Benzie County Central Board adopts strategic plan to focus on communication, attendance and instruction

The Benzie County Central Board of Education unanimously approved a new district Strategic Plan at its Jan. 12 regular meeting.

Superintendent Erfourth and District Impact Team members presented the plan, which the board said centers on three goals tied to communication, attendance and instruction. Superintendent Erfourth summarized the plan's guiding language, saying: "The mission of Benzie Central is to provide a high‑quality education in a safe and inclusive environment that empowers every learner to reach their fullest potential." The presentation also outlined a new vision: "Benzie Inspires Greatness; Connects Community; Cultivates Learning; Shapes Tomorrow."

Trustee Matt Smith told the board the DIT met Dec. 9, Dec. 16 and Jan. 6 to finalize strategies and align action plans. Smith said the team focused on practical strategies to support the goals and completed building‑level tuning protocols at Homestead Hills and Betsie Valley to inform implementation.

The motion to approve the Strategic Plan (25‑26‑061) was moved by Mrs. Campana and supported by Mr. Kempton. The vote was recorded as 6 ayes, 0 nays and the motion carried. Board members set a retreat for Jan. 25 to discuss plan implementation and related communication protocols.

The board's approval begins a phase of action planning and alignment; staff said follow‑up steps include building‑level implementation and reporting back to the board. Specific timelines and resource allocations were not included in the presentation and will be addressed in upcoming implementation meetings.