Westlake City Schools Strategic Planning Committee Shares Outline With Board of Education

Over five months in the works, the Westlake City Schools Strategic Planning Committee presented their final outline to the board of education Tuesday night according to their website.

Cleveland.com reported that the plan covered the following areas:

• finance
• curriculum and technology
• facilities
• communication and community partnerships
• and culture and environment

Some of the highlights of the plan include:

Finance: "to ensure a dedicated local revenue stream for ... operating the district." Additionally, the plan recommended looking into business partnerships and grants to garner additional financial support.

Curriculum and technology: "to create a systematic framework ... aimed at educating the whole child."

Facilities: "guarantee equitable facilities that maximize the ability to make data-driven decisions."

Communication and community partnerships: "a grassroots approach" while underscoring the importance of engaging residents, local organizations and businesses. A communications event is planned for the beginning of the school year.

Culture and environment: "build a culture of inclusion, collaboration, open-mindedness, respect and inspiration."

Interim Superintendent Geoff Palmer told Cleveland.com "It's critical for us to understand how our main stakeholders perceive our priorities and the role of the schools in the community."

"It's very forward-thinking," said Board President Carol Winter. "It builds on the great things that are going on already, but also looking far ahead. (Everyone) will be working together, rolling up our sleeves, to talk about the specifics."

The outline will be placed on the board's April 25 agenda for final approval.