What?

The Rawlinson Innovator of the Year Recognition program began in 2003 and is named for Mr. Ed Rawlinson, a long-time educator and Superintendent of Schools for the Northside Independent School District (ISD). Ed Rawlinson retired as superintendent on June 30, 2002. Mr. Rawlinson, who served as superintendent of the largest school district in south Texas for six years, spent 39 years working in education and 31 of those years at Northside ISD.

Known as a quiet leader with a steady vision, Rawlinson consistently focused on improvement and the professional side of accountability. In an interview conducted not long after having become superintendent, Rawlinson stated that he wanted "people to think of Northside as a school district that attempts to have all students reach their maximum potential and as a District that builds the capacity of teachers and principals to accomplish that." In 2000-01, under Rawlinson's leadership, Northside became the largest district in Texas to achieve Recognized District status.

View Slideshow of Previous Winners

Who?

All current Northside Independent School District employees are eligible to be nominated for this recognition.

For the purpose of this recognition program, innovation is defined as a creative idea that is successfully implemented. This often requires creative solutions to problems encountered in the journey from idea to product, and may include one or more of the following:

• Creation or initiation of a new product or process;
• Introduction of a new process, product or method that has improved the current practice;
• Development of new and successful products, processes, organizations, management practices, and strategies.

The innovation should meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Ground Breaking: The innovation led to successful implementation of a new product or service, or an improvement in organization or process.
• Improvement: The innovation improves an existing process, product or practice.
• Efficiency: The innovation contributes to a more efficient way of doing things.
• Cost Effectiveness: The innovation adds a value to the district, department or campus while concurrently containing or reducing costs.
• Creativity: The innovation should be as original as possible or the adaptation should be creative.
• Timeliness: The innovation should not be more than five years old.

How?

Complete the online application before the application deadline. If writing or technical assistance is needed while completing the online application, please contact the Grants & Recognitions Department at 397-8562.

Selection

• All Applications must be submitted through the Online Application System.
• A nine member committee comprised of district staff and community members who represent broad and diverse backgrounds will independently review and score the nomination forms. The application with the highest average score will be selected as the recipient of this award.
• The Rawlinson Innovator of the Year will be formally recognized and announced at the Northside Independent School District's Administrator Institute.

Applications are not being accepted at this time.