Pulaski County Public Schools

Pulaski County Public Schools are pleased to announce that two leaders have recently completed additional training in leadership and management, helping make them even more effective in their current roles.

Dr. Tara Grant, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and Dr. Sarah Polcha, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, recently completed the School Leaders Institute Aspiring Superintendents Program (ASP).

Offered by the Virginia Tech Roanoke Center and the Center for Organizational and Technological Advancement (COTA) in partnership with the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) , this noncredit professional program focuses on exploring and developing the relevant skills, knowledge, and commitment needed to succeed as a superintendent. Emphasis is placed on providing a realistic overview of the complexity of the superintendent role.

Through this intensive, interactive, and results-oriented program, Grant, Polcha, and 33 other educational leaders from across the Commonwealth attended a series of seminars designed to expand and refine their existing leadership capacity and acquire new skills. The additional knowledge and network connections gained through this program empower participants with the awareness and confidence necessary as they pursue positions as superintendents. 

“The experience was invaluable in preparing me for a superintendent position,” Dr. Grant said. “I learned the most from the hands-on experience and conversations with former superintendents and board members. The program strengthened my passion for wanting to impact my community in a positive way.”

“Participating in the Aspiring Superintendents Program was a phenomenal opportunity to learn more about division level administration in preparation for becoming a superintendent of schools,” Dr. Polcha said. “It was wonderful to gain a more in depth understanding of the superintendent’s position and to network with other educators from around the Commonwealth. The program has made me better prepared for my future and given me the tools to be a successful division leader and allowed me to develop a network of professionals with similar goals and aspirations.”

It is essential for superintendents of Virginia’s public school divisions to encourage and nurture innovation. 

“Engaging  in the Aspiring Superintendents program is an invaluable opportunity for each participant to examine the current state of the “Superintendent Landscape”, and share during discussions and activities designed to enhance their ability  to navigate the complex challenges they face each day,” said School Leaders Institute co-founder and COTA Fellow E. Wayne Harris. “By engaging with members of their cohort, each participant has the opportunity to develop the confidence and vision needed to drive positive change necessary to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education.”

ASP participants gathered at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center for three seminars over the course of four months, representing a diverse collection of school divisions from around the state. Virginia Tech faculty members, current and former superintendents, and other experts from the field, presented sessions on topics such as ethical leadership, effective communication with diverse constituencies, media awareness, board relations, entry planning and managing the search process.

“By leaving their school buildings and staying for several days at the hotel with the other participants, these aspiring superintendents are able to concentrate on learning and building relationships,” said Scott Weimer, executive director of Roanoke Regional Initiatives for Virginia Tech. Since it started in 2005, the School Leaders Institute has trained new administrators and aspiring superintendents from nearly three-quarters of Virginia’s public school divisions.

“We are very lucky in PCPS to have outstanding educational leaders like Dr. Polcha and Dr. Grant,” Pulaski County Superintendent of Schools Mr. Rob Graham said. “Their talents, skills, innovative ideas, strong leadership and tireless work ethic help us provide a culture and environment in PCPS that promotes high student achievement and success! I am also grateful for the emphasis that they place on making strong Cougar family even stronger. We are lucky to have these two amazing individuals on our team and I look forward to working with them closely in order to provide the PCPS community with the best public educational experience possible. Thank you, Dr. Polcha and Dr. Grant, for your commitment and dedication to the students, staff and school community in PCPS!”