Windsor Schools Sign Equity and Excellence Review Contract with Loyola's Dr. Marlon James

Windsor Public Schools and Loyola University-Chicago have entered into a contract to conduct an equity and excellence review at Windsor High School, according to documents published on the district website, Wednesday.

The contract simply refers to the review as "the Project," and outlines a number of project guidelines, standards and expectations to be met over the next three years.

Among the details outlined is the identification of Dr. Marlon James as an acting representative of Loyola University-Chicago, the consultant contracted to conduct the Project.

The contract signed is a one-year deal, having begun on March 18, 2013 and ending on August 2, 2013. However, the one year agreement says  it's understood that the Project is a multi-year initiative, and amendments will be adopted at the end of each year to extend the contract.

At the end of each year, the contract outlines, the Windsor board of education will review goals of the Project and assess whether or not they were met. In addition, the board will determine a new scope of work, payment schedule and budget for the upcoming year, if prior work is found to be satisfactory. Such determinations will be achieved through consultation with Dr. James, the contract says, and failure to reach a mutual agreement will result in termination of the contract.

The contract defines the Project as "an action research professional development model designed to build and organize the capacity of communities and schools to meet the acedemic, emotional and social needs of culturally and economincally diverse learners."

All meetings associated with the Project's work will be held in Windsor at board-approved locations, according to the contract, and the board has designated Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Villar as it's acting representative with respect to coordinating efforts with Dr. James.

According to the contract, Windsor will pay Loyola $109,322 each year of the three-year project, totaling $327,966.

In December 2012, Villar announced state approval for the use of state grant money to fund the Project. The grant — an annual grant to help improve district performance — is worth $306,985 per year for three years.

Board of Education President Doreen Richardson was not available for comment Wednesday.