborhood. The public school system had somehow worked for her skills but came up considerably short for other youth. It was this new found passion and commitment to widespread educational change that effectively led Kelley to the position of superintendent.
“Elicit and nurture the giftedness of students.” – Dr. Carol Kelley
About Dr. Carol Kelley:
Dr. Carol Kelley has been Superintendent of Oak Park Elementary School District 97 since 2015.
Prior to joining District 97, Kelley spent three years as the superintendent of schools for the Branchburg Township School District in New Jersey. Before that, she served as the director for curriculum and instruction for Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey for three years. She was also a middle school teacher and principal in New Jersey for a number of years.
Kelley received her bachelor’s degree and doctorate in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She also holds an MBA from the University of Virginia.
Follow Dr. Carol Kelley on Twitter
This article was originally published on The Huffington Post by Dr. Berger
AuthorDr. Berger is one of many industry education correspondents for the Mind Rocket Media Group, An educator and former school administrator. His video interview work and conversational podcasts have been featured in various media outlets. He often hosts education panel discussions and develops strategic content. As an academic Dr. Berger is a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management. A former assistant principal, he has been an adjunct undergraduate professor and developer of online college courses. He is a passionate Detroit sports fan who has also adopted Nashville sports teams as his own.
Contact the Mind Rocket Media Group if you are interested in an industry interview and a placement on EdCircuit.
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