Rockford Sun

North Boone Community Unit School District No. 200 Board of Education met May 10.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Mrs. Maxey and Mr. Haselhorst were the only Board members present. Therefore, the Strategic Planning Committee just held a discussion and a Special Meeting of the Board of Education was not held.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Dr. Greenlee welcomed Dr. Linell Monson-Lasswell, Strategic Planning Facilitator. Dr. Monson- Lasswell reviewed the beliefs, mission and parameters of the plan and discussed the tasks for the day.

Ms. Geyman gave a presentation on staffing, and stated the over-arching goal was to significantly increase and enhance staffing and supports to students. She shared the increased staff retention rates, the in-progress projects and future action steps. Some of the goals included developing a Paraprofessional liaison program, an Administrative mentor/liaison program, enhancing the substitute pool, and ensuring adequate support.

Mrs. Lilja provided an update on the status of the curriculum since 2016, noting their work in science, ELL, math and Special Education. She also identified planned additional curriculum work.

Mr. Pearce spoke about parent/community involvement and communication, and identified goals of increasing and enhancing community relations and external communication, and improving District-wide relationships and internal communication.

Mrs. Louis described the status of our life safety survey and noted we had completed all the projects identified as urgent. The goal for facilities is to provide clean, well-maintained and up to date facilities that are safe and conducive to learning.

The Committee then separated into small groups and Dr. Monson-Lasswell asked what actions have supported the District beliefs, mission and parameters, and what actions hinder the accomplishment of the mission. She then asked for their vision of student needs and what new ideas they have to support these needs. Dr. Monson-Lasswell then solicited points that we could celebrate.

Staffing

The Committee felt successes included the ability to be open and honest, the fear factor has disappeared, improved staff retention rate and consistent Administration. In general, the Committee felt we were fostering open, dependable, connected Administration and staff. One example was the Committee felt the negotiations process was more professional than in the past. Many sensed the offices are more welcoming and the atmosphere seems more community minded.

Curriculum

A positive for Curriculum was the hiring of a new Curriculum Director to help create consistency by unifying and aligning. They also noted we are differentiating in the offerings of education which included online courses, the STAR program, and traditional high school courses.

Some of the obstacles identified were endurance, professional development and communication of initiatives, how to support social emotional needs and helping people become more collaborative. Dr. Monson-Lasswell reminded the group “this is a marathon, not a sprint” and suggested “going slow to get far”. This group also remarked how the technology programs available now vs. five years ago are phenomenal. Dr. Greenlee suggested a career signing day to celebrate students that may not be college bound. Other suggestions included increased technology and creativity in applying for grants.

Communication

This group felt communication was strong this year and recognized the importance of continuing to invite and engage parent involvement with more social events. Mr. Pearce said parents are feeling heard and their concerns are lessening. He also believed parents were becoming familiar with the curriculum, and are learning how to use the online tools.

Facilities

A positive for facilities was improved safety. The Committee would like us to raise expectations for clean buildings and to include more frequent deep cleanings. They also felt upkeep was a concern and would like to see us keep up with landscaping, and suggested offering this as a project for high school community service, 4-H groups or starting an adopt a school program. This group also felt there should be an increased focus on athletic facilities, and increased partnerships with area businesses.

Dr. Monson-Lasswell said we have a fairly comprehensive list of ideas to narrow down. She complimented the District on the positive momentum and feels we are going in the right direction. Dr. Monson-Lasswell concluded our biggest hurdle was momentum and recommended the District keep working on the positive environment. She suggested possibly tweaking the goals in another year and in the next two to three years, to select new goals.

Dr. Greenlee thanked the Committee and Dr. Monson-Lasswell for their time and efforts. The Strategic Planning Committee discussion concluded at 11:30 a.m.

http://www.nbcusd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-05-10-Minutes-Special.pdf