Education

It was January 2002 as we came to the end of three very long days. Exhausted by the intensity and wound up by the activity, we gathered at the restaurant to debrief the events. We huddled around the table as if planning a covert operation or protecting a secret. Our mood was serious. Our expressions were intense. The hurried sounds of the restaurant were silenced by the frantic thoughts racing through my head. A wave of panic coursed through my body. What had I done? Why did I agree to do this?

Setting the direction for the School District, establishing the goals for the system, and creating a plan for improvement are the responsibilities of the superintendent. Having agreed to engage others in developing a strategic plan, did I relinquish my duty? I was in the first year of my first superintendency; did I give away my authority or abandon my charge to lead the District? If I allow this process to proceed, will I lose control of the system or lose the confidence of my Board?

Taking notice of my worries and listening attentively to my doubts, Dr. Bill Cook took in a deep breath and exhaled a gentle sigh. He slowly sipped from the glass of cool water, placed his napkin on the empty plate and carefully pushed his chair away from the table. As he turned toward me, his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, yet his expression was intense and solemn. His patient, steadfast manner was captivating. "A strategic plan", he began, "should free you to lead - not limit or constrain you. It is a strategic plan that articulates your purpose and provides the platform on which you can stand."

And so, the story of Mapleton Public Schools and the impressive "reinvention" began. Nearly six years ago, I placed my faith in the process. I trusted the approximately 150 people we had assembled around us and allowed myself to "lose control". By assuring that others contributed to the future of the District, the strategic plan has given control to our stakeholders and has freed me to lead. Because our strategic plan demanded improvement, we were free to take bold steps needed to achieve drastic improvements. As we ready our schools to open again this year, I appreciate the wisdom and foresight of Dr. Bill Cook more than ever.

Let's take a closer look. Mapleton Public Schools is located just north of downtown Denver, Colorado. We identify ourselves as a diverse and innovative learning community. We are deeply rooted in our history and are passionately committed to the uniqueness and potential of all students. Our mission statement guarantees that each student achieves his or her dreams and contributes enthusiastically to his or her community and world. But, what sets us apart, are not simply words – what sets us apart are actions.

Our strategic plan calls forward an enticing menu of learning opportunities that embraces the unyielding commitment to academic excellence. To answer this call, we started our work with the end in mind – expanding choice at the high school while phasing out and eventually closing our single comprehensive high school. In its place, we now offer students the choice of seven (7) college preparatory high schools: Global Leadership Academy; Mapleton Expeditionary School of the Arts (MESA); Mapleton Prep; Front Range Early College; Welby New Technology High School; York International, and Skyview Academy. All students are required to meet the same graduation requirements – the choice is in how they choose to learn.

In 2006 we closed all of our traditional elementary and middle schools while reopening smaller, new schools that are based on sound educational practices and unique methods of instruction. The extensive research that informed our decisions took school design teams across the country to identify the best systems and approaches to engage students in new and active ways. We now proudly offer our community a range of unique educational options that are typically only offered privately with a cost to families or through charter schools. Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and Outward Bound experiences are included in Mapleton's portfolio of schools rounded out with schools designed around the arts, technology, language, leadership, and world cultures.

Our commitment that no obstacle shall impede a student's success is visible through the comprehensive and complex transportation plan that allows students living anywhere within the District viable choice – real choice that assures access. We are no longer bound by a system of neighborhood schools. If a family chooses to attend a school outside of their neighborhood, we are happy to provide that transportation. Additionally, we offer transportation services to students who choose to participate in the District Arts and Athletic programs – many offered before or after the typical academic day.

Our plan insists that we work in an environment of integrity, encouragement and caring. The challenges and hopes of our community stay at the forefront of our thinking. We are uncompromising in our resolve to assure safe and secure learning environments where conflicts are resolved peacefully and productively. Our staff members are strong and courageous members of a powerful team – a team that is taking public education to a whole new level.

Finally, we commit that together, as a community, we can ensure that our children succeed. We understand that our work is to serve the needs of our community. Our community has called for choice and we have responded. We work together to deliver on the promise that our kids achieve their dreams.

So how are we doing? Well it is too early to see the results of our work on the CSAP – but we'll see them soon. The end of the 2007 school year pointed to a variety of interesting and profoundly positive indicators of success: 100% of our graduating seniors applied to college with an astounding 83% accepted into the college of their choice. The Class of 2008 has the highest ACT results of any class in the past six years! We are looking for great things to come with that group of young people. One new school recently reported an astounding 93% of the students in 3^rd grade who were proficient or advanced in reading.

It is common place to hear of a District's strategic plan or master plan for improvement – it is uncommon to hear that a District draws courage from the plan – courage to lead based on deep commitment and clarity of purpose. Mapleton Public Schools is leading the way – leading the thinking about how school districts can plan for a new reality that values choice in the context of public schools.

About Ms. Charlotte Ciancio  - Superintendent

Ms. Ciancio became the Superintendent of Mapleton Public Schools in 2001 after having served as the District's Executive Director of Learning Services for a year. She has worked for the District in numerous capacities since 1981; as an elementary teacher, a coordinator of special education services, and then as an assistant principal at Bertha Heid Elementary School. During that time frame, she also worked in the special education program at Ft. Osage Junior High School in Independence, Missouri before serving as the principal at Skyline Vista Elementary School and as the Director of Learning Services for Adams County School District 50, in Westminster, Colorado. Ms. Ciancio earned her Bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1980, a Master's degree in Bilingual Special Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 1991, and earned her administrative license from Denver University in 1993. She currently is enrolled in a doctorate program through Nova Southeastern University and expects to earn her Doctorate of Educational Leadership.  Ms. Ciancio belongs to numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), National Association of Elementary Principals, Colorado Association of School Boards, and National Association of School Boards. She also participates in the Denver Area Superintendent's Council and the Adams County Superintendent's Council. She serves on the board of directors for the Metro North Chamber of Commerce, and the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). Ms. Ciancio credits her ability to balance her life to a very supportive family; four young adult children who remind her of what is important, an amazing staff who keeps her organized, and a fabulous Board of Education who keep the focus on student achievement.