Strategic Planning
On Monday, the Physical Education teacher shows the school administration the large number of stones on the athletic fields. Administration agrees and spends some time determining how this might get taken care of, with what dollars, and by whom.
On Tuesday, the PTO informs Administration of the dollars raised for a new playground and inquires if the school district can contribute a significant amount to the worthy cause.
On Wednesday, the Administration learned that neighboring districts who had the Molybdenum scare a few years ago are now drinking their own water. Do we still need to pay for bottled water to be delivered to the school?
Each of these items listed above describe real requests in Yorkville. Each of these are important, worthy, and good investments of the dollars available to us. Without a plan, it is easy to run down each of these paths only to find yourself running in circles.
These above situations are maintenance and project based. They does not include curriculum, student achievement, hiring practices, policy development, safety considerations, technology needs, professional development, student attendance, and a litany of other very important topics.
During my interview process and prior to accepting the job as the new Superintendent of Yorkville School, it was evident from the Board of Education the need for a Strategic Plan. Once hired, the Board of Education directed me to get that process started.
On Friday, January 7 and Saturday January 8, 2022 the District embarked upon a Strategic Planning Process to define its direction for the next seven years. The committee consists of 24 people; half of whom are employees of the District and the other half who are parents, business partners, Village of Yorkville partners, law enforcement, and others. The committee meets again for two days in February.
The charge of the Strategic Planning team includes the development of a mission, vision, belief statements and strategic objectives, intended to guide all decision making for the next seven years.
The committee is studying test data, academic trends, courses, attendance, culture, education trends, budget, WI financing, referenda, project completion and needs, IT projects and needs, WI state report card, open enrollment, and other such items. Additionally, the group identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing Yorkville School District. This process provided all committee members with the necessary background to begin the journey of identifying a new course for everyone.
It became evident after the first weekend that the local culture intends for this plan to include students, staff, parents, and community partners. Although not yet completed, we are on an exciting journey.
I look forward to presenting and recommending the committee’s work to the Board of Education in late February. I also look forward to bringing this plan to the staff and public in March.
Stay tuned!
