[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: District 281 Strategic Plan - Part 3

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
District 281 Strategic Plan - Part 3
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1218327343.shtml


   This is my final installment presenting and commenting on the recently
   adopted [1]2008 District 281 Strategic Plan. It's two pages. Page one
   I covered in [2]Part 1, the Mission, Vision, and Core Values. In
   [3]Part 2, I went through the first three priorities, which focused on
   teaching.
   Now, let me review the last two Priorities, which concern the
   District's relationship with the community.
   Priority #4: Strengthen relationships among students, staff, families
   and community members.
    A. Build trust in district administration and the Board of Education.
    B. Develop innovative, targeted communication that is clear, concise,
       and compelling.
    C. Create a marketing plan that engages engages our communities and
       builds pride in the district.
    D. Establish citizen ambassadors to share information and provide
       community feedback.
    E. Monitor progress on the Strategic Plan and report results to the
       community.

   Some of this will simply take care of itself if results improve as
   outlined in the first three priorities. I'm otherwise in full
   agreement here, particularly point B on communications.
   Priority #5: Maximize resources and demonstrate financial
   accountability.
    A. Establish a financial advisory council.
    B. Evaluate existing systems to ensure maximum efficiency,
       effectiveness and cost-benefit.
    C. Seek stable, predictable funding to support comprehensive
       educational programs.
    D. Increase funding through local referenda and supplemental
       resources.
    E. Create a facilities plan that meets the needs of our students and
       our communities.
    F. Identify and engage volunteers to provide specialized services for
       district initiatives.

   The "Financial Advisory Council" (Point A) should have its first
   meeting this August, the roster to be adopted August 11th. Point E
   (facilities plan) seems like an excellent starting assignment for this
   group. It's not too early to lay out a plan for eventually rebuilding
   our aging schools, almost all built before 1970. The Board needs to
   set a policy to go with that, defining levels of service the parents
   can expect.
   I know many could do without the tax increases (points C and D), but
   this was definitely the consensus of the Strategic Planning group.
   As a resident and as part of this process, I am pleased with this
   document. I've read many such plans on the web and I think this one is
   better than any of them. It's concise and has clear mandates for much
   of what must change. It took a little longer than planned, but it also
   cost a bit less. Next time, let's keep the consultant around to help
   us finish it on time. Otherwise...
   "Jean Phillipe, open Hell's Kitchen!"

References

   1. http://www.rdale.k12.mn.us/dist/news/news_PDFs/MissionVision_%20priorities_goals_FINAL.pdf
   2. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1217999597.shtml
   3. http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1218258122.shtml