Transition Team 2016-17 Final Report

TRANSITION STUDENT TEAM FINAL ACHIEVEMENT REPORT \ 1
Sharon L. Contreras, Ph.D., is passionate about
providing high-quality education to each child with
the goal that every student graduates college and
career ready.
Sharon L. Contreras, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Guilford County Schools
Dr. Contreras began her career as a high school English teacher before
serving as a principal, area superintendent, assistant superintendent and
Chief Academic Officer. In 2011, she became the first woman of color in New
York State’s history to serve as superintendent in one of the state’s largest
districts when she took over the Syracuse City School District. Under her
leadership, Syracuse established 16 new career pathways for high school
students, opened a school for gifted elementary students and opened two
new high schools to provide students with the opportunity to earn associate
degrees in electrical engineering technology, manufacturing technology and
health-related fields.
Since her appointment as Superintendent of Guilford County Schools in the
summer of 2016, Dr. Contreras has spent hundreds of hours with students,
teachers, principals, community members, faith leaders and government
officials, learning about their dreams for the students of GCS. Now, she is
using the input she gathered and the recommendations contained in this
report to craft GCS’ next strategic plan.
Dr. Contreras is a proud and active member of The Links Inc. and Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Inc. She was raised in Uniondale, N.Y. by her parents James and
Elizabeth Contreras with her nine brothers and sisters. She has earned degrees
from Binghamton University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
MISSION
Guilford County
students will
graduate as
responsible citizens
prepared to succeed
in higher education,
or in the career of
their choice.*
CORE VALUES
Diversity – We are committed to creating an educational organization where
a variety of persons and perspectives are welcome. We are committed to
providing an environment where students and staff from all cultures and
backgrounds may succeed.
Equality – We are committed to creating a school system where everyone is
appreciated for who they are and evaluated solely on their contributions and
performance. Through the work of this institution, we will create awareness
of – and develop strategies to understand and eradicate – prejudice,
discrimination and racism on the individual and organizational levels.
Innovation – We are committed to fostering a work environment where
the goal is not to manage innovations, but to become innovative. Problems
are identified, adults in the district assume ownership of the problems and
everyone works together as agents of the solution until the problems are
solved. We will not stop until obstacles are removed, solutions are found, and
clear and compelling goals are established.
Integrity – We are committed to creating a school district that acts with
honesty and forthrightness, holding ourselves to high academic and ethical
standards and treating everyone with respect.
*Adopted by the Guilford County Board of Education
on December 12, 2000