Unified School District #377

Strategic Plan

Board of Education

2006-07 State of the District Report to the Community

Greenbush North Notes from 01/10/08

The USD 377 Board of Education, administration and staff are committed to providing each student with a quality education designed to teach 21^st century skills.  We believe every child can learn and be successful, and that a high-quality education is the fundamental right of every child. 

As your superintendent for the past two years, I have focused our efforts on creating a culture of academic excellence where students can experience the personal growth necessary for success.  Crucial to these efforts is our ability to build a strong parent-based partnership where each student's academic plan for success is developed and closely monitored by both the school and the parents.  Our ability to provide the type of high-quality education system our students and parents deserve depends greatly upon our success to develop and strengthen parent-school relationships.

Continuous Improvement

Another key component to delivering each student a high-quality education is our belief in a fundamental process that is systems-based, ongoing and founded on the concept of continuous improvement in everything we do.  The major emphasis of our work has been:

• to align our curriculum with state standards,

• improve teaching methods by focusing professional development on research based teaching strategies,

• upgrade the district's technology and network infrastructure,

• add programs designed for students needing extra academic assistance

• significantly increase the rigor of our curriculum.

Facilities

Of the many challenges facing the district, none are greater than our aging facilities.  In the fall of 2005, we began a coordinated effort to study our facilities and develop a plan for how we can continue providing the necessary programs and resources to all students.  Now, one year later, we have moved one step closer by completing the initial phases of a district-wide facility study.  Over the next few months we will be sharing information that architects and administration have put together, with all district stakeholders as we move into the next phase of the process.  I am fully confident that by working closely with our parents, patrons and communities we will be able to develop a plan that will allow us to continue providing a high-quality education and that is mindful of the fiscal realities of this community and its taxpayers.

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
 

Over the past five years, this district has earned 17 State Standard of Excellence awards.

On the 2006 state assessments:

• nearly 80% of all USD 377 students scored at the proficient standard or above in Reading and

• nearly 70% of all students scored proficient or above in Mathematics. 

• we have met all AYP requirements since the inception of the federal NCLB law.

As your superintendent of schools, I am dedicated to providing each student with the type of high-quality education we can all be proud of. 

Sincerely,

Steve Wiseman, Superintendent of Schools