The Board of Education held a Workshop Meeting to discuss a new Strategic Plan and its potential focus areas and a timeline. The current Strategic Plan from 2017-23 is retiring.
The Board began by highlighting the success of the last Strategic Plan:
Goal 1: Focusing on Learning
The District overhauled curriculum and assessment systems, which included creation of a curriculum review cycle and key performance indicators for growth and academic achievement.
Goal 2: Connecting the Community
The District strengthened communications by increasing the frequency of District communications and principal newsletters, streaming board meetings, and overall heightening transparency.
Goal 3: Securing the Future
The District successfully passed the facility referendum with overwhelming community support, balanced the budget, and put a long-term fund balance policy in place.
Board members shared that broad community involvement is integral to the new plan, like the previous plan. The process will include survey feedback, in-person stakeholder meetings, and two community committee meetings to develop and fine-tune focus areas. The work will begin this spring with a survey in early April.
The Board brainstormed areas of focus with Strategic Plan facilitator Dr. Robert Madonia. The Board sought to build upon the strong foundation that has been laid with our three current strategic goal areas:
- Focusing on Learning (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment)
- Connecting the Community (Relationships and Communication)
- Securing the Future (Finance and Facilities)
In addition to building on and enhancing our three current areas of focus, the Board also discussed two additional areas of focus:
- Building for Success (Implementing the new K-5 and 6-8 models)
- Cultivating Talent (Personnel, Stakeholders and Students)
Please note that the terms in bold above are the result of the brainstorming session and are subject to change. Additionally, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to build out these key areas of focus with the Board to help set the direction of the District for the next five years.
The next step will be to hold stakeholder surveys and meetings to review the focus areas and develop themes. In addition, there will be a review and possible revision of the mission, vision, and core values. Please watch for ongoing communications about this process and how you can get involved.
Upcoming Events
- Monday, March 27 to Friday, March 31: Spring Break
- Monday, April 3: Classes Resume
- Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m.: Regular Board Meeting at Downers Grove Village Hall
- Tuesday, April 18 at 7 a.m.: Policy Committee
District 58 Board of Education members are: Darren Hughes, president; Gregory Harris, vice president; Kirat Doshi, Melissa Ellis, Emily Hanus, Steven Olczyk, and Tracy Weiner, with Dr. Kevin Russell, superintendent; and Melissa Jerves, board secretary.