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Lebanon district outlines midyear progress on strategic plan; highlights curriculum, counselors and behavior supports
Summary
District staff presented a midyear review of the 2023–2028 strategic plan, reporting an “exemplary” state determination, curriculum adoptions, growth metrics and staffing initiatives including counselor goals and expanded behavioral supports.
District staff presented a midyear review of the Lebanon Special School District’s strategic plan (2023–2028) at the board meeting, summarizing academic, staffing and safety priorities and preliminary implementation steps.
The presenter told the board the district was determined “exemplary” by the state this year and said curriculum adoptions have been completed for English language arts and math with science under review. “We were very excited this year to be determined as an exemplary district,” the presenter said, describing composite TBOS growth ratings across literacy, numeracy and other measures.
The review outlined four core goal areas: cultivating student achievement and growth, strengthening culture and community, recruiting and retaining staff, and improving facilities and communications. Highlights included: districtwide adoption of state-approved curriculum materials; a one-to-one device program for pre-K through eighth grade; career-readiness assessments (Major Clarity) for grades 6–8; and district data-tracking and benchmark systems used three times per year for progress monitoring.
Staff flagged student behavioral and mental health as an ongoing need and described current and planned supports: a goal of at least two counselors per school (several schools currently have fewer), partnerships with community providers such as Centerstone, a grant-funded STARS program with an uncertain ongoing funding source, and two Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who currently split services across seven schools. The presenter said the district is combining academic RTI and behavior RTI systems and reported most schools have reached established targets over the past three years.
On safety and technology, the district described adherence to a device and phone policy, plans for digital citizenship and cyber-security education, and a multi-year agreement to retain school resource officers and K-9 services with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. The presenter said the district is implementing a state-required threat assessment plan and working to maintain “high visibility” safety measures.
Human-resources highlights included a 91% retention rate (tracked for seven years), growth from 264 certified staff in 2018–19 to 364 today, steps and percentage pay increases for teachers and educational assistants, a $1,000 retention bonus this year, increased longevity pay, and tuition-reimbursement and recruitment initiatives including a spring job fair. The presenter also noted tenure eligibility rules (five years in the district plus required effectiveness scores) used locally.
Board members asked clarifying questions and generally praised the external review and communication plan; one member urged continued emphasis on equity and community outreach. The board did not take districtwide policy action on the strategic-plan content during the presentation; staff said further follow-up and implementation steps will be scheduled.
