Article Contributed on: 3/12/2008 11:28:53 AM
Dr.
Monte Moses, superintendent of Cherry Creek Schools, announced at the March 10 Board of Education meeting that he plans to step down on June 30, 2009, or sooner, if the Board selects his successor before that date.
Moses, who was honored as 2005 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, has served as superintendent of Cherry Creek Schools for nearly nine years. He has been with the district for 17 years, serving as deputy superintendent from 1991 to 1999.
"Working in Cherry Creek the past 17 years has been an honor, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity," Moses said. "But I have always believed that carefully planned change is a good thing."
Board of Education president
Aagje Barber thanked Moses for his years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership. "Your leadership is the definition of excellence in every way," Barber said. "You have given the gift of your time and have been a champion for children."
Barber also said that the average tenure for a U.S. superintendent is 5.5 years. "Research shows that superintendent tenure is positively correlated to student achievement," said Barber.
During Moses tenure as superintendent, the district successfully passed two bond elections, met the challenges of increased state and federal accountability, and enhanced its reputation as one of the nation's best school systems.
In addition, Cherry Creek Schools have been recognized for educational excellence, progress in closing the achievement gap, meeting the challenges of rapid growth, strengthening the character of students, and recording the highest academic performance in district history on a variety of measures, including college admission scores.
Two-thirds of Cherry Creek Schools rank Excellent or High on the Colorado School Accountability Reports, and no schools are rated low or unsatisfactory.
Although Moses originally considered retiring this coming June, the Board of Education asked him to remain longer to give them time to select a new Superintendent and ensure a smooth transition.