Lee County Elementary School Honored for Outstanding Performance

Tropic Isles Elementary of North Fort Myers was one of four organizations, and the only school, to receive the coveted Governor's Sterling Award at a celebratory banquet in Orlando on May 29, 2009. The Governor's Sterling Award is given "for the significant improvement and achievement of performance excellence" and is based on the internationally acclaimed Baldridge criteria.

TIE began their performance excellence journey seven years ago when the school district embraced site-base management and the Continuous Improvement Model (CIM). Subsequently, seven Lee county schools piloted the Sterling process. To earn the award Sterling examiners perform a comprehensive assessment of the organization, including an extensive on-site review and in-depth feedback report. Students, parents, teachers, support staff, and administrators worked together to achieve the rigorous standards.

Continuous collection, analysis and use of data have led to outstanding student performance outcomes. TIE students have met or exceeded the increasing AYP demands all seven years. TIE will serve as a showcase for educational best practices during the 2009-10 school year.

Leah Allen, member of the Teachers' Association of Lee County (TALC), explained the association's foundational role that led to TIE's extraordinary achievement. TALC leaders have worked in partnership with district administrators on improving quality across the system and facilitating what works in schools. The collective bargaining agreement acknowledges their alliance and includes language to support the Continuous Improvement Model.

Access the following websites for more information:

Tropic Isles Elementary
Governor's Sterling Award
Teachers' Association of Lee County