Florence School District 3's Board of Trustees voted unanimously in a meeting Tuesday to extend the superintendent's contract for an additional year. With the extension, Superintendent Dr. Laura Hickson's contract will continue through June 30, 2027.
Dr. Hickson was named FSD3 superintendent on July 1, 2015.
The extension came following the board's annual evaluation of Dr. Hickson's job performance.
The board used metrics of the district's six operational goals as the assessment:
- To ensure the safety of all district schools, offices, students, and staff;
- To improve the academic success of all students;
- To increase the number of students reading on grade level in grades K-3;
- To recruit, retain, and train excellent instructional and administrative staff;
- To build effective school, community, and business relationships/partnerships; and
- To ensure financial stability.
“Dr. Hickson is an asset to FCSD3; she has a clear vision for our district and is an effective communicator, a great listener, and is not afraid to take risks to ensure our district is successful,” the board stated in its evaluation summary. “She works with the Board of Trustees to keep us informed and involved. Dr. Hickson leads by example; she gives 100% every day for this district.”
The board commended Dr. Hickson's work ethic and stated that safety and academic achievement are ongoing goals. Additionally, the board pointed out in the summary that Dr. Hickson is visible in the community and keeps stakeholders informed of what is happening in the district.
The board concluded Dr. Hickson's evaluation with an overall rating of “Met.”