STRATEGIC PLAN
2024 - 2029
Introduction
Since merging two small public service agencies in 1980, EASTCONN has evolved into a comprehensive educational support system for northeastern Connecticut. Our journey has been one of continuous adaptation to meet the changing needs of our communities. The trust we have built over the years is our most valuable asset, allowing us to reach those who need our services most.
EASTCONN’s new strategic plan – grounded in thorough analysis and community involvement –emphasizes fair access, diverse partnerships, innovation, and lessons from past experiences to support our region as it changes and grows over the next five years.
During the development phase, EASTCONN conducted extensive surveys, held focus groups, and analyzed regional economic and educational data. This data-driven approach ensures our initiatives are customized to the unique needs of northeastern Connecticut, optimizing our impact and use of resources.
The feedback we gathered underscored several priority areas for EASTCONN’s future direction. These include addressing staffing shortages in both certified and non-certified positions, providing specialized support for students with special needs, and offering affordable healthcare options. Survey participants also emphasized the importance of EASTCONN in facilitating regional conversations, advancing program development, and boosting workforce development initiatives.
EASTCONN STRATEGIC PLAN
Community stakeholders, including superintendents and other district leaders, highlighted EASTCONN’s vital role as a collaboration hub, especially in aiding smaller districts with limited resources. They underscored the need for affordable, tailored professional development and innovative solutions to address staffing shortages and student needs.
While staff generally trust EASTCONN’s ability to tackle these priorities, they recognize that building this capacity may necessitate resolving internal challenges like staff retention and interdepartmental communication. Overall, the feedback points to a desire for EASTCONN to evolve its services to meet changing district needs while maintaining its core mission of supporting learners of all ages in northeastern Connecticut.
No single organization can solve complex issues alone. Our plan prioritizes collaboration and renews our agency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with local schools, districts, businesses, legislators, government agencies, and other partners. By aligning our efforts and resources, we firmly believe we can establish a comprehensive support network to address obstacles facing our towns.
Imagine a northeastern Connecticut where every child has access to high-quality early education, where adult education programs empower adult residents to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and actively participate in civic life, and where local schools are centers of innovation and community engagement. Picture a place where young adults find meaningful career opportunities locally, and where lifelong learning is not just a concept, but a lived reality for residents of all ages.
This is the future EASTCONN is working towards –a thriving, engaged and interconnected community.
MISSION
EASTCONN, in service to others, will empower all learners to achieve academic and personal excellence by advocating for innovative partnerships that can have a transformative impact on individuals, schools, and communities.
VISION
At EASTCONN, our vision is to build brighter futures by expanding life opportunities for learners of all ages. We unite schools, communities, and diverse individuals to collaborate and open new pathways to growth.
Our dedicated employees are committed to professional and personal growth, working together to anticipate and adapt to evolving needs. We embrace diverse perspectives through open communication to make well-informed decisions that provide exceptional education and services.
With innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to our mission, EASTCONN strives to empower every individual to reach their highest potential. We create pathways to success through skill development, training, and cultivating a culture of continuous learning.
CORE BELIEFS
Equitable Access empowers individuals, schools, and communities.
Diverse Partnerships elevate inquiry and sustainable solutions. Innovation energizes our organization.
Reflective Practice enriches the lives of those we serve.
EQUITABLE ACCESS
CORE BELIEFS
INNOVATION
Equitable Access empowers individuals, schools, and communities. Innovation energizes our organization.
DIVERSE PARTNERSHIPS
Diverse Partnerships elevate inquiry and sustainable solutions.
REFLECTIVE PRACTICE
Reflective Practice enriches the lives of those we serve.
ADVOCATE
EASTCONN devotes resources to people, communities, and services to increase our ability to positively impact outcomes, expand access, and strengthen programs.
EDUCATE
EASTCONN learns from listening to diverse perspectives and reflecting on those interactions to better adapt to the needs and priorities of our partners and staff.
ELEVATE
EASTCONN considers the viability of our practices to meet the needs of our communities and will develop and enhance programs and services that endure and adapt to change.
ADVOCATE
EASTCONN devotes resources to people, communities, and services to increase our ability to positively impact outcomes, expand access, and strengthen programs.
ACTIONS
• Implement a comprehensive Leadership Development Program to enhance the capabilities of EASTCONN staff and district/agency staff with a focus on developing essential competencies such as strategic thinking, effective communication, change management, and team leadership. ▲ ❂ ★
• Develop a New Teacher Academy, accessible to EASTCONN and district staff, that effectively supports and fosters professional growth through mentorship, collaboration, and professional learning opportunities. ▲ ❂ ★
• Implement a comprehensive Professional Learning and Career Development Program to support the growth and advancement of all EASTCONN staff across various career pathways. ▲ ◗ ❂ ★
• Implement a comprehensive and standardized Onboarding and Training Program. ❂
• Facilitate affinity groups and conversations focusing on community-identified needs, with partners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, representing various sectors and communities. ▲ ◗
• Advocate for the needs of our communities, particularly those that have the least resources. ▲ ◗ ❂ ★
INDICATORS OF SUCCESS
• Increased retention, job satisfaction, staff and leadership competencies, and career advancement and professional development opportunities, as assessed through evaluations and performance reviews.
• Program participant satisfaction, continuous improvement and innovation, and positive impact on organizational performance.
• Positive feedback from staff on the relevance, quality, and effectiveness of these new staff investments, measured through surveys and evaluations.
• Increased alignment and understanding of EASTCONN’s mission, values, and expectations among new staff, as measured through post-onboarding assessments or manager evaluations.
• High levels of community engagement and positive feedback on partnership initiatives.
• Increased awareness of the needs of northeastern CT and rural communities by legislators and decision makers.
EDUCATE
EASTCONN learns from listening to diverse perspectives and reflecting on those interactions to better adapt to the needs and priorities of our partners and staff.
ACTIONS
• Prioritize inclusion and belonging as the foundation of EASTCONN practices and policies. ▲ ◗
• Establish a Collaborative Needs Assessment and Implementation Program to assist districts of all sizes in effectively addressing state mandates. ▲ ◗
• Develop and implement a Comprehensive Marketing Plan that includes target audiences and tailored communications to the various groups.
• Position EASTCONN as a leading educational conduit, translating state and national conversations into localized discussions on impact and implementation while adapting our responses based on the changing needs of our communities.
INDICATORS OF SUCCESS
• Increased visibility of EASTCONN as a partner in inclusion and belonging initiatives within our communities as measured by event participation, growth in funding and positive staff and district feedback.
• Increased engagement with EASTCONN marketing and communication tools such as social media, website, publications, local media and events.
• Positive feedback from and increased capacity among district leaders and stakeholders on the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of programs and services as measured through surveys and evaluations.
• Develop a Framework for identifying State and National educational policies and trends into local context and create templates for presenting complex educational issues in accessible formats.
ELEVATE
EASTCONN considers the viability of our practices to meet the needs of our communities and will develop and enhance programs and services that endure and adapt to change.
ACTIONS
• Assess and implement new revenue opportunities based on capacity and alignment with the goals and beliefs of EASTCONN. ▲ ◗ ❂ ★
• Develop a digital dashboard of key data points such as demographics, current services being offered, and other operational data to better understand and determine district needs. ❂ ★
• Implement a comprehensive Voice of the Customer program to systematically capture and analyze customer feedback, challenges, and requirements. ▲ ◗ ❂ ★
• Utilize our grant writing expertise to pursue opportunities both operationally and for the districts we serve. ▲ ◗ ❂ ★
• Implement an employee performance review process that’s aligned to EASTCONN’s Strategic Plan. ▲
• Maintain facilities and develop a capital improvement plan that defines capital needs, sources of revenue, and timeline for improvements. ❂
INDICATORS OF SUCCESS
• Embedded data analysis and methodology is used in decision-making processes throughout the agency.
• Programs are expanded, fully supported, and meet the needs of the customer thus resulting in increased revenue capacity.
• Annual budget is designed to generate adequate funds to support capital improvements, program development and enhancement, and to minimize cost increases.
Putnam
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Eric S. Protulis, Executive Director 860-455-0707
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES & CONFERENCE CENTER
376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247 860-455-0707; 860-455-8026 FAX
ACCESS, Adult Programs, Assistive Technology, Conference & Food Services, Early Childhood Initiatives, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, K-12 Student Services, Marketing & Communications, Organizational Support Services, Technology Services
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Kristin Hempel, Director of Adult & Community Programs 860-423-2591
COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER
Tyler Square. 1320 Main Street, Suite #25 Willimantic, CT 06226
860-423-2591; 860-450-0853 FAX
NORTHEAST LEARNING CENTER
562 Westcott Road, Danielson, CT 06239
860-779-3770; 860-779-3384 FAX
EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVES
Diane Gozemba, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives 860-455-1518
• EARLY HEAD START & HEAD START AT MOOSUP 10B Gorman Street, Moosup, CT 06354 860-564-7199; 860-564-2630 FAX
• KILLINGLY EARLY HEAD START & HEAD START 562 Westcott Road, Danielson, CT 06239 860-779-0410; 860-779-1377 FAX
• KILLINGLY HEAD START AT KILLINGLY HIGH SCHOOL 226 Putnam Pike, Dayville, CT 06241 860-779-6793; 860-774-0846 FAX
• PUTNAM HEAD START 33 Wicker Street, Putnam, CT 06260 860-928-0004; 860-963-6922 FAX
• TOLLAND COUNTY HEAD START HOME-BASED PROGRAM
860-455-1586; 860-455-1005 FAX
• WINDHAM EARLY HEAD START HOME-BASED 1320 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 860-455-1586; 860-455-1005 FAX
SCHOOLS
& PROGRAMS
CLINICAL, DEVELOPMENTAL & THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS (CDT)
Amy Margelony, Director of Schools & Programs
860-377-7650
EASTCONN BRIDGES COMMUNITY SCHOOL 10 Commerce Drive, Columbia, CT 06237 860-228-3240; 860-228-3206 FAX
Erin Crosby, Program Director
EASTCONN TRANSITION ACADEMY 1320 Main Street, Suite 27, Willimantic, CT 06226
860-931-0250
Jessica Miglio, Program Director
EDUCATIONAL & VOCATIONAL CENTER (EVC) 14 Route 66, Columbia, CT 06237
860-228-4317; 860-228-1147 FAX
Gregory Biggs, Principal
NORTHEAST REGIONAL PROGRAM (NRP)
79 Westfield Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239
860-779-6794; 860-774-0006 FAX
Kurt Mias, Principal
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY, EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE SKILLS (EXCELS)
79 Westfield Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239
860-933-1257; 860-774-0006 FAX
Amy Margelony, Director of Schools & Programs
860-377-7650
MAGNET SCHOOLS
Amy Margelony, Director of Schools & Programs
860-377-7650
• ARTS AT THE CAPITOL THEATER (ACT) PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL 896 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
860-465-5636; 860-465-8115 FAX
Sarah Mallory, Principal
• QUINEBAUG MIDDLE COLLEGE (QMC) MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
742 Upper Maple Street, Danielson, CT 06239
860-932-4100; 860-932-4950 FAX
Ted Keleher, Principal
TRANSPORTATION
DISPATCH
109 Route 6, Columbia, CT 06237
860-228-6751; 860-228-6756
Kimberly Bush, Director of Transportation