PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS
STRATEGIC PLAN 2021 - 2025
PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
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Mission, Vision, Core Values District Administrative Team, Board of Education Goal #1 - Academic Achievement (Achieve) Goal #2 - Communications & Community Integration (Connect) Goal #3 - Facilities/Safety & Security (Build. Maintain. Secure) Goal #4 - Climate, Culture & Wellness (Welcoming & Healthy) Goal #5 - Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (Understand. Celebrate. Belong) Goal #6 - Finances (Responsible & Transparent) Goal #7 - Business Operations/Human Resources (Efficient & Effective)
MISSION Providing the Plain Community with exceptional education that is personalized, relevant and provides opportunities for students to create a better world through global understanding and respect.
VISION To be every family’s first choice in education.
CORE VALUES Integrity, Excellence, Equality, Responsibility, Compassion & Respect
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BOARD OF EDUCATION: Eugene M. Cazantzes Dr. Ambrose Perduk Jr. John W. Halkias Kristen Donohue Guardado Monica Rose Gwin
DISTRICT EXECUTIVE TEAM: Brent May, Superintendent Brian Matthews, Assistant Superintendent Tom Brabson, Business Manager N. Kathleen Jordan, Treasurer/CFO
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PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal #1 Academic Achievement (Achieve)
Provide a rich academic program that aims to satisfy the unique needs of every learner. Prepare students for the 21st century by embracing and infusing essential (life) skills into daily activities. Support students with a well-rounded curriculum and exceptional course offerings.
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Perform above comparison school districts in Ohio and local school districts in state and national testing.
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Satisfy the unique needs of every learner.
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Promote 21st century skill acquisition in the curriculum.
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Provide extensive course offerings to ignite student passions.
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Promote pathways for high school students to local trade organizations through mentorships during their high school career.
Goal #1 Objectives
01
Ensure equitable access to a rigorous and relevant core curriculum that prepares students for career and college readiness; purposefully communicate a culture of high academic expectations. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current academic plan including vertical; and horizontal curriculum alignment.
November 2021
Implement recommendations aligned to state and national standards and relevant new strategies.
November 2022
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: increased student achievement on state indicators, increased college/career dialogue, student/ family/staff surveys
02
Effectively utilize technology as a transformative creation tool in the hands of students; create classroom expectations that engage students in 21st century, project-based and service-learning opportunities. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current use of classroom technologies/PBL and service- learning.
November 2021
Define desired classroom technology/PBL and service- learning expectations.
March 2022
Provide ongoing professional development on the advanced use of classroom technologies/ PBL and service-learning.
Ongoing
Implement newly defined strategies.
August 2022
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: professional development opportunities, newly defined technology/PBL/service-learning expectations, classroom walkthrough evidence, implementation of expectations
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Goal #1 Objectives
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Enhance targeted academic resources for student subgroups including gifted and special needs learners; develop additional programming options to meet the needs of diverse leaners; perform comprehensive audits of Special Education and Gifted services for students in grades K-12. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current programming for gifted and special needs learners.
November 2021
Identify gaps in service model for gifted and special needs learners.
June 2022
Make recommendations for additional programming and/ or programming changes.
June 2022
Implement recommendations.
August 2022
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: additional programming to support gifted and special needs learners, subgroup performance on state indicators, student/family/staff surveys
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Goal #2 Communications & Community Integration (Connect)
Engage all stakeholders and community partners in ongoing, two-way communication and collaboration that promotes the district’s mission, vision and core values.
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Consistently engage district stakeholders with meaningful information and timely, engaging stories.
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Provide ongoing updates to district employees to ensure the accurate flow of information and to generate universal understandings.
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Continue to deploy a comprehensive system of communications options and channels to promote the districts’ vision, mission, brand and core values.
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Strengthen community partnerships that enhance student opportunities and outcomes.
Goal #2
01
Objectives Define clear expectations for all forms of internal staff communication; enhance methods and frequency of internal communications to ensure all employees are knowledgeable and informed; define protocol for emergency communication with district staff during and outside of school hours. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current internal communications systems and protocol.
January 2022
Develop new expectations based on internal feedback.
June 2022
Design new internal communications protocol.
June 2022
Implement new internal communications system.
August 2022
Measure and track success.
May 2023
Success Indicators: ongoing staff survey data, Gantt chart of internal communications tactics and frequency, effective crisis transitions
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Continue to build upon a comprehensive external communications program, including an enhanced focus on those community members with no direct connection to the district; utilize stakeholder data to determine the most effective channels for engagement; create consistent staff communication expectations with district families. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current external communications systems and protocol.
August 2022
Utilize stakeholder feedback and data to prioritize communications channels.
January 2023
Design new external communications protocol.
August 2023
Implement new external communications system.
August 2023
Measure and track success.
May – Annually
Success Indicators: Gantt chart of external communication tactics and frequency, increased followers to district social media channels, redesigned website, teacher communication guidelines, ongoing solicitation of community feedback, young professional integration into the school community
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Goal #2
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Objectives Foster, grow and promote relationships and collaborative community partnerships while serving as a central community hub; effectively communicate with district support organizations, civic/service organizations, local businesses and other groups to sponsor student internships, mentoring programs and career-technical education opportunities. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Develop comprehensive list of community support groups.
August 2021
Create proprietary communications for community support groups.
August 2021
Make quarterly contact with community support groups.
January 2022
Create new partnerships/ collaborative experiences and or student mentorship/ internship opportunities with community support groups.
June 2022
Measure and track success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: newly formed community-based partnerships, student mentorship programs, combined school/ community initiatives, new opportunities for students
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Design and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications campaign aimed at recruiting district residents back to Plain Local Schools; provide targeted messaging to display the value of the district versus other K-12 educational options. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Identify students and families who have chosen to leave the district.
July 2021
Design marketing strategies to communicate to identified families.
July 2021
Implement student recruiting effort.
August 2021
Measure and track success.
May – Annually
Success Indicators: Student/family target list, specific marketing materials and campaigns, data to support number of students who have returned to district, financial impact of increased student enrollment
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Goal #3 Facilities/Safety & Security (Build. Maintain. Secure)
Provide facilities that are functional, safe and welcoming while remaining cognizant of future needs and educational best-practice solutions.
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Provide and maintain excellent facilities that are functional, safe and welcoming.
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Make strategic decisions with assets and property that align with district needs and community feedback.
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Plan for future needs based on available data and community feedback.
Goal #3
01
Objectives Review all aspects of physical security throughout the district; recommend changes to policy and application of best practice strategies; ensure consistent application of security protocol/procedures for district buildings and district events.
ACTION STEPS
ASSIGNED
TIMEFRAME
Perform complete security assessment.
Tom
July/December/May – Annually
Recommend applicable policy changes as needed.
Tom
Ongoing
Implement new policies.
Tom
Ongoing
Track and report success.
Tom
June – Annually
NOTES
Success Indicators: applicable policy changes, new security measures, decrease in campus safety issues, consistent application of security procedures
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Utilize community engagement and available professional resources to develop a multiyear master facilities plan; provide facilities that maximize student and staff safety, interaction, engagement and learning.
ACTION STEPS
ASSIGNED
TIMEFRAME
Create master facilities committee.
Brent
January 2022
Hold master facilities community engagement meetings.
Brent
March 2022
NOTES
Success Indicators: community engagement meeting attendance, heightened community education, completed master facilities plan
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Goal #3
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Objectives Continue to evaluate and update all existing facilities in the arts and athletics throughout the district to promote the best learning and competitive environment for all students. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current facilities needs.
June 2021
Create needs assessment and compare with available funding.
January 2022
Track and report success.
June 2022
Success Indicators: facilities master plan, updated facilities, facilities improvement.
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Goal #4 Climate, Culture & Wellness (Welcoming & Healthy)
Promote a positive culture through purposeful actions, dialogue and a celebration of individualism. Create an atmosphere that celebrates healthy attitudes and decisions. Provide mental health and wellness resources to students and families in need.
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Ensure student mental/physical health and wellness is prioritized.
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Enhance resources for students and families who are in crisis.
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Promote consistent behavior practices and expectations through a social-emotional curriculum.
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Promote focus of the whole family throughout the district in all activities and communications.
Goal #4
01
Objective Identify systems, processes and policies to increase student ease and access to school counselors and mental health professionals; consistently promote available mental health and wellness resources to students and parents. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Review school counseling/ wellness programs and policies.
June 2021
Solicit student/family/staff feedback.
November 2021
Design new workflow for school counseling/wellness resources and professionals.
June 2022
Implement recommendations.
January 2023
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: student/family feedback and surveys, new health and wellness policy application, stakeholder understanding of available resources
02
Develop a district taskforce to study student behaviors and their impact on classroom practice; examine positive behavior models and social-emotional best practice resources to develop district staff K-12; review district anti-bullying policies and practices to ensure consistent implementation. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Form taskforce with wide cross- section of district stakeholders.
Complete
Develop behavior/ social-emotional policy recommendations based on best practice research; review anti-bullying policy and develop recommendations.
January 2022
Provide staff development opportunities.
June 2022
Implement recommendations.
August 2022
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: taskforce policy recommendations, consistent application of anti-bullying policy, unified K-12 positive behavior model
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Goal #4
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Objective Create a student attendance task force to study attendance irregularities in the district; create actionable strategies to educate parents. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Create district attendance task force.
June 2021
Study district attendance data to make inferences.
June 2021
Define attendance action steps and strategies based on data study.
January 2022
Communicate strategies to all stakeholders (students, teachers, parents).
June 2022
Implement attendance action steps and strategies.
August 2022
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: creation of attendance task force, attendance action steps and strategies, increased parent/ caregiver education and support of attendance issues, improved student attendance data
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Goal #5 Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (Understand. Celebrate. Belong)
Embrace an atmosphere that is accepting and respectful to all staff, students, families, community members and visitors. Promote a positive culture through purposeful dialogue while valuing inclusion and diverse perspectives.
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Embrace an atmosphere of acceptance.
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Promote a positive culture through purposeful dialogue.
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Value inclusion and diverse perspectives in academics, arts and athletics.
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Seek input from all local stakeholders.
Goal #5
01
Objectives Create a diversity and equity advisory council to assist in the development of a district diversity plan; ensure district policies promote inclusion and equity of underrepresented groups. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Create district advisory council with diverse stakeholder representation.
February 2021
Establish diversity and equity priorities and action items.
November 2021
Perform district practices review to ensure alignment with established priorities and action items.
January 2022
Alter district practices (when applicable).
March 2022
Communicate district diversity and equity priorities to all stakeholders.
Ongoing
Implement priorities and action items.
August 2022
Track and measure success by determining what impedes of what advances diversity, equity and inclusivity within the district.
Ongoing Annually
Success Indicators: creation of equity and diversity task force, district policy review, creation of new policies (when applicable), creation of diversity and equity priorities and action items, student/staff/family surveys, creation of a culture of acceptance and inclusion
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Goal #5
02
Objectives Focus efforts to recruit and retain diverse staff members that more accurately reflect the student population of Plain Local Schools. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Determine open positions throughout the district.
April – Annually
Visit, recruit, and develop relationships with colleges, universities and technical training centers for highly qualified candidates.
September – Ongoing
Build partnerships and programs to expand the flow of potential diverse staff members.
Ongoing annually
Identify internal and external partners who can assist with recruitment.
Ongoing annually
Track and measure success.
June – annually
Success Indicators: new relationships and dialogue with colleges/universities/technical training centers to increase diverse applicant pool
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Goal #6 Finances (Responsible & Transparent)
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and transparency in all aspects of operations and management. Maintain a proactive stance in planning for future district needs within the confines of current and projected (future) funding.
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Strive for fiscal responsibility and transparency in spending
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Take a proactive stance with future needs
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Engage in lean process systems for management and operations.
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Attempt to solidify and enhance revenue sources
Goal #6
01
Objectives Publish and promote a series of simplified/community friendly graphics to further educate the stakeholders and taxpayers on current and projected (future) expenditures. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current external communications related to finance. Determine applicable financial data points to communicate. Create financial dashboard on district website. Create community-friendly graphics and speaking points to communicate district finances. Implement financial dashboard. Track and report success.
Success Indicators: new financial dashboard, community-friendly data deliverables, community surveys
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Create a projected financial assessment of future facilities’ needs in concert with master facilities plan; provide community updates related to projected cost of potential projects, bond issue resources and/or potential OFCC partnerships. ACTION STEPS Audit current five-year forecast and communicate financial realities.
Prepare community report and educational resources related to bond options and OFCC partnerships. Deliver financial reports during master facilities community engagement meetings. Communicate plan to public stakeholders. Implement plan. Track and report success.
Success Indicators: community resources, financial reports, district facilities financial assessment
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TIMEFRAME
Goal #6
03
Objectives Perform a comprehensive audit of district revenue sources and non-payroll expenditures; communicate any threat to revenue sources and potential expenditure reduction or reappropriations. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Perform audit of all revenue. Determine vulnerabilities and opportunities in regard to revenue sources. Assess district expenditures compared to academic outcomes. Review expenditures history and variance. Determine expenditures relevance to classroom instruction and/or support. Increase/protect revenue as indicated by audit. Eliminate expenses with no ROI for district/students as determined by audit. Track and measure success.
Success Indicators: district revenue and non-payroll expenditures audit, opportunities to increase or stabilize revenue, elimination of non-essential cost items
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PLAIN LOCAL SCHOOLS STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal #7 Business Operations/Human Resources (Efficient & Effective)
Enhance the quality of the Human Resources department through proactive planning and streamlined implementation processes.
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Prioritize proactive planning for Human Resources to ensure effectiveness.
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Recruit, retain and develop a world-class staff dedicated to serving all students.
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Create and promote district policies that effectively guide decision-making and management.
Goal #7
01
Objectives Implement a targeted system of transportation, food service, teacher, support staff and substitute teacher recruitment to obtain quality professional staff; create purposeful systems for the development of staff morale and culture-building to retain quality professional staff. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Develop marketing collateral for recruiting quality personnel.
January – Annually
Deploy communication related to staff recruitment through job fairs, open interviews and targeted partnerships to broaden applicant pools.
March – Annually
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: increased substitute pools, staff surveys, staff longevity studies, decreased turnover rates
02
Prioritize professional development opportunities for the advancement of all staff members related to district goals; implement support mechanisms to avoid staff member burnout. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current staff professional development opportunities for all departments.
Ongoing
Provide targeted professional development opportunities based on staff member feedback.
Ongoing
Track and measure success.
June – Annually
Success Indicators: staff surveys, performance improvement, development of staff and department leaders, “train the trainer” opportunities, staff passing post-training assessments
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Goal #7
03
Objectives Ensure consistent policy and rule application between district buildings; create systematic expectations for students and staff members regardless of building. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Perform administrative policy review and development sessions.
September 2021
Create clear policy expectations for individual buildings.
January 2022
Implement policy review based on changing laws and potential impact.
August 2022
Track and measure success.
January 2023
Success Indicators: new administrator expectations, consistent policy application, parent/staff feedback, new policy review system
04
Perform a best-practices audit for district operations including maintenance/custodial, food service and transportation; perform department comparative analysis with other likedistricts. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Acquire best practice solutions and models from like districts.
Ongoing
Implement applicable solutions.
Ongoing
Track and measure progress.
Ongoing – Annually
Success Indicators: data-validated efficiency improvements, cost-saving measures, policy recommendations for improvement review system
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Goal #7
05
Objectives Conduct classroom support personnel/paraprofessional audit to ensure optimal staffing levels in each classroom; provide specific guidelines and expectations for paraprofessional utilization. ACTION STEPS
TIMEFRAME
Audit current paraprofessional utilization.
January 2022
Define district paraprofessional expectations.
June 2022
Make recommendations for paraprofessional policy and procedure improvement.
August 2023
Implement recommendations.
TBD
Track and measure success.
May 2024
Success Indicators: new paraprofessional utilization expectations, improved student outcomes, improved teacher/ paraprofessional relationship
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