Listening Tour Keeps Superintendent Busy, Focused

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Friday, Sept. 22, marks Superintendent John L. Barry’s 75th day on the job. What has Barry been doing since he started on July 17?

Barry has kept his promise to visit with students, staff and community members as part of his VISTA 90-Day Listening Tour. That pledge has kept him busy since his very first day.


	“I am committed to doing what is best for our students. During VISTA – my 90-day listening tour – I am meeting with as many key APS groups as possible to learn the various views of our district.” - John L. Barry Superintendent

Superintendent John L. Barry talks with staff at Rangeview High School.

Through a series of 10 districtwide meetings, Barry has already met with most staff members to describe his vision for APS and to gather their feedback on how to make it a reality.

After a district tour and keynote address at Paris Elementary on the first day of school, Barry has packed every day with meetings and events to gather feedback from as many staff members as possible.

Barry works with a student at Vaughn Elementary school.

He has already visited 35 schools to meet students and staff members on a more personal level. Barry plans on visiting all schools before Dec. 1.


	“I have been impressed with the caliber of staff that we have in APS and by their dedication to our students.” - John L. Barry Superintendent

Barry has also met with all School Resource Officers to talk about issues of safety. He meets weekly with principals to discuss curriculum and teacher leadership and consults with his administrative leadership team regularly on issues of district policy and needs. Barry has also visited several APS departments, including Instruction and Transportation.

Barry works closely with the APS Board of Education to discuss vital educational and community issues. Barry’s discussions with the Aurora Education Association, the Classified Employees Council and School Executives of Aurora keep him informed of staff members’ needs.

As part of his pledge to focus on academic achievement, Barry also finds time to visit and talk with students.


	“No matter where I am or what I’m doing in APS, I make sure to stop and meet with kids and listen to their thoughts and ideas.” - John L. Barry Superintendent

Barry’s recent visits to Pickens Technical Center and Vassar Elementary gave him the opportunity to talk with students one-on-one and in small groups. He also teaches a social studies class to eighth-graders at North Middle School every Friday. “I find that regularly interacting with students as a teacher gives me a fresh perspective I would not normally have as a superintendent,” Barry said.

Barry talks with APS staff at Rangeview High School.

Barry talks with APS staff at Gateway High School.

Barry has also been meeting with parents, including two recent sessions at Fletcher and Vaughn elementary schools. On Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, Barry and the board will hold Town Hall meetings to begin community conversations about APS and its needs. Barry hopes to see parents, staff and community members at these meetings.

In addition to meeting with staff, students and parents, Barry’s commitment to community involvement and sharing of ideas has led him to meet with educational, political, business and community members from throughout the city, state and nation. Barry has met with Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer and many members of the Aurora City Council, as well as the police chief and fire chief, to listen to their perspective on how APS fits into the larger Aurora community. This week Mayor Tauer answered Barry’s challenge to elected officials when he served as a “Reader who is a Leader” at Dalton and Kenton elementary schools.

Superintendent John L. Barry and Dalton principal Dianne Dugan (top left) listen as Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer tells a story to Dalton students.

Barry has also met with several state political figures, including State Representatives Morgan Carroll, Michael Garcia and Nancy Todd. “These city and state leaders have their fingers on the pulse of community members in their wards, and I have gathered a wealth of information from their insights,” Barry said.

Business and community leaders have also offered invaluable input during Barry’s listening tour. Barry has met with the Aurora Rotary and Aurora Chamber of Commerce as well as realtors, nonprofit organizations and religious leaders. “The students we teach today will be our business, political and community members tomorrow,” Barry remarked. “What better way to help our students make that transition to become engaged citizens than by learning from today’s leaders?”

Barry also feels we can better teach our students by sharing with educational leaders in other districts and states. Starting with a dedicated nationwide group of educational leaders and advisors from the Broad Academy for Superintendents, Barry has also reached out to Superintendent Mike Paskewicz of the Adams 12 Five Star School District, Superintendent John Lange of the Adams 14 School District, Superintendent Monte Moses of Cherry Creek Schools and Superintendent Michael Bennet of Denver Public Schools; Barry has also met with Gerry Difford of the Colorado Department of Education as well as with representatives from the U.S. Department of Education.


	“Cross-fertilization of educational ideas from others across the state and nation is vital to transforming and improving student achievement right here in Aurora." - John L. Barry Superintendent

With a schedule as full and demanding as Barry’s has been during his first 90 days, he has found that the little things have helped keep him going. “I am enjoying settling in to a house I just purchased here in Aurora and meeting my neighbors,” Barry said. “I find that the Spanish classes I take twice a week give me a refreshing change of pace as a student. But what really inspires me is being inside our schools. The excitement and enthusiasm on students’ faces when they ‘get it,’ invigorates me like nothing else.”

Barry’s first 90 days come to an end on Oct. 15. During that week, Barry plans to release a draft strategic plan that is based on the feedback he is gathering. After its release, Barry, the APS Board of Education and APS leaders will collect communitywide feedback on the plan to ensure that it meets APS needs.


	“As I’m meeting with different people, I am more convinced than ever that APS has the makings and resources to be a great district. I’m committed to working with all key groups to do what is best for our students.” - John L. Barry Superintendent

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