Volunteers gather to refresh strategic plan for Carson City schools
Submitted by editor on Thu, 09/15/2016 - 6:16pm
Since 2011, the Carson City School District has seen a long list of accomplishments including free full-day kindergarten at all schools, a mobile device for every student in grades three through 12, a school-based health center and increased accessibility to courses in science, technology, engineering arts and math.
Addressing a room full of more than 100 participants, Superintendent Richard Stokes credited the Empower Carson City 2017 strategic plan with the successes outlined in the meeting. At the same time, he called on those gathered to help shape a new plan for the district.
“I have worked without a plan and I have worked with a plan,” he explained. “It’s 180 degrees. It keeps us focused as a district on where we’re going.”
The original plan was formed through a series of public meetings in 2011. It is time, Stokes said, for that plan to be refreshed.
“We want you to take a look at the objectives and see if they still ring true,” he said. “Are they still the type of education systems you see as pertinent and current?”
Under the direction of moderator Steve Lewis, of the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension, participants divided themselves into groups based on the strategic plan’s five goals: Community Partnerships, Engaged Parents, Exceptional Staff, Healthy Generations and Curriculum that Matters.
“I would encourage you to be drawn to what your talents and passions are,” Lewis said.
Deepti Arun, 11, a Carson Middle School sixth-grader attended the meeting with her father. They joined the Community Partnerships group.
“I thought I’d just learn about what’s going on,” she said.
She joined the group for its potential to affect lives.
“It helps kids think differently,” she said. “It’ helps them with their learning.”
School board trustee Ron Swirczek ran for the school board in 2010 on the platform of creating community partnerships. That process evolved into the creation of the strategic plan.
“If you have true community partnerships, it completely raises the level of achievement and gives every one of these kids an opportunity for success in life,” Swirczek said.
Each group reviewed the objectives outlined under the individual goals. They are tasked with to go over each strategy and objective then make suggestions to revise or update them.
The groups will meet again on Sept. 29 to review the suggestions. Participants will present their recommendations at the Oct. 20 meeting.
A draft will be finalized on Nov. 27 to be presented at the Dec. 13 meeting of the Carson City School Board.
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