STEVEN MCELLIN

10617 South Avenue D, Chicago, IL 60617 | (C) 3129297067 | steve.mcellin@gmail.com

Amy Mart Manager of Universal Supports Office of Social and Emotional Learning Chicago Public Schools 125 S. Clark, Chicago, IL 60602 December 5, 2014 Dear Amy, As a long-time parent and volunteer in the Chicago Public Schools System and admirer of the outstanding work that CPS has done to raise the quality of its education product through Magnet and Selective Enrollment programming, I am particularly happy with the high quality of the learning and social environment of CPS schools that school principals and others in CPS leadership have achieved in recent years.

That said I would like to float the idea of integrating a program that focuses on values-driven and servant leadership into the curriculum at CPS schools where the aim will be to educate students on the principles and ideas that are the foundation of this leadership philosophy. This program is unique not so much for the subject-matter but who is the target audience. Targeting students at an early age and teaching them that “good leaders must first become good servants” is essential to developing ethical, respectful, moral and trustworthy leaders, whether our school children become the future small business owners, entrepreneurs, CEO’s of large corporations or local community leaders in a global society. This program will teach students to be caring and respectful of others, good listeners, encouraging, trustworthy, and thoughtful servant leaders, who can base their leadership decisions on positive values and demonstrate that true leadership is service that puts the interests of others first. A program in values-driven and servant leadership will teach skills that students can use throughout their lives to be better people and is crucial to understanding the link between leadership and effective stewardship of the social good. At the end of this program, I want students to take away the following: Good leaders must first become good servants; Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves; Leadership is influence and example; Leadership is action, not position; Lead from anywhere; Celebrate the success of others.

As an aside, I piloted this program in values-driven and servant leadership to a “Young Entrepreneurs” section of Skinner’s North Youth Guidance afterschool program during the 2013-2014 school year. My presentations got great reviews from students and Youth Guidance and Skinner North staff alike.

This correspondence and attached appendix outlines the complete scope of work, including program objectives and outline. I envision an initial pilot in CPS schools will be 10 sessions meeting once a week or 10 weeks. The day, time and starting date of the program can be determined. OBJECTIVE & BENEFITS

Inspire leadership and empower a future of successful and accomplished ethical, respectful and values-driven servant leaders who strive to make the world a better place through their action rather than their position.

A leadership program driven by values and service also has practical value for the school’s social and learning environment generally in that it would mitigate risks of bullying, strengthen listening skills individually and cooperation and trust between students collectively, and foster a better understanding of cultural differences and diverse perspectives across the Chicago Public Schools culturally diverse student body.

While an aim of this program is to eliminate or mitigate the risks of bullying in schools, the program is so much more. Given that a number of threats to school safety and security are made by internal threats (i.e. disgruntled or bullied student) a program in values-driven and servant leadership can be a proactive tool in CPS' toolkit of resources to address the emotional needs of students as well as the safety and security of CPS schools. A values-driven and servant leadership program introduced system-wide would also be an strong complement to the CPS initiative, "The Culture of Calm" Initiative that is aimed at reducing violence directed at CPS' school children.

I believe in and am passionate about this program and teaching students about servant leadership. I believe these programs build character, integrity, and respect for others, an understanding and appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives, and an attitude of service to others that fosters leadership in students that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Amy Mart December 5, 2014 Page 2

RESPONSIBILITIES

The development and implementation of this program demands collaboration and cooperation between CPS parents and students, school administrators and front-line staff, and CPS Central Office. The ultimate success of this program is highly dependent on combined efforts. To help achieve a smooth and successful integration and implementation, the following roles and responsibilities will need to be met:

CENTRAL OFFICE ROLE

1. Provide support for the successful integration and implementation of this program to include funding and resource allocation, advertising this program in print and electronic media and on the CPS website, and providing information via Board of Education and FACE updates.

SCHOOL’S ROLE

2. Provide support for the implementation of this program to include advertising this program in school community updates, the parent portal, Google group, school bulletin boards, etc.

3. Provide a classroom or other space that has a smart board and laptop connection.

MY ROLE

1. Provide consultation and training to CPS Central Office Staff charged with integrating and implementing this program into the curriculum system wide. As an aside, I have a current CPS vendor number.

2. Provide consultation and training to teachers who will be facilitating or teaching this program in CPS schools.

3. Provide supplemental information to include appropriate articles, videos, interactive games and other information on servant and values-driven leadership to aid the learning process.

4. Will identify, select and attempt to secure guest speakers to talk about the value of servant and values-driven leadership in their lives and/or business.

5. Will identify a list of potential service projects that can be completed over the 10-week period.

JOINT ROLES

1. Meet to select the day, time and starting date of this program.

2. Select a service project or projects from the list of potential projects that can be completed over the 10-week period.

3. Meet after the first 10-week session to assess program successes and failures. If successful, discuss program expansion to include CPS’ Central Office and school administrative and teaching staff.

I appreciate the consideration and look forward to the opportunity to service the educational needs of Chicago Public School students and welcome the opportunity to further discuss this proposal with you in person at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Steven McEllin, MBA Steven McEllin, MBA Enclosure