Clear Targets for 2015-2016

Clear Targets for 2015-2016
Posted on 07/16/2015

In the last edition of this School Crossings column, many of the school district’s accomplishments from the 2014-2015 school year were shared and celebrated. Now, the state budget has finally been signed into law, and we are moving full speed ahead toward our goals for the new school year. Over the past several weeks, I have been communicating with the staff and school board and setting my own personal goals in alignment with the action plans prescribed by the district’s vision and strategic plan. Some of the most significant goals and activities that I am working toward during the 2015-2016 school year include:

  • Working with staff to complete a program review of the K-12 music program in the SDMA.

  • Working with admin to oversee the creation of a new more user-friendly school district website.

  • Continuing to study and plan for possible 1:1 technology integration in the school district.

  • Helping to oversee the successful completion of the renovation of MHS and other ten-year projects.

  • Moving forward with the new Board chairman and assisting the Board in filling its vacancy

  • Implementing improvements to the alternative teacher compensation model in the SDMA.

  • Continuing to improve communication, transparency, and climate in the school district.

  • Expanding lines of communication and continuing to build trust with district staff.

  • Streamlining HR duties and responsibilities to successfully implement the HR staffing reduction.

  • Closely monitoring the performance of the principals and directors and working toward improvement or resolution in any areas of concern.

  • Finishing my dissertation and graduating with my PhD.

  • Assisting the BOE in the development/adoption of a standards-based District Administrator evaluation tool.

  • Assisting the BOE in adopting a more sustainable early retirement benefit plan.

  • Working with staff to make additional changes to the SDMA health insurance plan design to make it more affordable, and to ensure that it meets the requirements of the federal ACA law.

  • Continuing to analyze, plan, and make recommendations to the Board for the sustainability of district systems and programs, which may include the consideration of an operating referendum.

  • Analyzing the current system of policy review and development. Recommending changes/updates as needed.

  • Working with school stakeholders to make further accomplishments and updates to the district’s strategic plan, as well as to promote a shared vision in our school district.

  • Attending meetings and professional development opportunities at CESA 11 to collaborate with local school leaders.

  • Attending the AASA national convention to learn more about important and upcoming educational trends and issues.

As you can see, it will be a very busy year in the district office!  Should school stakeholders have any questions about our schools, I invite you to visit the Administrative Service Center on Pine Avenue or contact me at 715-232-1642. More information about our schools can be found on the school district website (www.sdmaonline.com) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/sdmaonline).