Board Goals
There are always two ways to face the future. One is to not plan for it and react to events as they occur. A second method is to anticipate future needs and lay plans to address them. The first method causes one to be like a pin ball that is bounced from one crisis to another. By contrast, the second technique helps one seek control over future events and mold what happens. The Columbus Public Schools Board of Education is committed to the latter approach. This was seen in the spring when they met to create the board goals that would set the direction for the next school year.
The first board goal has long-range significance. It is to create a district strategic plan by February of 2008 that will serve as the map for setting the course of the future. This strategic plan will include several key components. One is a clear and concise mission statement. Second is a vision of what that mission will look like when the district is accomplishing it. Third are three or four pillars, or focus areas, on which that vision will rest. Fourth will be the goals under each pillar which helps the district improve during the short term. And lastly are the actions and plans that help make the goals a reality.
A second board goal is to look at alternative programming options for students who could thrive if given alternatives. These options include expansion of preschool availability, training teachers to better meet the needs of varied learners, creating more on-site supports to help students learn, and consider off-site opportunities that would bring about higher student achievement.
Thirdly, the school board will explore facility needs to prioritize building improvements over the next three years. Topping the list is the middle school facility. A study is being done to determine the life expectancy of that building and what would need to be done to bring the building up to acceptable standards. Also on the list is adding elementary school space and expansion of space for district programs.
Establishing collaborative relationships with community agencies is a fourth priority. The focus of this goal is helping to create more youth activities and social outlets. It is hoped positive alternatives will reduce drug and alcohol use.
High school reform is the fifth goal. CHS will implement a new schedule. The board of education has made it a priority to stay informed on the success of this change. They want to know both the characteristics of new programming and the student results it is producing. Reform of high school education is a major state and national emphasis. The board of education is committed to helping our students benefit from these improvements.
Lastly the board has a goal to review the implementation of a new I-Tech and Career curriculum. The Columbus business community has frequently expressed the need for student readiness for work or college success. Expansion in numbers of students who explore various technical careers is also a Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce priority. The new curriculum is one key to addressing both of these requirements. Much work is being done to help students better prepare for their career decisions. This work also includes creating more formal tie-ins with the business and industry of the community to develop more partnerships to help students learn and experience the many career possibilities in Columbus.
As you can see, the Columbus Public Schools Board of Education has set an ambitious agenda for the 2007-2008 school year. These board goals are in addition to the long-range district goals of improving reading and math achievement, enhancing the success of English Language Learners and implementing the Baldrige improvement model. This deliberate direction setting has one main purpose: adding value to the lives of all students who walk through the doors of a Columbus public school.
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