East Knox Local Schools has initiated a strategic planning process involving community participation to outline the district's future objectives. A group of 27 district residents and staff members were invited by Lindsay Bush, president of the board of education, to form the strategic planning core team.
The initial meeting took place on February 25 at East Knox Elementary School. This session was the first in a series of four meetings planned through April. Cheryl Ryan from the Ohio School Boards Association and consultant Kristi Robbins led the discussion, setting up further sessions on March 18, April 1, and April 22.
The Ohio School Boards Association is guiding this two-month planning initiative under a contract with the school district. "This strategic plan will build on current initiatives and assist the district in aligning its vision, mission and key goals," stated Bush in a letter about the project. She expressed hopes for an inclusive process resulting in a practical plan that would guide decision-making and foster school improvement and student success over several years.
Central to this planning effort are insights from a recent survey that drew responses from 546 community members. Superintendent Richard Baird remarked on the successful commencement of the planning process: “The Feb. 25 session was a great start to the strategic planning process. Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. Robbins and core team members will prepare for more in-depth discussion on March 18.” He added that results from these sessions would be shared following their conclusion in April.
The participants in this initial meeting included various stakeholders such as students, parents, educational leaders, community partners, and other representatives who are involved with or have an interest in East Knox Local Schools' development.
