Waa BAT. —E CREEK elie scHoots Pride. Performance. Potential ‘3 West Von Buren Street» Battle Creek Michisan 49017-30703 Board of Education Phone: 269-965-9465 Letter of Recommendation To Whom It May Concern: Dr. Linda Hicks has been the Superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools since June 2010. She has made a decision to leave the district to pursue other opportunities. ‘Under Dr. Hicks’ leadership the district has witnessed multiple advancements that continue to improve the educational experience of our students. She developed and implemented a successful Ninth Grade Academy and as a result the graduation rate has improved. She managed the $14.5 million gifted to the district, to transition the Battle Creek Area Mathematies and Science Center to the downtown corridor of the City of Battle Creek. Additionally, she implemented an elementary STEM school. For her forward thinking in STEM education she was recognized in 2013 by the educational journal, Education Week, as “Leader to Leam From”, ‘We are pleased Dr. Hicks brought national attention to our school district. She also worked closely with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek Community Foundation, United Way and other local funders bringing over 15 million doliars to the district during her tenure. These financial resources were useful in implementing a strong Early Childhood Program, Ninth Grade Academy and STEM development, The funding brought additional professional development and resourees that directly impacted students in the classroom, Ina competitive process, the Michigan Department of Education selected one of our elementary schools as one of fourteen in the state to become a Whole School Technology Transformation Pilot school, another highlight of Dr. Hicks’ work in the district. This grant funding brought: ‘ Robust wireless network © Classroom Technology ‘© Mobile device for every student and teacher and ¢# Intensive professional development and support for teachers. 1|PageDr. Hicks was also a leader in the community serving on eight boards. As a community leader she served as Co-Chair of the United Way for Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region Campaign for two years. Over $14 million dollars was raised each year. She also contributed to the BC Vision initiative, launched by the CEO’s of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Kellogg Company, where she served on focus groups and was also selected to be a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Dr. Hicks was also instrumental in bringing the Maranda Park Party to Battle Creek. Five locations are selected in the state of Michigan to host this event Battle Creek Public Schools has partnered with Wood-TV 8 for the past 4 years and last year over 7,000 families attended the event in Battle Creek. One of the most notable characteristies of Dr. Hicks’ leadership was her focus on the needs of the students. She developed a Student-Superintendent Advisory Council in order to stay connected with the students. On a monthly basis she met with high school students to give them a voice concerning their education. She found this a great opportunity to stay on the pulse of day to day life at the high school level and generate a student perspective in her decision making process. Only a few of the highlights of Dr. Hicks’ accomplishments are noted in this letter. We appreciate her dedication while serving in the Battle Creek Public School district and wish her the best in her future endeavors. Respectfully, a ee fy — Dr. Todd Stagner, President Battle Creek Board of Education 2|Page