Board funds strategic initiatives

Another significant milestone in the development of a new five-year Strategic Plan was reached last night as school board members approved a budget framework to address critical needs determined throughout this year’s planning process. The School Board directive authorizes increased funding in curriculum, technology, safety, behavioral support, student engagement and Latino student and family outreach.

“The Board directed me to strategically spend down about 1% of our ending fund balance reserve to target programs, activities, and enhancements next school year and beyond,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “These strategic investments were a direct result of the feedback from staff, parents, students and stakeholders during the near-six-month listening campaign that helped inform our strategic direction and plan.”

The four consistent themes of high quality instruction, aligned and coherent systems, social and emotional needs and safe and engaging environments which surfaced to anchor the district’s new Mission Statement are embedded in last night’s funding decision.

“We worked hard to find out what the needs are of the district and we’re listening to those needs and we are addressing those needs,” said School Board President Dr. David Hampson. “This is what our district staff and community are telling us we need to do so I feel very good about the direction we have taken.