Sheffield’s choice of Patrick Hardy for chief academic officer is spectacular

3 comments June 10th, 2009

LaVonne Sheffield isn’t even officially working for the Rockford School District yet (she starts July 1) but I’m very, very impressed with her Cabinet choices, specifically the appointment of Patrick Hardy as Chief Academic Officer.

I’ve had opportunities over the years to talk with Hardy about his educational philosophy and his intense passion for improving opportunities for all kids to learn. Is he impatient? Yes, but you need to be to get anything done. Hardy was an assistant principal at Auburn High School when I first talked with him, and I knew he was frustrated that he was being called on way too often to do disciplinary chores, when what he really wanted to do was help kids learn.

As Ellis School principal he turned around a school in chaos and got it on the road to excellence. He left the school district to join Heartland Community Church as a youth leader, and from there came the springboard to the Sigma Beta Charter School, which is designed to foster an intense learning environment for kids, mostly minority, mostly males, who otherwise fall through the cracks of the mostly white teaching establishment.

Although he won’t be able to lead Sigma Beta, in his new role he’ll be able to apply his knowledge and enthusiasm to all schools in the Rockford district.

Great choice, Dr. Sheffield. Congratulations, Dr. Hardy.