Ncs strategic plan

Niles Community Schools Strategic Plan Summary ∎ 2015 – 2020 MISSION STATEMENT

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Niles Community Schools inspires and prepares all learners through diverse opportunities to challenge the present and enrich the future.

Greg O’Toole, President Jon Martin, Vice-President Dana Daniels, Secretary Jeff Curry, Treasurer

VISION STATEMENT Niles Community Schools *Dynamic Learners* *Diverse Opportunities* *Driven to Succeed*

Leigh Jones, Trustee Brent Wright, Trustee Kathy Zeider, Trustee

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS Student Achievement

BELIEFS Education is essential for future success.

All children can learn and achieve their personal best.

Children learn in different ways at different paces.

Schools must be a safe and secure environment.

The partnership of our staff, parents, and community is vital to the success of our learners.

High expectations are important for all stakeholders.

Finance/Operations/Facilities Positive Learning Environment Communication

SUPERINTENDENT Dan Applegate

APPROVAL Approved by the Board: February 2016

Niles Community Schools Strategic Plan Summary ∎ 2015 – 2020 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT We will improve student achievement and growth in all curricular areas.

Priority Objectives: Recruit and retain highly qualified staff -Implement ongoing and relevant professional development for teaching staff -Enhance teacher and administrator evaluation process and tool -Hire staff with exceptional credentials -Employ consistent process hiring new staff -Market district to new staff Provide quality instruction -Align K-12 Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment -Evaluate curricular alignment on annual basis -Develop district-wide multi-tiered system of supports -Provide relevant and cohesive professional development -Monitor instructional quality continually -Ensure all necessary instructional resources are provided Remove barriers to student achievement -Develop additional strategies to improve regular student attendance -Maintain strong relationships with parents -Increase opportunities for parental engagement

COMMUNICATION We will establish excellence in communication both internally and externally.

Priority Objectives:

Establish excellence in internal communication -Create a climate that fosters open and regular communication -Define clear central office roles and responsibilities to make processes and organizational flow more productive -Ensure all changes to existing practice, policy, or procedure are communicated to essential stakeholders -Develop consistency in practices and procedures across the district -Employ a coordinated system for communicating during crisis and emergency situations Coordinate media and public relations opportunities -Increase positive social media presence -Develop a marketing plan -Develop process for updating district and school websites -Develop district parent advisory council -Develop staff recruitment and retention plan -Develop comprehensive customer service and communication plan -Employ a coordinated system for communicating during crisis and emergency situations

FINANCE/OPERATIONS/ FACILITIES We will operate a transparent and fiscally responsible budget that allows the district to improve the educational environment.

Priority Objectives: Ensure prudent use and maintenance of the district’s financial resources

-Operate a transparent and fiscally responsible budget -Coordinate the preparation of an annual operating and capital budget -Ensure bond proceeds and disbursements are accounted for accurately Maintain accountability for all district assets -Provide an annual internal audit -Develop maintenance and cycles for all equipment Provide direction and support to district and board regarding all financial matters -Forecast performed for current year -Multi-year forecast updated throughout year

POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT We will provide a safe, respectful and positive learning environment.

Priority Objectives: Employ best practices in emergency procedures and systems in all schools and buildings -Maintain current Emergency Operating Plans -Ensure security procedures are reviewed, established, and adhered Build culture of respect and high expectations for behavior among all learners, staff, and community.

-Develop a school climate that is supportive of positive behavior in all buildings -Establish consistent rules, routines, and expectations of behavior -Create after school programs and clubs Build pride among staff, students and community in our district -Connect and engage students in school activities