Superintendent Theresa Battle’s leadership of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage District was once again commended by the school board in an annual performance review.
For the second year, Battle, who joined the district in July 2019, received praise for her work strengthening community relationships and her “science and values-driven” leadership during the pandemic, according to a summary of the evaluation.
Battle met with school board members in a closed-door meeting last month for the performance review. Lesley Chester, the board’s vice chair, summarized the review’s findings during prepared remarks at the June 10 meeting.
The school board’s review and Battle’s self-assessment were closely aligned in finding Battle’s performance to be effective and meeting expectations in regards to standards put forth by the Minnesota School Boards Association and district-specific goals, according to Chester.
Most notably, Chester said, Battle is “highly effective at community relationship building, her approachability and visibility in our schools and community, her professional knowledge of teaching and learning, and her cultural cooperation.”
Battle landed the district’s top job in 2019 after nearly three decades with St. Paul Public Schools, where she served most recently as assistant superintendent.
This year’s performance review once again brought recognition for Battle’s approach to the pandemic, which school board members say centered on health and safety.
“During unprecedented times, the board commends Superintendent Battle’s leadership and connection with students, family and communities,” Chester said. “The board admires her calm leadership, science and values-driven decision making and commitment to community engagement as these assets were essential to her successful.”