Superintendent Shares Arts Educators' Values
Note: This profile was published shortly after Deborah Delisle became state superintendant.
State Superintendent
Deborah Delisle
"I'm a huge supporter of the arts," stated Ohio's Superintendent, Deborah S. Delisle. "Americans are known for their creativity in the world of work. That creativity is due in large part to our inclusion of the arts in education. What we offer to our students tells them what we value. The arts need to be recognized as essential to enhancing the culture of our communities."
Teachers who know Delisle hailed her encouragement of arts learning within school programs. She champions personalized and engaging learning environments that educate the whole child. Delisle also is looking to broaden Ohio's accountability and assessment system to include performance-based approaches, similar to those already used in arts education.
"The arts and creative communities should be pleased by Delisle's appointment. She holds to all the values embodied in our programs," said Nancy Pistone, ODE arts consultant. "I am especially impressed with her interest in strengthening staff effort to assist and serve school districts. We can all look forward to working with her to develop our students' fullest creative potential."
The State Board of Education appointed Delisle in a unanimous vote on October 14, 2008. She began the position on December 1, 2008.
This article was published in April 2008, Volume 5, No 1.
Also indexed under Perspectives: State Leaders
Superintendent Deborah Delisle at Noble Elementary School in Cleveland Heights after the unveiling of a mural at the school
