District 65 Invites Stakeholders to Participate in Strategic Planning Process

The following was submitted by District 65:

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is embarking on a strategic planning process that will set priorities for the next three years and needs everyone in the Evanston and Skokie community to get involved.

“We are very excited about the start of the new school year and are ready to take on the challenge of working hard together to ensure success for all but we can’t stop there,” said District 65 Board Member and Strategic Planning Liaison, Candance Chow. “While we must focus on today, we must also think about and plan for the future. We need everyone – educators, students, parents, families and community members – to work together to ensure we support the learning of every child, every day, whatever it takes.”

The strategic planning process will require everyone in our community to contribute to the development of a strong and effective plan that reflects the issues and concerns of all stakeholders. Built into the development of the plan will be opportunities to serve on committees, share perspectives and weigh in on drafts.

The first two opportunities to help with the strategic planning process are:

• Serve on a Committee

The strategic plan will be developed by five working committees that will each focus on one of the following key areas: high quality teaching and learning; thriving workforce; safe and supportive school climate; family and community engagement; and financial sustainability. Each committee will be staffed by 10-12 members, using an open nomination process and will include at least one student, parent/guardian, teacher, principal, support staff member, district administrator, subject matter expert, and/or resident of Evanston or Skokie. Committees will reflect the diversity of our community.

In addition to the five working committees, there will be an external advisory committee made up of a broad and representative group of community partners. This committee will meet at three key times during the process to provide input and guidance on next steps.

To nominate yourself or someone else for either a working committee or the external advisory committee, please find instructions for the application process atwww.district65.net or any District 65 school. Applications must be completed and submitted by September 26th at 5:00 p.m.

• Review and comment on the draft mission statement

A working draft of a mission statement was shared at the September 8th Board of Education meeting. This draft was based on feedback collected during the superintendent search and through Dr. Goren’s school and community outreach since joining District 65 in May. The District is seeking further community-wide input to help refine the following draft mission statement:

Through the collective efforts of students, educators, family and community, we will inspire and prepare each student to achieve academically, grow personally, and contribute positively to our global society by providing an engaging and enriching educational experience in a creative and collaborative environment. Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes.

“Hearing from all of our stakeholders is vital to this process and we know this plan will be strengthened by their feedback,” said Ms. Chow.

To comment on the draft mission statement, please send an email to input@district65.net or visit the office of any District 65 school by September 26, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. The revised mission statement will be presented at the October 20th board meeting.