A. Create Equitable Opportunities for Students to Succeed Objective A.1. Create policies and practices that promote inclusion and fairness A.1. a) Update Technology Update and enhance all schools technology according to the new Technology Plan to be completed no later than June 1, 2013 A.1. b) Pre-Kindergarten Education for All Provide early childhood education to level the playing field for all students Review staffing needs yearly to ensure enough slots for incoming 4 year olds Monitor screening data from prekindergarten to identify interventions needed for kindergarten A.1. c) Assess Opportunities Annually assess student achievement, staffing levels, program offerings, buildings and other resources and make adjustments to achieve and/or maintain equal opportunity as needed State of Schools Reports - complete an in-depth review of school/student achievement each year. The review will include comparisons of schools and subgroups within the schools, analysis of strengths and needs Create state of schools data pages that follow data over time, including attendance data, suspension data, and academic data A.1. d) Resource Allocation By School Year 2015-16, allocate resources for alternative programs and staff to support atrisk subgroups (such as low socio-economic status, gender, English Language Learners) Gather data K-12 to ID students who are at risk for not graduating earlier than 9th grade Objective A. 2. Provide students with instruction that meets their needs and demonstrates that all students can achieve rigorous standards
A.2. a) Proficiency Based Education A.2. b) Gifted and Talented Education A.2. c) Intensifying Interventions During School Year 2014-15, establish educational practices and policies to support a proficiency-based education system Develop schedule, plans, and staffing requirements for a cohesive Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program for students identified as gifted. By School Year 2014-15, the district will offer intensifying interventions to accelerate learning of students who do not meet standards. Implement proficiency -based grading practices K-12 Grades 7-12 2014-15 school year, K-6 2017-18 Establish district guidelines on effective structures and instructional practices to fully implement RTI at all grade-levels for Reading, Math and Behavior.
B. Ensure All Students Experience High Quality Staff and Instruction Objective B.1. Teacher and Administrator Feedback and Evaluations B.1.a) Develop and implement a Teacher Evaluation and Professional Growth System with the goals of: Enhancing educator effectiveness and student learning for the benefit of all stakeholders including students, educators, parents and the community Developing and investing in an integrated and coherent system that aligns with our district s mission and includes regular, specific measurement and feedback and on-going, targeted professional development. Attracting and retaining high performing educators In 2014-15 pilot the new system: Teachers will receive regular feedback on their teaching and have formal evaluations based on the National Board Teaching Standards. Significant training of administrators, such as anchoring and defining SMART goals, so that all administrators are evaluating teachers in the same way, scoring against the rubric. Chapter 508 tells us that our administrators must score with at least 75%? accuracy or our team will be re-trained. Make sure the BOD understands how much is involved here. High stakes for teachers. Significant training of staff so they are familiar with the In 2015-16 fully implement the new teacher evaluation system The Teacher Evaluation System Committee will determine which student achievement data will become part of this evaluation system as per Chapter 508 of Title 20-A.
and benefitting from a workforce of teachers and administrators who are aligned in purpose, teamed in their efforts, and motivated to succeed in delivering high quality instruction to all students B.1.b) Implement the Maine Principals Association Administrator Evaluation System as per Chapter 508 of Title 20-A. Based on the ISLLC Standards, this evaluation system is based on the six domains developed by the NAESP and NASSP. Rubric language for each domain is based on The Marzano School Leadership Evaluation Model (2012). The six domains are: Professional Growth and Learning Student Growth and Achievement School Planning and Progress School Culture Professional Qualities and Instructional Leadership Stakeholder Support and Engagement Full implementation in 2014-15 Objective B.2. Maintain a supportive, collaborative and appreciative work environment and culture B.2.a) Superintendent Advisory Council By June 2013 establish ongoing district-wide group of teacher leaders to develop recommendations, guide collaboration, liaise with the Board and Administration and monitor Strategic Plan progress. Annually the group will set priorities for the year. Focus in 2014-15 is on student-led conferences.
B.2.b) Improve Communication between Administration and Teachers and Demonstrate Appreciation Continue monthly newsletters from Superintendent to staff and from Principals to staff demonstrating appreciation through positive comments and recognition of staff achievements such as books published or awards achieved. Administration continuously seeks improvements to ways in which teacher input or recommendations are requested, heard and considered from teachers. Pre K-6 Principals work with Teacher Facilitators and Assistant Superintendent to design professional development B.2.c) Develop Sustainable, Collaborative Initiatives. Maintain our early-release Wednesday structure. Objective B.3. Professional Development Plan and Deliberate Collaboration B.3.a) By school year 2014-15 and annually thereafter the district administration will establish a professional development plan with associated timelines and staff input that includes: Monthly District-Level meetings that provide regular opportunities for teachers to discuss curriculum, effective instructional practices, common assessments and student achievement. Anticipated dates of implementation, anticipated budget for and expectations for each item in the professional development plan. Recommendations from Department Leaders/Facilitators on what additional positionspecific training and professional development is needed to help nurses, Physical Education instructors and other student support staff better do their jobs. B.3.b) Provide Staff Training on Literacy, Math and Science Practices that Promote Student Engagement, Self-regulation and Competency. Literacy In 2014-15 RSU 16 will provide staff training on Daily 5, which is a way to structure literacy practices, which expects five different literacy approaches daily. In 2013-14 will be staff training on Writers Workshop. By January 2015 Writers Workshop will be fully implement in PreK-6. Math In 2015-16 RSU 16 will provide staff training on the Common Core Mathematical Practices, math stations, real-world performance tasks and integration of technology. Science In 2016-17 RSU 16 will provide staff training on NGSS, scientific inquiry, engineering and design, and integration of technology.
B.3.c) Develop transparent, viable curriculum in all subject areas. Curriculum will be aligned to State standards (Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, Maine Learning Results and the new Social Studies Standards-- CCC). Curriculum will be anchored with common assessments and contain related resources. Develop a timeline for developing, approving and reviewing curriculum in all subject areas In school years 2013-14 and 2014-15 the district will create a plan for implementation of Common Assessments for each grade level and/or course. The plan may include a common template for assessments, protocols, timeline for administering assessments, as well as how/when teachers will review results and plan instructional changes or Response to Intervention as necessary. Rubicon Atlas software will support this process.
C. Build Community Collaboration and Communication Objective C. 1. Improve Community Engagement, Information Exchange, and One-District Thinking C.1. a) Tri-Town Newsletter and Electronic Information By July 2013, create and manage a tri-annual newsletter sent to ALL residents. Provides RSU-level updates and news. Highlights positive things happening in the district. Complete tri-annual reviews of district, building and teacher websites and social media for current, relevant and accurate information (September, January, April). Make improvements as necessary By January 2015, evaluate use of cable access channel for RSU 16 purposes and make plans for improvements C.1. b) Community Meetings and Forums By October 2013, and annually thereafter, establish a schedule for annual public forums to share district information and receive input from the community regarding goal setting, budgets, the direction of the district, and other issues C.1. c) Budget Process Coordination with Towns Maintain a collaborative and transparent budget process with school leaders and town leaders composing the RSU 16 Budget Committee and working together to problem-solve before budget goes out to community. Regularly communicate budget process/progress with the community. Minutes of every Budget Committee meeting are posted online and sent to town officials, Information-sharing meetings held in each with town officials and the public
D. Maintain and Improve Operations and Facilities Objective D.1. Maintain and improve physical infrastructure D.1.a) Annual System-Wide Review Establish a formal annual systemwide review format and process that articulates scheduled and regularly anticipated facility needs and ensures their incorporation in the District planning and budget process. Priorities will include safety and facility needs that provide optimum support for student learning. The District will annually update the VFA data to support this process and bring us clarity around capital renewal and requirements. Capital Improvement Plan: The District will create an annual plan to address major capital improvements that emerge from the annual system-wide review. This plan will include targeted dates for capital improvement, maintenance and will be reviewed and updated annually to inform our budget process. D.1.b) Middle School Capacity Develop a plan to address the overcrowding at the middle school that will consider additional classroom modulars or a permanent addition that will eliminate the need for modular classrooms. Create a Facilities Review Committee to review data related to the overcrowding, identify what additional information is needed and keep the public informed of progress. Retain professionals (architect, clerk of the works, engineer, etc ) to lead the project to fruition. Objective D.2 Maintain and Improve Transportation Systems D.2.a) Bus Maintenance and Garage Space By September 2014, create a 2- year plan that addresses issues identified in 2012-14 regarding bus maintenance and bus garage space including: Efficiency through the use of District personnel to Transportation Director will report to the BOD monthly on issues related to transportation.
repair and maintain buses and other vehicles and Adequate space to make maximum use of District personnel to repair and maintain District vehicles. D.2.b) Work Expectations By September 2013, establish a set of work rules to articulate expectations for transportation and other support personnel D.2.c) Annual Transportation Review By May 2015, establish a formal annual review format and process that articulates current and anticipated transportation needs and ensures their incorporation into the District planning process Transportation Director will lead this work and will report to the BOD on its progress. D.2.d) Define Transportation and Facilities Roles By July 2015, revise job descriptions for the Transportation Director and other transportation and facilities staff that articulates the positions roles and responsibilities for which compensation is provided. Objective D.3. Maintain and improve food service D.3. a) Self Sufficiency Plan Between Summer 2013 and Summer 2017, the Food service program will take steps to increase its revenue and efficiencies toward the goal of self-sufficiency. *Explore providing Universal Free Meals K-12 with the Provision Two program by School Year 2016-17 Explore expanding the Summer *Feeding Program to include management of Camp Agassiz Summer Food Service Program, in summer of 2014 Explore creating a district-wide professional catering capacity by School Year 2014-15.
D.3. b) Improve Nutritious Offerings *Conduct an annual review to ensure that the Food Service Program is in accord with other plans for health and wellness of students and employees. *Beginning in School Year 2013-14, the Food Service Program will build on its efforts to provide nutritious offerings for students. Earn HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) certification at Silver level by School Year 2014-2015, for all schools, and work toward Gold. Expand the Guiding Stars and 5-2-1-0 programs in School Year 2014-15. D.3. c) Staff Training and Opportunities Annually assess staff training needs and opportunities to grow the competence of its staff Annually, on August 1, create a professional development and meeting plan for Food Service Staff, including specific training for Early Release and Workshop days All staff will be ServSafe certified and School Nutrition Association (SNA) certified in School Year 2014-15 Objective D.4. Effectively manage district finances D.4. a) Promote Local Partnerships By September 2013, identify current ways and explore further ways to increase volunteer involvement and partnerships with local businesses and other community resources, to support existing programs. * Community Expert Program (GT) * Poland Springs Video Production * Tri-Town Education Fund, Optimist Club D.4. b) Central Office Needs Assessment By January 2014, conduct a Central Office roles and responsibilities needs assessment to determine the human resources necessary to provide for the efficient and accurate management of system business and finances. Gather data on Central staff levels of other school districts of similar size and economic factors to determine level of comparability The Superintendent s Office will increase efforts to seek grant opportunities by March 2014, including considering establishing a grant writing/fund raising position to provide financial support for District goals. D.4. c) Technology Beginning in School Year 2014-15 and annually, thereafter, the district The technology director will present recommendations for
will investigate technology and software to improve efficiencies and reduce expenses improvements in her annual budget proposal D.4. d) Explore Service Sharing D.4. e) Fees for Use By March 2015, the district will explore the possible sharing of services, or even key personnel, with the district municipalities, or other school systems, toward a more cost effective use of resources. By September, 2013, review possible fees for building/grounds use that compensate the District for the actual use of its facilities by non-profit and non-school/town users. Establish policy recommendations for a consistent building use policy and fee schedule. Gathering data on building use and total funds raised through building use. Objective D.5. Maintain a safe, secure school environment D.5. a) Safety Assessment and Plan By August 2015, conduct an assessment of current safety and security of RSU 16 facilities and determine the actions and resources necessary, with a timeline, to provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. Annual review of safety plans and identification and implementation of improvements: including requiring all staff to wear badges Consider recommendation(s) from Facilities Review Committee in terms of school safety.
E. Model Excellent Governance E.1 Monitor and Adjust Strategic Plan E.1.a) Monitor Plan Conduct and annual public and staff survey to gather feedback on progress of our SP *Educational Policy Committee has responsibility for Strategic Plan as an ongoing agenda item. *Facilities & Transportation and Personnel & Finance Committees align priorities with Strategic Plan *Superintendent and Board Goals align with Strategic Plan. *Superintendent and administrative monthly reports include activities that support Strategic Plan goals *Superintendent Evaluation connected to the Strategic Plan E.1.b) Annual Board Review Each year after the completing of the community and staff surveys the RSU 16 School Board will dedicate a meeting to reviewing and updating the plan. E.2. Effective Board Expectations and Culture E.2.a) Board Expectations and Culture Annually update Board expectations based on selfassessment survey of Board Members. By October 2015 create job description/expectations for Board members E.2.b) New Board Member Orientation Annually new member orientation including and training will be held, including educating the community about what the job entails Objective E. 3. Effective Board
Structure and Function E.3. a) Board Meetings and Processes Annually evaluate and consider improvements to Board meetings and other operations, including: Rules of order, public participation policy, decision making steps, review of meeting schedule and times. E.3. b) Subcommittees Annually review and revise subcommittee responsibilities and calendar. Elect subcommittee chair by Sept 1 Establish meeting dates and times by Sept 1 E.3. c) Board Goals By Sept 30 annually, the RSU 16 Board will identify goals that align with the Strategic Plan Objective E. 4. Engage Effectively with Staff and Students Conduct a Board survey annually that identifies accomplishments, challenges and opportunities. *Annual assessment of RSU 16 goals *Board Chair presents Board goals and assessment annually at a Board meeting E.4. a) Staff Interaction and Communication Annually establish at least two opportunities per year for School Board members to interact with RSU 16 staff and teachers in a less-formal way (such as a picnic or other gathering). The Board will utilize current RSU 16 publications to communicate with staff and provide updates on policy, budgets and goals. E.4. c) Student Involvement By October 2015, form a plan for the School Board to become more aware of what s going on in schools and to encourage student involvement. *Student presentations at School Board meetings throughout the year *Continue to develop the Student Representative seat at the Board Periodic School Board attendance at student events Objective E. 5. Engage Effectively with Towns
E.5. a) Ongoing Communication Annually establish a series of regular meetings among School Board, RSU leaders, and town leaders Formally designate School Board members to attend regular town meetings Invite town leaders to regular School Board meetings