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Board approves phase 1 of strategic planning process with outside consultant
Summary
The Merrill Area School District board approved phase 1 of a multi-phase strategic planning process facilitated by Joe Schroeder Consulting, establishing mission/vision review and four planning pillars to guide subsequent objectives and action steps.
The Merrill Area School District Board of Education approved phase 1 of a district strategic planning process facilitated by Joe Schroeder Consulting, a step the administration says will lead to measurable strategic objectives and action steps in later phases.
The motion to approve the phase 1 strategic planning documents was made by a board member identified in the transcript as "Nubs" and seconded by Mike Wornisher; the motion carried by voice vote. Superintendent Shannon Murray summarized the consultant-led session, saying the first phase revisited the district’s mission and vision, developed collective commitments and established four planning pillars. “Per Joe's recommendation, we put together a team of 23 different people, staff, administrators, Amber as a board representative. We had a student, a parent, a community member…a pretty good cross section of people,” Murray said.
Amber D’Arrigo, the board’s designated representative to the planning team, told the board the session featured substantial group discussion and that the consultant actively facilitated input from every participant. Board member John Smith asked how the new strategic plan would interface with the district’s existing academic improvement work (SAIL). Murray said the SAIL academic work will “slot really nicely” under the academic pillar of the strategic plan and that subsequent phases will define objectives, action steps and monitoring plans.
Board members said the process included a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis and review of student surveys, test scores and financial data to inform the pillars. If the board’s action stands, administrators will reconvene the planning team and continue to phase 2 work, which staff said will translate the phase 1 pillars into specific strategic objectives and measurable action steps.
The board approved the phase 1 documents and scheduled the next planning meeting for March 3, 2025; staff said they will return with phase 2 deliverables and objectives as the process continues.
