Minisink Valley’s VISION 2025 Strategic Planning process continued on Jan. 28 with the Board of Education, administrative, faculty, staff and community members gathering to continue the important work of developing the district’s strategic plan.
This community group meeting included reviewing preliminary mission, vision and core value statements in addition to ThoughtExchange results. It also featured presentations by building principals and the Transportation and Buildings & Grounds departments where “points of pride,” projects in process and “hopes and dreams” were presented. After the conclusion of that material, presenters responded to submitted ThoughtExchange comments about what they spoke about, which served as a transition to three breakout groups sessions.
The design of the breakout groups was based on a review of all the thoughts and themes/concerns identified in the staff/community ThoughtExchange. That resulted in the following areas being proposed for strategic planning priorities and focus: Operations, academic excellence and “the staff experience.” These areas were identified for smaller group work for that evening.
In these breakout sessions, the smaller groups were asked to consider the preliminary mission, vision and core value statements in addition to the evening’s seven presentations.
As part of this:
The Operations Breakout Group was tasked with discussing issues and ideas tied to communication, safety and behavior and facilities. Specifically, this group discussed ThoughtExchange comments about timely updates, consistent platforms, transparency, parent involvement and Board of Education meetings.
The group was also asked to discuss interest in improved safety measures, consistent discipline, behavioral consequences, mental health and vape detectors in addition to building conditions, air conditioning, renovations and upgrades, auditorium improvements, classroom space, bathroom upgrades, playground and outdoor areas, technology infrastructure, parking and traffic and facility maintenance.
The Academic Excellence Breakout Group was tasked with focusing on support for all students, rigor and variety of programs.
Based on ThoughtExchange results, the group discussed individualized attention, special education, mental health support, tutoring and after-school help, parental involvement and early intervention.
Other topics included enhanced curriculum, advanced courses, writing instruction, STEM education, college preparation and academic standards.
Also discussed were these topics: electives and extracurriculars, arts and music, foreign language, career and technical education, gifted and talented programs, field trips and hands-on learning, cultural awareness and life skills education.
Lastly, the Staff Experience Breakout Group was tasked with focusing on professional development, support and ideas for collaboration.
This group focused on ongoing training, incentives for further education, specialized training, workshops and seminars, and funding for professional development.
The group also reviewed ThoughtExchange results focusing on recruitment and retention, administrative support in a variety of ways, classroom resources, and recognition and appreciation. Members also looked at collaborative planning time, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship programs, professional learning communities, peer observation, collaborative projects, teacher input on decision making, team building activities, shared resources and networking opportunities.
“The work you’re doing here tonight will help share the future of this district,” said facilitator Dr. Kevin McGowan, representing the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) Blueprint for Excellence Strategic Planning Service, the organization working with the district on this process. “The talent I see in this room is amazing and rivals the best I’ve seen when working with districts focused on strategic planning and positive outcomes.”
Superintendent Brian Monahan noted the process has been productive and informative, but not yet completed.
“Our intent is to develop a robust strategic plan which will guide us for the next five years,” he said. “We can’t do this without the involvement of our valued constituent groups. The people here tonight represent those groups and we appreciate their interest and time as well as their awareness and understanding of the many challenges this district, like others, has with short and long-term operational funding.”
He added: “Once completed, our strategic plan will be one which we believe is feasible, is respectful of taxpayer dollars and most importantly, places the needs of our students as our first priority. We’ll be staying in touch with our staff and community as this process continues.”
See more photos on the district's Facebook page.
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