District brings on data analyst to help implement strategic plan

Last spring, District staff, parents and community members partnered in the development of a new strategic plan for the Edina Public Schools.  The plan, which establishes a roadmap for the “Next Generation of Edina Public Schools,” is ambitious in its scope and relies heavily upon the use of data to drive its action plans.

“We know that in order to ensure the plan actually gets done and does not just become a plan that sits on a shelf, we need to have someone who can lead the data gathering and analysis phases,” said Superintendent Ric Dressen. “Therefore, we set aside resources to bring on someone for one year who can help ensure that the action steps we develop to implement the strategic plan are rooted in best practice and good data.”

To that end, the District proudly announces the hiring of Susan Costello-Tennyson as its Strategic Analyst and Data Coordinator, a temporary assignment for the 2012-13 school year.  Her work will focus on the key initiatives of the plan, including closing the achievement gap and a comprehensive study of middle and high school academic programming.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to join the Edina Public Schools,” said Costello-Tennyson. “I look forward to making a contribution to the District and in helping teachers and staff look at and use data in a meaningful way.”

Costello-Tennyson brings to Edina a wealth of experience both locally and globally. For six years she worked as a counselor and interim administrator at Stillwater High School. For the past eight years Costello-Tennyson worked at Cairo American College, a K-12 international school in Cairo, Egypt.  As the school’s Director of Student Services she had varied responsibilities in support of students and staff, including helping teachers utilize data to personalize instruction and drive sound decision-making.

“Susan’s varied experience as an educator, school counselor and administrator speaks to her commitment to strategically looking at how data can help improve an organization,” Dressen said.  “And her international experience will help us look at our planning work in a way that will ensure our students are prepared for the complex, global world that awaits them.”