Superintendent lays out goals tied to new strategic plan, highlights bond oversight and communication push

The superintendent presented a set of district goals tied to the new strategic plan and told the board the priorities will guide this year’s work.

The goals center on three areas: teaching, learning and programming; community and communications; and facilities and funding. The superintendent said the goals build on last year’s work and reflect additions highlighted for this year. “So tonight, I am presenting the goals that I have drafted,” the superintendent said, adding the items highlighted in yellow show the new additions.

In teaching and learning, the superintendent said the district will focus on recruiting, hiring and retaining staff, expanding curricular and extracurricular opportunities, and moving forward on curriculum reviews for social studies and other programs. The administration plans to work with the Teaching, Learning, and Programming committee and the district leadership team to implement changes, develop a mentorship program for teacher leaders and measure progress via committee notes, board reports and student proficiency updates.

On communications, the superintendent said the district will create advisory groups, a more formal communications plan, and offer family learning opportunities. The administration will increase website information and provide text-notification options to reach families who prefer texting. The superintendent asked board members to indicate which committees they want to participate in to support this work.

The superintendent said facilities and funding goals will make use of recently approved bond funds along with general fund and other revenue streams. The administration plans regular meetings of the finance and buildings subcommittee, an outside safety assessment in October, and a facilities and grounds review process to prioritize projects and show the community how bond dollars are used. “We want to make sure to show them” where bond money is going, the superintendent said.

Board members praised the alignment between the superintendent’s goals and the strategic plan, noting the arrangement will provide measurable checkpoints during the superintendent’s review cycle.

The board also recognized three members for completing professional development through the Michigan Association for School Boards. The superintendent presented awards to Becky, Natalie and Chelsea for completing at least 45 hours of training; the superintendent noted Chelsea completed substantially more than the minimum.

Next steps include committee assignments, continued curriculum review work, and scheduled finance and facilities meetings to develop timelines and communications for bond projects. The board did not take formal action on the goals at the meeting.