Cynthia Jorgenson Boudousquie Khalydia Palace Towers D, Suite 1301 Post Office.

Box 93874 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Mcl'herson & Jacobson, LLC 7905 L Street, Suite 310 Omaha, Nebraska 68127

July 12,2012

Subject: Application for Employment as Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools

To the Attention of the Duval County School Board: The subject employment opportunity is clearly one of great responsibility and promises to be a wonderful challenge. It is my pleasure to offer the enclosed application documents for your review. My work in educational leadership over the past twenty-seven years has properly prepared me to meet the demands and challenges of this position. Presently, I work closely with otherinternational leaders in education; we collaborate in a vibrant, demanding environment and are all greatly enriched as a result. My staff and I have developed and implemented effective policies, practices and procedures under the auspices of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC). This work is fundamentally transforming the national educational system here in the United Arab Emirates. For the duration of my career, 1 have consistently met the learning needs of children in all assignments. My goals are to consistently support teaching staff, provide the most useful training available, build teams and direct their efforts through demonstrated competence and trusted leadership.Jn my view, a collective focus should always remain upon achieving clearly established and shared objectives, Management must always ensure requisite training is provided, capably delivered and performance accurately measured, in addition to securing the essential resources necessary for faculty to properly perform clearly-defined responsibilities. These are fundamental imperatives. When we succeed in accomplishing these goals, a positive learning experience for the children entrusted to our care may be best assured.

It is further my belief a working environment centered on cooperation, clear communication, respect, enthusiasm, as well as careful management of expectations, fosters and sustains a culture of educational excellence. In my experience, this has consistently proven to be an effective approach. Such a focus motivates, bolsters morale and empowers staff to meet their primary responsibility: to share with children the love of learning.
Incidentally, from 14 through 24 July 1 expect to be in New Orleans and Pensacola. In view of the fact I presently reside in Abu Dhabi, it would be my pleasure to visit Jacksonville for a meeting, in the event you find a personal introduction would potentially prove to he helpful. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

(J~~_J3~d~~
C~lthi~ Boudousquie

Duval County Public Schools

Application Information Form

Jacksonville, Florida
Position: Superintendent

Title: Name:

0 Dr.

OMr..

Ms.

X Mrs.

o (other-please
Telephone Office: Home: Cell: E-mail: (

list)

Cynthia Kaye Boudousqule Khalydia Palace Towers D Apartment

Home Address:

1301

(971) 024916709 (971) 0561233051

cynthia.boudousquie@gmaiLcom

Abu Dhabi. UAE

Zip Code:

Record of Professional Institution University of Missouri

Education

(in reverse chronology) Graduation Date In progress Major Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis Superinfendent Elementary Principal School Administration Early Childhood Education and Reading and Degree ABD/EdD

Northwest Missouri State University

May 1995

Specialist in Education

Lincoln University

May 1988

Masters of Education Bachelor of Science in Education

Western Carolina University

December 1982

Record of Professional Title Coordinator of Special Education Services

Experience

(in reverse chronology) District State Abu Dhabi, UAE Enrollment

Dates August to Now

2011

Abu Dhabi Education Council

290,000

Head of Faculty

July

to

August

2010

2011

Abu Dhabi Education Council, AI Durrah KG

AlAin, Abu

300

Dhabi
UAE

Elementary Principal/Spec. Ed. Director

July

to

August

2004

2009

Smithton School District

Missouri

600

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonvllla.Ft,

Closing date July 23. 2012

Elementary Principal/Special Education Director Elementary

Aug.

to

June

1997

2003

Monroe City School District

Missouri

686

Aug.

to

June

principal

1995

1997

Pattonsburg School District

Missouri

250

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville,

FL

Closing date July 23, 2012

The School Board has identified the following qualities for the superintendent of schools. Please respond to each of the qualities stressing your experience, strengths, and abilities in each area, limiting your responses to between 200 and 300 words for each item. 1. A leader who solicits, respects and values the input of stakeholders at all levels of the organization and who has demonstrated leadership in utilizing that input to create and sustain a culture of shared decision-making. A properly shared vision makes every member of an organization a stakeholder. Developing a team-driven mission and culture within the District, consistent with clear objectives empowers individuals. As a result, their respective schools are also enabled. Management may best accomplish established goals by openly acknowledging and valuing the contributions made by all toward achieving commonly-held purposes of work, focused on the best interests of the children we educate and serve. Fostering a culture of clear, open and honest communication, properly managing expectations and earning trust are also essential elements of this equation. In my experience, a team-centric approach toward building educational excellence is practically implemented through regular, structured, brief meetings with staff to discuss concerns and create shared plans of action to address specific problems or any general matters of concern to the organization. Additionally, it is always very helpful to simply leave the office for the purpose of informal observation. Periodically ask staff some basic questions, such as: "How are you? Do you have everything you need to do your work and meet our shared objectives? May I provide you with any clarifications or assistance?" In my experience, a "hands-on" administrator is most effective. Maintaining high visibility in the schools, as well as being accessible to faculty and staff is of great importance. These are also essential leadership traits for the development of a District focused on cooperative and collegial approaches to meeting challenges. 2. A leader who supports and empowers principals, teachers and staff to improve organizational and student performance outcomes. One of my primary goals as an educational leader has been to consistently support faculty and staff. Once decisions and commitments have been made, it is of primary importance to know their actions are fully endorsed in practice and an even measure of accountability applied. Clear direction, consistent examples of professionalism, in addition to sound and equitable performance measurement tools are essential in building trust and cooperation for successful District leadership. Effective management of all schools I have led was built upon consensus and attentive, inclusive management practices. Delegation of authority based upon a careful assessment of ability is also essential; this further provides useful guidance in directing professional development training. Appropriate coaching and mentoring through keen observation must always follow any delegation of responsibility.
Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, FL Closing date July 23, 2012

While working as an elementary principal within the Smithton, Missouri School District, the State passed a mandate for establishing and implementing practices to identify students in need of special assistance. It was my responsibility to work with staff from both elementary and high School for research into best approaches toward achieving our objectives and create a plan of action for the school district. Under my direction, we established a committee to develop and then implement a very effective Response to Intervention Program. Before our work began, the number of identified special needs students was assessed at over 20%. Within less than four years, this population had been reduced to 12%, as a direct result of our efforts. For a period of over five years, I served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Present and finally President of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP). During three years of this tenure, I was responsible for all organizational tasks in support of more than 2,000 Association members for an annual Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals State Convention. Under my leadership, we also successfully funded and built a $2 million facility to house our offices. 3. A proactive visionary, able to consider, plan and implement systemic change that increase the district's ability to recognize and respond to current and future challenges as they arise. A successful superintendent must possess a clear strategic vision based upon experience in addition to a comprehensive understanding of how to practically manage and deliver educational excellence. Fostering a culture of open and honest communication is essential for any leader to be effective. Failure is inevitable for a superintendent who does not have a sound, achievable and plainly communicated strategic vision, shared by all within the district. It is generally always helpful to follow policies and procedures aligned with proven "best practices." Examples of Participation in Change Initiatives: 5 During my work with the North Harrison School District from 1988-1993, it became apparent some inefficient management practices led to financial shortfalls; this situation threatened sustainment of vital school district operations. These inefficiencies were largely the result of a systemic, seemingly intractable culture of "business-as-usual." One of my contributions to remedy this condition was exercised through working closely with teaching staff toward reform and progress. This collaboration resulted in the introduction and subsequent implementation of new school initiatives. By identifying opportunities, authoring and winning grants for projects within their classrooms, it was possible to affect significant change. We were successful in securing five classroom grants of $6000 each and one school-wide grant for $30,OOO-the funds supported a staff of only eight teachers. Most recently, In Ai Aln, Abu Dhabi and while working as a Head of Faculty in AI Durrah Kindergarten last year, I guided the principal and staff
Closing date July 23, 2012

Duval County Public Schools, JacksonviJ!e, FL

toward building an effective, sustainable learning environment within the school. The principal had no prior training in leadership. After earning trust through demonstrated professional competence, cultural sensitivity and resourcefulness, I was successful in refining her skills as a leader. As a result, she has been very effective in subsequently managing a school of three hundred students with very little additional direction. 4. Someone with strong organizational and leadership skills, able to coHaboratively align and focus internal and external stakeholders' efforts to accelerate progress on achieving the district's goals for student and organizational performance. Every effective leader must first identify, then creatively, diplomatically and resourcefully find solutions to address commonly-occurring, mutually exclusive interests. This summarizes the art of consensus-building; each circumstance introduces a unique challenge to leaders in education. For example, I have found the simple method of holding quarterly Town Meetings-widely announced and open to all-is most often a very effective approach. Such a forum gives everyone a voice and opportunity to contribute toward improving the quality of education within the District. All who participate become stakeholders. While a principal serving in Pattonsburg, Missouri from 1993-1995, the town was flooded. Town Meetings were held to determine how the school should proceed with operations and reconstruction under these devastating circumstances. Through focus groups of citizens and in cooperation with teaching staff, we quickly built consensus on how to best restore our school. The end result was creation of a school that created the best learning environment for our children. This was possible through our shared vision and resourceful cooperation. Committees examining achievement goals, curriculum and physical plant matters among other issues are essential to ensure all interests are equitably represented. These committees should include assistant superintendents, principals, teachers, staff, students, and all other concerned citizens. As principal at Smithton, Missouri from 2004-2009, I worked with parents and teachers to build a volunteer program of more than seventy-five volunteers, in a school of less than two-hundred and fifty students. These parent-volunteers worked actively and closely with faculty to assist in our objectives to meet attendance goals and many other issues affecting the school's ability to deliver the best services we could possibly provide. We carefully monitored progress under this initiative and volunteers were rightfully acknowledged in ceremonies held at the end of the school year. As the Special Education Director of Monroe City Schools, I established and managed a program with two local companies. This initiative provided high school special education students the opportunity to gain practical work experience as an important supplement to their studies. As a result, by the end of

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville, FL

Closing date July 23. 2012

the third year 50% of these special education students found placement as employees in these companies. 5.

over the age of sixteen

A person of integrity who is trustworthy

across the district, are predicated

and whose relationships, with the board and on honest and open communications.

Consistent and uncompromising ethical conduct should always be expected from a competent leader in any organization. Transparency and open communication, in addition to shaping a culture of responsibility and accountability are key principles an effective superintendent must share through example. Weekly newsletters to patrons and members of the organization should be distributed electronically as well as in hard copy when appropriate, to ensure all understand goals and expectations. District needs and priorities may be best determined and expressed through regularly scheduled meetings with leadership teams and staff members. Such interaction is imperative to collectively understand and share needs of District schools. An open-door policy and regular on-site visits to schools within the District are constructive approaches to ensuring channels of communication remain open and effective. Sharing collected faculty and staff observations with Board members through regular, timely correspondence is a very important responsibility. While working in the Smithton School District, I assisted the superintendent with development of a leadership team model. One of our primary objectives was to ensure all-from Board members to Custodians--were promptly informed of any developments of concern. This program introduced weekly newsletters, a prominently-displayed memo board in each building, daily meetings with school administrators and conveying a clearly understood open-door policy-at all levels. These were the fundamental objectives of our plan; this approach proved to be very effective in practice and served to create an atmosphere of trust, cooperation and understanding.

Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville.

FL

Closing date July 23,2012

Do you have a Superintendent

Endorsement for the state represented

by

Yes

No_X_

tile position listed on this Application Information Form?

(If you have questions regarding the requirements to be a superintendent State of Florida, contact the Florida Department of Education) in the

I certify that the information provided herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

(2
(initials)

I am aware that the Florida Sunshine Act will require that aU applicant

information is public and can be released to the media upon request.

Applicant hereby waives his/her right to confidentiality with regard to his/her work record or criminal record and consents to and authorizes the release of information from current or former employers and/or law enforcement personnel upon inquiry under this application.

Signature of Applicant:

~~

/JJi.

12

.J.....DGt~4~

'

Printed name of Applicant:

Cy n+tt;a.. lJou.dou 'Sa fflLie

:r~'

Date:

'd./0~!,;;)0 I.;t...
I

This application must be COMPLETED

and RETURNED by:

MONDAY, JULY 23, 2012

Duval County Public Schools McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. Executive Recruitment and Development 7905l sr, Suite 310 Omaha, Nebraska 68127 Phone: (402) 991-7031/(888) 375-4814
E-mail: aQos@macniake.com

Fax: (402) 991-7168

AA/EEO Employer

Duval County

Public Schools,

Jacksonville,

FL

Closing

date July 23, 2012

Cynthia Jorgenson Boudousquie

Telephone: +971-056-123-3051 cynthia.boudousquie@gmail.com Temporary: Post Office Box 93874 1301, Tower D, Khalydia Palace Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 2401 Stacey Lane Sedalia, Missouri 65301

Permanent:

Objectives
Improve the quality of education in every assignment. Apply proven best practices of instruction and management to establish and sustain an excellent learning environment. Work closely with staff, build consensus and use resources most effectively. Continually seek opportunities for professional growth and development; work in positions of increasing responsibility to best apply the skills and experience earned in a career of over twenty years as an elementary school principal, educator and administrator.

Education
1979-1982 1983-1988 1989-1995 2007-Present Western Carolina University Lincoln University Northwest Missouri State University University of Missouri BSEd in Early Childhood and Reading Master of School Administration Specialist of School Administration ABD, Doctorate-in progress

Certifications
Elementary Education Early Childhood Education Special Reading Principal Administrator II Superintendent Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime Expires June 2104 Expired January 2012 Missouri Missouri Missouri Missouri Missouri

Work Experience
8-2010 to Present Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) Abu Dhabi, UAE Coordinator of Special Services (2011-present) Support the Vanderbilt University Project through coaching instruction; train teachers in methods to include children with special needs 2010-2011 School Year Head of Faculty, Al Durrah Kindergarten Al Ain, UAE Provide professional development and guidance for English-speaking and Arabicmedium teachers at the kindergarten facility Assist the principal of Al Durrah iSchool with leadership responsibilities Manage administrative matters concerning ADECand licensed teachers 8-2004 to 8-2009 Smithton School District Smithton, Missouri USA Elementary School Principal and Special Education Director Lead K-6 elementary staff to deliver students an excellent learning experience

Administer the Title I Program for the school district Administer district federal assistance programs Member of the district administration team

8-1997 to 6-2003 Monroe City School District Monroe City, Missouri USA Elementary School Principal/Director of Special Education Lead the elementary school staff deliver students an excellent learning experience Develop, implement and monitor curriculum Administer district federal programs Administer district special education programs 8-1995 to 6-1997 Pattonsburg School District Pattonsburg, Missouri USA Elementary School Principal Lead staff of a kindergarten through grade six school to deliver students an excellent learning experience Administer the district federal programs Administer the district special education programs 8-1993 to 6-1995 Princeton School District Princeton, Missouri USA Elementary School Principal Lead, teach and administer kindergarten through sixth grade elementary staff to deliver students an excellent learning experience Develop new curriculum for the district Promote a productive learning culture; train staff and faculty 8-1988 to 6-1993 North Harrison School District Eagleville, Missouri USA Elementary School Principal Lead, teach and administer kindergarten through sixth grade elementary staff to deliver students an excellent learning experience Administer elementary educational programs Administer federal programs within the district Create grant proposals and manage district awards

Professional Organization Affiliations

Missouri Council for Exceptional Children Missouri State Teachers Association Missouri Association of Elementary Principals President, 2001-2002 National Association of Elementary Principals Central District of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Principal for Central District 2000 to 2010 Since 1982 Since 1988. 1988-2010 Since 2005 2007-2008

Additional Experience

Harvard Leadership Academy July 2000, 2001 Missouri Department of Education Leadership Academy

July 2001
Forum

National Association of Elementary School Principals Leadership

Participant 2001-2002 Co-Leader 2002-2003