Notes from the May 24, 2007 Public Input Meeting

Agenda

1. Welcome, Introduction of Members, and Introduction of Facilitator
2. Overview of  Strategic Planning Process
3. Foundations for the new three year plan
4. Community Comments and Recommendations
5. Developing Our Strategic Goals

Facilitator Jim Brown of Leadership Associates welcomed attendees which included members of the public, parents, teachers, Core Team Members, and other School District staff.

Mr. Brown asked the group to review and compare the 2002-07 Strategic Plan and the 2006 Board Adopted Goals. He then asked the group for responses to his questions below.

Community Comments:

What strikes you as important to continue?

• Teaching the “standards” as in California ’s Content Standards, makes transitions between grade levels and to middle school easier, allows teachers to plan their lessons, a starting point from which creativity in teaching those standards can spring
• Differentiated instruction- personalization and encouraging creativity. Define what it means to be a “whole child”
• Support systems need to be in place for teachers: smaller classrooms, aid time, professional development
• Communication- find new ways to communicate more effectively, educate the public
• Infrastructure in Technology needs to be maintained

What knowledge, skills, and values do we want our students to acquire?

• An insatiable, intellectual curiosity in our children that extends beyond the classroom
• Respect for others, compassion, and flexibility- to be able to function in a quickly changing society
• Problem Solvers
• Thinkers who do not expect an instant answer. To be patient with their own thought process and to be willing to make mistakes
• Information literacy and media awareness- we don’t fully understand what kind of impact changing technology has on kid’s lives. How do we teach this and how do we partner with parents on this?
• To be a “whole child” and learn the way that is appropriate for each individual

What is the critical work we do to make that happen?

• Classroom environment- controlling class size, and support for aid time
• Great teachers-attract and retain the best, compensate competitively and support with professional development opportunities.
• Clearly define parental responsibilities. What is expected of parents? How can parents help teachers and vice versa?
• Clearly communicate the District’s financial needs and support those. Share best financial practices among  funding sources: PTA’s and Kiddo
• Use technology as a tool, not an end goal         

 What should be the top 5 goals and strategies? (Individuals were asked to write out- not in order of importance.)

1. Student Learning: Continue mission of teaching to the “whole child”.  Support creativity in teaching and learning.  Engage parents as partners.
2. Faculty and Staff: Attract, retain, and support excellent teachers.
3. Funding: Secure adequate and stable long term funding for the District. Manage financial burden of increasing enrollment by passing a parcel tax to address program funding and a bond issue to address facilites needs.
4. Communication: Increase communication-especially around the financial needs of the District. Educate parents on the District’s “basic aid status”, enrollment growth, and facilities issues.
5. Technology Integration:  Continue to improve technology infrastructure and outreach as an educational and communication tool.