Much awaited:
The school board reviewed a plan for the district's future, developed over the last 10 months by residents and community leaders, at a study session Monday night. The board will vote on whether to approve the plan at its Sept. 15 regular meeting.
School board President Dave Tomlinson said the district's staff will analyze what is needed to meet the goals of the plan. Some will require more staff and a commitment of money, such as adding foreign language instruction at the elementary school level.
But not everything has a price tag. For example, a priority is developing a 10-year capital improvement plan. The district already has condition reports for its buildings, Tomlinson said. Now it needs to take those reports and make a long-range plan for building maintenance.
Superintendent Arthur Culver said the plan reviewed Monday will shape what the district does in every area.
More here.
To Unit 4--congratulations on the completion of this process. I watched the presentation and discussion on cable. I noted that Dave Tomlinson mentioned Deming during the discussion about measurement. I assume that he is referring to Edward Deming. If my assumption is accurate, what is even more important to Deming than measurement is whether an organization is ready for change, a paradigm shift. Deming is famous for refusing to work with organizations that in his judgment were not ready for change, Ford Motor Company is the most used example. So I am pleased to hear the superintendent stating that this report will be the foundation for future planning. I trust this is the indicator that Deming would look for--an organization that is ready for a paradigm shift.
A citizen's observation--the ppt slides were so over crammed with words that they were impossible to read. If might help the community to have this presentation posted on the Unit 4 web site so people can view/read the slides. If this is done, it would be helpful to let the community know the information is available. Mr. Tomlinson, I did hear you mention that it might be very useful for the board to communicate with the community more often and in a timely manner.
Pattsi Petrie
Pattsi
I did quote Dr Deming (flashbacks from quality/productivity background) The report will indeed serve as the basis for accountability and I said as much on monday.
One of the things I said was that looking through the report gave me a clear indication that we need to do a much better job communicating successes and failures with the public.
Thanks to all who participated in this very useful process!
Dave Tomlinson, President
Unit 4 Board of Education