helped improve student achievement in his two past assignments over the past five years. He helped
improve the Licking Heights Local Schools District by helping them move from 16 to 25 indicators and
being rated as an "Excellent" School District by the Ohio Department of Education over his 3 year
tenure (2008-2011). Like all good leaders in education, I have watch in aw from a far as Thomas has
continued to work his instructional craft with the Worthington City School District earning the district
an "Excellent with Distinction" rating with an improved Performance Index (PI) score numbers in his
two years there as superintendent (2011-present). It is pretty remarkable to observe how laser-like
focused Thomas is as he collaborates with community stakeholders, reflects on where his district is,
shares a vision of where he sees the district going, and provides a road map that incorporates and adapts
to other's thoughts, feelings, ideas, and dreams in order to achieve audacious goals that he sets for his
organization. Lastly, Thomas is a very thoughtful and humble individual, and an award such as this
really speaks volumes to the countless hours that his organization works to be have been rated as
"Excellent" in both Licking Heights Local Schools and Worthington City Schools. In speaking of him
being humble, Thomas was able to pass a 11.99 mill levy in Licking Heights on his first attempt, a 6.9
mil levy that phases in over three years and an income tax levy in Worthington on his first attempt there
as well! These are some of the reasons as to why I have nominated Dr. Thomas Tucker for the 2014
Superintendent of the Year Award.
State Senator
Dr. Thomas Tucker is a prominent member in the community, he is an honest and trustworthy individual
whose personable character is one of his best attributes.In addition to his impressive educational
background with a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University, he has been an administrator in some capacity
since 1997. In addition he has various certifications, such as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent,
Secondary School Principal, Building Administrator and a professional Teaching License, which all
make him well rounded and experienced. As you can see from his Bio, Dr. Tucker has received
numerous personal awards and recognitions from his community, including his recognition as a Peter D.
Hart Research Associates Panelist in 2004.
In addition, Dr. Tucker served as an Ohio Principal Evaluation (OPES) Evaluator and attended The Ohio
State University’s National Academy for Superintendents. As such, given Dr. Tucker’s background and
experience in his field and the community as a whole, I believe he would be a tremendous candidate for
the AASA National Superintendent of the Year and feel it would be prudent for you to consider him. I
can attest to his committed character and strong results-oriented personality. Furthermore, Dr. Tucker
has built a strong report with his colleagues and friends. I find him to be a highly motivated and
intelligent individual who has perfected the art of developing lucrative and lasting relationships.
I believe these personal attributes, as well as his years of professional experience would serve the AASA
well. Therefore, I hope that you will give Dr. Tucker’s candidacy full and fair consideration. If you have
any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
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