Hamilton County School Board Rates Superintendent’s Performance
In Hamilton County, school board members recently gave high marks to Superintendent Justin Robertson during his annual performance evaluation. This assessment, conducted in December 2024, revealed that Robertson has maintained a solid performance for the second consecutive year.
Evaluation Overview
The evaluation results stemmed from a ranking system where board members rated Robertson across seven categories. These included strategic planning, student achievement, staff relationships, school leadership, post-secondary opportunities, business and finance, and board relations. Ratings were provided on a scale from one to five, where a score of one indicated significant shortcomings and five represented outstanding performance. The aggregate score from board members averaged to 3.66 out of 5.
Performance Highlights
At the school board meeting held on December 21, Robertson expressed gratitude for the members’ feedback, calling it a ‘gift’ that aids in improving the school system. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “It’s a difficult job, but it’s much easier when you have an incredible team around you. We have a great team here in Hamilton County.”
The evaluation showed that Robertson excelled in certain categories, particularly in implementing the district’s strategic plan, ensuring that staffing positions were filled on time, and maintaining communication with board members. However, his ratings dropped in areas connected to student achievement. Specifically, data indicated that the percentage of students in grades kindergarten through second scoring below the 25th percentile rose to 35.3%, surpassing the district’s goal of 32%.
Rating Breakdown
Each school board member rated Robertson’s performance across 17 specific metrics. Their feedback varied widely. Notably, Ben Connor, a board member from Chattanooga, awarded Robertson the highest score of 4.35, commending his passion for advocating for the needs of students and schools. In contrast, newly elected board members tended to give lower ratings compared to those with more experience.
The scores collected revealed significant differences among board members, with some expressing their appreciation openly. Ben Daugherty, another board member, humorously remarked on the challenges of being a superintendent and applauded Robertson’s dedication despite his lower rating of 3.35.
New Board Members and Their Ratings
Interestingly, newcomers on the board generally rated Robertson lower than their more experienced colleagues. The four lowest evaluations came from first-time members, revealing a potential need for these individuals to become more acquainted with the superintendent and his initiatives.
Future Outlook
Board members have indicated their readiness to support Robertson’s continued leadership in the district, especially in efforts aimed at improving student performance. The school board initially appointed Robertson as superintendent in December 2021, and contracts were recently renewed, extending until June 2028.
The evaluation outcome presents an opportunity for Hamilton County’s education leaders to address student achievement challenges while maintaining focus on strategic objectives. As the district looks to the future, the importance of collaboration among board members, educators, and the community remains paramount in achieving their education goals.
