School board studies data during Strategic Plan public work session

School board studies data during Strategic Plan public work session
Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors conducted a public work session Tuesday, May 24 to continue the strategic planning process with consultant Susan Newton of Development Strategies Plus.

The district began work on a new strategic plan earlier this school year with a goal to have the finalized plan completed prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

The strategic planning process started with a comprehensive data collection phase which included more than 220 survey responses, 50 one-on-one interviews with various stakeholders and four student focus group sessions at Walla Walla High School and Lincoln Alternative High School.

The Board of Directors and members of Superintendent Mick Miller's leadership team spent seven hours at the Port of Walla Walla Conference Room during Tuesday's public work session reviewing the data, studying trends and beginning to frame goals for the plan. All school board members were present. The district will also rework its mission and vision statements as part of the strategic planning process.

"This retreat was an opportunity for the board, leadership team and some of the principals to put together the roadmap for the district's future based on input from others" said Newton. "When done, this document will allow all members of Walla Walla Public Schools and the community to understand the district's vision for the future and the steps necessary to achieve this vision."

Next steps include:

1. Prepare the first draft of the strategic plan
2. Invite members of the community to review the first draft and discuss the district's direction based on the input
3. Review first draft of the strategic plan with school district administrators and other district leaders
4. Finalize plan for school board approval
5. Share with all administration to ensure that building plans are in place to support the district plan
6. Develop a communications plan to share new strategic plan with students, staff, parents and the community

Data suggests nearly 80 percent of the people believe the district is headed in the right direction and say Superintendent Mick Miller is off to a great start in his first year. There are high regards for Miller's outreach efforts and transparent communication style. The community would like to see the district better involve parents, students and community partners in the school system.

Data calls for ensuring programs and educational choices are available to meet the needs of all students. There is a desire to maintain high standards for staff, balance state testing with other school activities and offerings, continue to provide a safe learning environment and communicate to all audiences.

"The input we have received will help guide us in the development of this plan and the actions we take in the coming years," said Superintendent Mick Miller. "We appreciate all those who took the time to weigh in on this process and want people to know we will continue to seek their input as we develop action plans to meet the objectives of the goals we set."