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Dr. Michael D. McFarland was named Superintendent of Lancaster ISD in
May of 2010 and is entering his third year. He is an outstanding,
energetic, dynamic leader with a proven track record of transforming
educational organizations into high-performing institutions.
He is an innovative leader who is currently leading the successful
transformation of Lancaster ISD. Currently, Lancaster ISD is the
recipient of a multimillion dollar STEM grant - the largest financial
contribution made to an educational institution by the Texas Instruments
Foundation in support of the implementation of the first STEM for all
district in the state of Texas. Lancaster ISD aspires to become the
cynosure (center) for STEM for all education in the state of Texas and
has designed a framework that will ensure exposure, equity and
excellence for all students. LISD also was awarded the National Award of
Distinction from the Teacher Advancement Program System for outstanding
implementation of the TAP system and significant value added gains by
all district TAP schools.
During his first two years at the helm, Lancaster students have shown
outstanding academic growth and are on path to eliminate the achievement
gap. Under McFarland's leadership, Lancaster ISD has received numerous
awards for academic performance due to significant improvement in TAKS
scores, College and Career Readiness rates, TAP Value Added Scores, and
Gold Performance Acknowledgements from the Texas Education Agency. In
addition, several campuses have received National Distinguish School
Awards. Based on 2011 data, the District received 20 Gold Performance
Acknowledgements from Texas Education Agency - the most in LISD history.
As a testament to his district transformation initiative, all campuses
received at least one Gold Performance Acknowledgement. Six of the seven
elementary campuses received the Texas Education Agency Recognized
rating - the most in school district history. During McFarland's first
year of service, the District rating increased from unacceptable
(without the Texas Projection Measurement) to one percentage away from
Recognized Status (the state's second highest category).
At the completion of his second year of the implementation of the
'Excellence Agenda,' the exit level state assessment scores of students
in LISD increased to 91% in English, 92% in Math, 93% in Science, and
99% in Social Studies proving that setting high expectations of all and
expecting excellence every day is worth the effort. McFarland has
remained committed to ensuring that when students leave LISD they will
leave with more than a high school diploma. They are leaving with
choices and opportunities. As a result of this commitment, and the
implementation of the more than a diploma initiative, in each of the two
graduating classes, more than 93% and 95% of the students have graduated
with a high school diploma and a letter of acceptance to a college,
university, vocational school or a branch of the armed forces.
Furthermore, the class of 2012 received more than $3.2 million in
scholarships and 90% of the 18 year olds were registered to vote and
participated in the local spring elections as first-time voters due to
the Stroll to the Polls initiative.
McFarland led this district transformation and has been able to produce
outstanding academic and economic results during the most challenging
financial time in school funding history. By instituting a conservative
approach to budgeting, implementing a rational budget reduction process,
and making sound financial decisions, LISD was able to increase the fund
balance from $3 million in 2010 to $11.1 million according to the
January 2012 audit. Currently LISD, has 21% of the budgeted expenses in
fund balance.
McFarland came to Lancaster ISD from Champaign, Illinois where he served
as Assistant Superintendent of Achievement for Champaign Unit 4 Public
Schools. While serving in Champaign, McFarland led the development of a
high school restructuring model that was adopted by the Illinois Board
of Education as a model for transformation of low-performing secondary
schools throughout the state. Dr. McFarland also was instrumental in the
development and implementation of a collaborative multiagency
partnership with the City of Champaign, Park District, and Unit 4
Schools called "Operation Hope in Garden Hills." This multiagency
project included the "Lighted Schoolhouse" and was recognized nationally
as a model approach for addressing school and community issues.
Prior to serving in Illinois, McFarland served as principal of John
Tyler High School in Tyler, Texas. When McFarland arrived at John Tyler,
the school was low performing, academically unacceptable, and plagued
with many challenges. Under McFarland's leadership, the school
transformed into a high-performing high school that was recognized by
the College Board with the 2006 National Inspiration Award. This award
was only received by three schools in the nation and was given due to
the increase in student performance and college and career readiness as
measured by SAT and college acceptance. More than 92% of the students
who graduated from John Tyler High under McFarland's leadership received
letters of acceptance to a college, university, and/or the military.
Before serving as John Tyler"s principal, McFarland was principal at
Foster Middle School in Longview, Texas. During his tenure as principal
at Foster Middle School, McFarland was selected as the "Best Principal
in East Texas" by the Longview News Journal. McFarland is also
professional developer and motivational speaker with the educational
consulting firm E3, Empowering, Educational Excellence.
McFarland is an educator who is committed to creating opportunities for
success by removing barriers, aligning systems, implementing programs,
instituting best practices and building the capacity of people to ensure
higher levels of learning for all students. In addition to McFarland's
duties as superintendent of schools, he finds time for civic and
community involvement. He is a member of numerous professional and civic
organizations and coaches girls' basketball at the Lancaster Recreation
Center.
McFarland is a native of Jasper, Texas and began his educational career
in 1993 as an algebra teacher. He has a Bachelor of Business
Administration from Baylor University, his Master of Education and
superintendent's certificate from Stephen F. Austin University and his
doctorate from Baylor University |