The Mission of the Fond du Lac School District, in partnership with the family and the community, is to promote high achievement and foster the continuous growth of the whole child so that each becomes a creative, contributing citizen in a global society by providing personalized learning opportunities in a safe, nurturing environment. This Continuous Improvement Plan identifies and monitors four core areas, listed below, that represent the overall health of the Fond du Lac School District as a teaching and learning organization. Listed under the core areas are the key performance indicators and the percentage at which they contribute to the overall rating for the core area to which they belong. DISTRICT SIGNIFICANTLY EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS MEETS EXPECTATIONS MEETS FEW EXPECTATIONS FAILS TO MEET EXPECTATIONS S DISTRICT 1 2 LEARNING & ACADEMICS DPI District Report Card 50% Student Attendance Rates 10% Graduation Rate 10% OPERATIONS & FINANCE Local Assessment Data - Reading 10% Local Assessment Data - Math 10% Academic Performance of Students of Color 10% Fund Balance 25% Bond Rating 25% Audit Report 15% Percentage of Budget Allocated to Salary and Benefits 25% 5-Year Capital Plan 10% 3 4 COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT School Climate Parental Survey Completion Survey 20% Staff Retention 20% School/Home Communication 20% SAFE & ORDERLY SCHOOLS Social Media/Website/District App 20% Customer/Stakeholder Engagement 20% PBIS Major Referrals 25% Student Expulsion Rates 25% School Perceptions Survey Data 25% Emergency Preparedness 25%
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION DISTRICT REPORT CARD State Report Card: Each fall, the Department of Public Instruction issues a report card which considers multiple facets of student achievement. Why this Matters: This multifaceted report provides ratings on all schools and Districts in the state. This publicly reported measure is an indicator of overall achievement and engagement. Significantly Exceeds Expectations Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Meets Few Expectations Fails to Meet Expectations Celebrations: In the school year, the District again saw an increase in overall score on the DPI report card (76.1). Opportunities for Improvement: As indicated in other Key Performance Indicators, we can continue to improve our graduation rate and overall achievement to see continued growth.
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATES Student Attendance: This indicator examines the rate at which our K-12 students attend school. Why this Matters: Regular attendance is key to student learning and career success. 95% or Greater Student Attendance Rate. 93% - 94.9% Student Attendance Rate (State Average). 91% - 92.9% Student Attendance Rate. 89% - 90.9% Student Attendance Rate. Less than 89% Student Attendance Rate. Celebrations: Parents and staff understand the importance of attending school on a regular basis to impact learning. Opportunities for Improvement: Reduce the percentage of students who are identified as habitual truant.
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. 4-YEAR GRADUATION RATE Graduation Rate: This indicator examines the District s 4-year graduation rate. Why this Matters: The ultimate goal of the K-12 experience is for students to graduate, on-time, so that they can pursue their college and/or career goals. 97% - 100% of students graduate within 4-years of entering high school. 93% - 96% of students graduate within 4-years of entering high school. 89% - 92% of students graduate within 4-years of entering high school. 85% - 88% of students graduate within 4-years of entering high school. Less than 85% of students graduate within 4-years of entering high school. Celebrations: Staff at Fond du Lac High School are looking to build structures that will intervene with students as early as their freshman year when they begin to get off-track for an on-time graduation. Opportunities for Improvement: Our graduation gaps do not reflect our mission of preparing ALL students to be college and career ready.
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. LOCAL ASSESSMENT DATA - READING Local Assessment Data - Reading: This indicator examines the data from i-ready (Grades 1-8) and ACT Aspire (Grades 9-10). Why this Matters: Local Assessment Data is used to drive classroom instruction and impacts local curriculum decisions. Additionally, local assessment data serves as an indicator of academic progress. 80% - 100% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Reading. 60% - 79% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Reading. 40% - 59% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Reading. 20% - 39% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Reading. 0% - 19% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Reading. Celebrations: Since strategically implementing the Readers and Writers Workshop in grades K-8, including embedded professional development, we have experienced growth in student learning. Opportunities for Improvement: Teaching students to read critically at the high school level is the responsibility of all teachers in all content areas. The high school has begun to explore and implement cross-disciplinary strategies for reading and will continue to do so.
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. LOCAL ASSESSMENT DATA - MATH Local Assessment Data - Math: This indicator examines the data from i-ready (Grades 1-8) and ACT Aspire (Grades 9-10). Why this Matters: Local Assessment Data is used to drive classroom instruction and impacts local curriculum decisions. Additionally, local assessment data serves as an indicator of academic progress. 80% - 100% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Math. 60% - 79% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Math. 40% - 59% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Math. 20% - 39% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Math. 0% - 19% of students reaching the year-end benchmark on the i-ready assessment in grades 1-8 and on the ACT Aspire Interim in grades 9-10 in Math. Celebrations: Our District math data for students in grades 6-8 has steadily grown since implementing the block schedule. Opportunities for Improvement: This year, we began implementing Add+Vantage Math Recovery (AVMR) in our elementary schools to equip our teachers to be better instructors of math and to help our students develop a deeper conceptual understanding of math.
1 LEARNING & ACADEMICS The Learning and Academics vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will learn at high levels through teaching strategies that value meaningful student engagement. We use formative assessment practices to provide learners with feedback aligned to the standards so that all students reach grade level expectations or better and graduate college and career ready. ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS OF COLOR Academic Performance of Students of Color: This indicator examines the academic performance gaps between students of color and white students. Why this Matters: The vision of the Fond du Lac School District is that all students will achieve at high levels. Monitoring the gaps in academic performance is important to ensuring continuous progress is made toward educational equity. The academic-based risk ratios for students of color are within 0.0-0.2 points of the risk ratios for students who are white. The academic-based risk ratios for students of color are within 0.3-0.5 points of the risk ratios for students who are white. The academic-based risk ratios for students of color are within 0.6-1.0 points of the risk ratios for students who are white. The academic-based risk ratios for students of color are within 1.1-2.0 points of the risk ratios for students who are white. The academic-based risk ratios for students of color are greater than 2.1 points different than the risk ratios for students who are white. Celebrations: The District has an active District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) that involves community members and parents. The group meets monthly and is committed to ensuring equitable outcomes for all students. Opportunities for Improvement: Taking the work of DELT deeper across the District and empowering teachers with culturally relevant teaching and learning strategies to improve student outcomes among students of color.
2 OPERATIONS AND FINANCE The Operations and Finance vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded in fiscal conservatism. We recognize that we are fortunate to have the support of our community and work consistently to maximize available resources. These indicators are directly linked to providing robust opportunities for students. FUND BALANCE Fund Balance: This indicator examines the strength of the District s financial reserves. Why this Matters: Maintaining a favorable fund balance provides financial stability to the District to meet emergency or critical financial expenditure needs, avoid excessive interest expenses, and maintain a favorable credit rating. 18-24%: Indicates the optimal range for the District to ensure having sufficient reserves available to meet expenses and maintain financial stability. 15-17%: Indicates DPI recommended range for fund balance reserves. 11-14%: Indicates moderate levels of reserves available to meet District financial needs. 25-30%: Indicates high levels of reserves being held instead of deployed to meet District financial needs. 6-10%: Indicates low levels of reserves available to meet District financial needs. 30-35%: Indicates excessive reserves being held instead of deployed to meet District financial needs. 0-5%: Indicates very few reserves available to meet District financial needs. Celebrations: The District has increased the fund balance over the past several years to reach within the optimal range, currently at 19%. Opportunities for Improvement: The District should continue to maintain the optimal fund balance range.
2 OPERATIONS AND FINANCE The Operations and Finance vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded in fiscal conservatism. We recognize that we are fortunate to have the support of our community and work consistently to maximize available resources. These indicators are directly linked to providing robust opportunities for students. BOND Bond Rating: This indicator examines the strength of the District s Bond Rating. Why this Matters: A good credit rating allows a District to avoid excessive interest and borrowing costs when financing is required for operations. Aaa-Aa3: Indicates Prime 1 credit range, excellent financial rating and stability, great credit opportunities and excellent interest rates. A1-A3: Indicates Prime 1 credit range, good opportunities for credit access, good interest rates. Baa1-Baa3: Indicates Prime 2-3 credit range resulting in limited access to credit opportunities and higher than desirable interest rates. B3-Ba1: Indicates a sub-prime bond rating resulting in high interest rates and poor access to credit opportunities. C-Caa1: Indicates very poor bond rating resulting in loss of access to borrowing opportunities or excessively high interest rates. Celebrations: A strong bond rating allows for low rates of interest and indicates a strong and long-term reputation for fiscal management. Opportunities for Improvement: Maintain current rating.
2 OPERATIONS AND FINANCE The Operations and Finance vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded in fiscal conservatism. We recognize that we are fortunate to have the support of our community and work consistently to maximize available resources. These indicators are directly linked to providing robust opportunities for students. AUDIT REPORT Audit Report: This indicator examines the District s performance on the annual independent audit of financial operations. Why this Matters: The independent audit report is an annual review of the District s financial operations to ensure the proper accounting of District financial resources in compliance with state and federal law. No Findings, Questioned Costs, or Significant Deficiencies are identified within the course of the audit. 1-2 Findings, Questioned Costs or Significant Deficiencies are identified within the course of the audit. The District does not have any Material findings and has a response to any Corrective Action Plan. 3 Findings, Questioned Costs or Significant Deficiencies are identified within the course of the audit. The District does not have any Material findings and has a response to any Corrective Action Plan. 4-5 Findings, Questioned Costs, Material Weaknesses, Material Deficiencies, or Failure to respond to Corrective Action Plans is identified within the course of the audit. Numerous Findings, Questioned Costs, Material Weaknesses, Material Deficiencies, Failure to respond to Corrective Action Plans, and/or evidence of Fraud is identified within the course of the audit. Celebrations: The District had only one finding from the audit report. Opportunities for Improvement: The District had one finding regarding Financial Statement Preparation in.
2 OPERATIONS AND FINANCE The Operations and Finance vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded in fiscal conservatism. We recognize that we are fortunate to have the support of our community and work consistently to maximize available resources. These indicators are directly linked to providing robust opportunities for students. BALANCE OF BUDGET SPENT ON SALARY/BENEFITS VS OTHER BUDGET ITEMS Balance of Budget Spent on Salary/Benefits vs. Other Budget Items: This indicator examines the management of District resources. Why this Matters: Responsible management of staff salary and benefits expenses versus other budget items ensures that high quality staffing levels are maintained without sacrificing critical operational expenses. Criteria: 70-80% of budget is spent on staff salary and benefits versus other budget items. Criteria: 60-70% of budget is spent on staff salary and benefits versus other budget items. Criteria: 40-50% or 50-60% of budget is spent on staff salary and benefits versus other budget items. Criteria: 30-40% or 80-90% of budget is spent on staff salary and benefits versus other budget items. Criteria: Less than 30% or greater than 90% of budget is spent on staff salary and benefits versus other budget items. Celebrations: The District spends 77% of the budget on staff salary and benefits indicating an optimal management of District resources. Opportunities for Improvement: The District must continue to meet the challenge of offering competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain staff in the marketplace.
2 OPERATIONS AND FINANCE The Operations and Finance vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded in fiscal conservatism. We recognize that we are fortunate to have the support of our community and work consistently to maximize available resources. These indicators are directly linked to providing robust opportunities for students. 5-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN 5-Year Capital Plan: This indicator examines the presence and implementation of a Facility Capital Plan. Why this Matters: A five-year plan allows the District to forecast budgetary needs to support the safety and security of each site and facility. 5-year plan is in place with annual review and adjustments. 5-year plan is in place with annual review. 5-year plan is in place. 5-year plan development is under consideration. No plan in place. Celebrations: Facility Services staff are talented and able to complete many projects in house. Opportunities for Improvement: Current budget allotment does not allow for full completion of the plan annually which leads to an ongoing waiting list.
3 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT The Communication and Engagement vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded upon the belief that together, we are better. We value stakeholder engagement and believe it is paramount to a successful organization. We use social media and our website to maintain a digital presence. SCHOOL CLIMATE PARENTAL SURVEY COMPLETION RATE School Climate Parental Survey Completion Rate: This indicator examines the rate at which parents participate in the annual District Climate Survey. Why this Matters: Strong Culture and Climate at the building and District level is foundational for successful student learning. More than 65% of parents complete the school and District climate survey. Between 50% and 65% of parents complete the school and District climate survey. Between 35% and 50% of parents complete the school and District climate survey. Between 20% and 35% of parents complete the school and District climate survey. Less than 20% of parents complete the school and District climate survey. Celebrations: The District has engaged parents in school and District climate surveys since 2010. Opportunities for Improvement: The 2016-17 parent participation rate was 20%.
3 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT The Communication and Engagement vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded upon the belief that together, we are better. We value stakeholder engagement and believe it is paramount to a successful organization. We use social media and our website to maintain a digital presence. STAFF RETENTION Staff Retention: This indicator examines certified staff retention based on the District s Voluntary Turnover Rate. Why this Matters: Certified staff retention provides consistency and maintains an engaging culture for our students and families. Greater than 95% Retention Rate. 92%-94% Retention Rate. 89%-91% Retention Rate. 85%-88% Retention Rate. Less than 85% Retention Rate. Celebrations: The District has a current retention rate of 95% for certified staff (). For the past six years, the District has maintained a 92-96% retention rate. Opportunities for Improvement: Maintaining a retention rate between 92-95%.
3 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT The Communication and Engagement vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded upon the belief that together, we are better. We value stakeholder engagement and believe it is paramount to a successful organization. We use social media and our website to maintain a digital presence. SCHOOL/HOME COMMUNICATION School/Home Communication: This indicator examines communication practices between schools and parents/guardians. Why this Matters: A consistent and predictable communication system between school and home forms lasting partnerships that help students succeed. A District Communication Plan guides schools in terms of best practices and the plan is implemented with fidelity in all schools across the District. Schools have strategic, planned communications on a bi-weekly basis that is two-way in nature. Schools have planned communications to families on a consistent basis. Schools have minimal communication to families in a one-way format. Schools do not have planned communication to families. Celebrations: Many of our schools have active social media presences and communicate via email as well as folders at the elementary level. Opportunities for Improvement: Our website and mobile app can be better utilized and our communication across the District can be more strategic. A Communication Committee has been formed and a communication audit is being planned.
3 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT The Communication and Engagement vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded upon the belief that together, we are better. We value stakeholder engagement and believe it is paramount to a successful organization. We use social media and our website to maintain a digital presence. SOCIAL MEDIA/WEBSITE/DISTRICT APP Social Media/Website/District App: This indicator examines the District s effectiveness in communicating via said methodologies. Why this Matters: The Fond du Lac School District exists due to the support of the community and is a service organization dedicated to students, staff and residents of the community. The satisfaction of each stakeholder group is imperative to overall District success and continuous improvement. The District has a strategic and planned communication plan with designated personnel and resources to implement it effectively. It is monitored and prioritized for maximized success. The District has a strategic and planned communication plan that it aims to implement with monitoring for multiple stakeholder group effectiveness. The District communicates frequently with limited planning while striving for maximum effectiveness per audience. The District communicates infrequently with limited planning while striving for information dissemination only. The District is lacking in any sort of meaningful communication to various stakeholders. Celebrations: The District has an evolving website, mobile app, and uses three forms of social media. Opportunities for Improvement: A streamlined approach to communication could solidify the District s efforts to improve. A Communication Committee has been formed and a communication audit is being planned.
3 COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT The Communication and Engagement vision of the Fond du Lac School District is founded upon the belief that together, we are better. We value stakeholder engagement and believe it is paramount to a successful organization. We use social media and our website to maintain a digital presence. CUSTOMER/STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Customer/Stakeholder Engagement: This indicator examines the engagement of various stakeholder groups with District communication efforts. Why this Matters: The engagement of each stakeholder group is imperative to overall District success and continuous improvement. The District can instill confidence and trust in all stakeholders via a planned and multi-faceted communication process. The District communicates with multiple stakeholder groups through multiple formats to meet the varied needs of parents, staff and community members at large. Communication is two-way in nature and measured for effectiveness. The District communicates with multiple stakeholder groups through multiple formats to meet the varied needs of parents, staff and community members at large and works to measure effectiveness. The District communicates with multiple stakeholder groups through multiple formats without measurement for effectiveness. The District communicates with multiple stakeholder groups through limited one-way formats. The District does not communicate with multiple stakeholder groups. Celebrations: The District has an evolving website, mobile app, and uses three forms of social media. Climate surveys have been completed for students, staff and families since 2010. Opportunities for Improvement: A streamlined approach to communication could solidify the District s efforts to improve. A Communication Committee has been formed and a communication audit is being planned.
4 SAFE AND ORDERLY SCHOOLS The Safe and Orderly Schools vision of the Fond du Lac School District strives to ensure that high levels of teaching and learning occur each day in a safe environment. We implement PBIS practices and survey students, staff and parents to continuously improve culture and climate. Emergency preparedness training and practice drills occur throughout the year to bolster confidence in all stakeholder groups. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTS (PBIS) Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS): This indicator examines the percentage of students who have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral within a school year. Why this Matters: PBIS designed is to establish a climate in which appropriate behavior is the norm and all students and staff understand the expectations. 96% - 100% of K-12 students have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral. 91% -95% of K -12 students have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral. 85% - 90% of K -12 students have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral. 80% - 84% of K-12 students have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral. Fewer than 79% of K-12 students have 0-1 Major Discipline Referral. Celebrations: Creating consistent expectations K-12 on student behavior. Opportunities for Improvement: Improve strategies for students who need more support.
4 SAFE AND ORDERLY SCHOOLS The Safe and Orderly Schools vision of the Fond du Lac School District strives to ensure that high levels of teaching and learning occur each day in a safe environment. We implement PBIS practices and survey students, staff and parents to continuously improve culture and climate. Emergency preparedness training and practice drills occur throughout the year to bolster confidence in all stakeholder groups. STUDENT EXPULSION RATES Student Expulsion Rates: This indicator examines the rate at which students are expelled in the District. Why this Matters: Students who pose significant risks to themselves or others can cause significant disruption to the teaching and learning environment. Student expulsion rate at or below the statewide rate of 0.1%. Student expulsion rate of 0.11% - 0.15%. Student expulsion rate of 0.16% - 0.2%. Student expulsion rate of 0.21% - 0.25%. Student expulsion rate of greater than 0.26%. Celebrations: We have a limited number of extreme behaviors that mandate expulsion. Opportunities for Improvement: Greater return on interventions provided to expelled students.
4 SAFE AND ORDERLY SCHOOLS The Safe and Orderly Schools vision of the Fond du Lac School District strives to ensure that high levels of teaching and learning occur each day in a safe environment. We implement PBIS practices and survey students, staff and parents to continuously improve culture and climate. Emergency preparedness training and practice drills occur throughout the year to bolster confidence in all stakeholder groups. SCHOOL PERCEPTIONS SURVEY DATA School Perceptions Survey Data: This indicator examines the rate at which students, parents and staff feel their school is a safe place to learn. Why this Matters: Safe and orderly schools are essential in order to ensure high levels of teaching and learning. Maintaining an understanding of the perception of the students/parents is important to support engagement and allow us to appropriately respond. 90% or more of surveyed students, parents, and staff indicate that their school is a safe place for students to learn. 80% - 89% of surveyed students, parents, and staff indicate that their school is a safe place for students to learn. 70% - 79% of surveyed students, parents, and staff indicate that their school is a safe place for students to learn. 60% - 69% of surveyed students, parents, and staff indicate that their school is a safe place for students to learn. Fewer than 59% of surveyed students, parents, and staff indicate that their school is a safe place for students to learn. Celebrations: The District has surveyed students, parents and staff on culture and climate since 2010. Opportunities for Improvement: Parents had the highest % in 2018 at 87%. Staff came in next at 83% and students at 81%. The goal is to push each of these stakeholder groups into the 90% range.
4 SAFE AND ORDERLY SCHOOLS The Safe and Orderly Schools vision of the Fond du Lac School District strives to ensure that high levels of teaching and learning occur each day in a safe environment. We implement PBIS practices and survey students, staff and parents to continuously improve culture and climate. Emergency preparedness training and practice drills occur throughout the year to bolster confidence in all stakeholder groups. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Emergency Preparedness: This indicator examines the emergency preparedness practices within the District. Why this Matters: Student and staff safety is critical and preparing for and planning around safety is key to the emotional and physical safety of our system. Updated Emergency Preparedness Manual, drills conducted, parent communication, successful audits. Updated Emergency Preparedness Manual, drills conducted, successful audits. Updated Emergency Preparedness Manual and plan in place, and drills are being conducted. No plan is in place, but drills are being conducted. No plan in place, no drills are being conducted. Celebrations: We have all plans in place and review them annually. Opportunities for Improvement: Continue the five-star rating and sustain and evolve current practices.