5 Year Strategic Plan
2006-2011
Year 2 Review of Action Steps
The Board of Education met Aug. 19, 2008 to hear reports on the Year 2 Action Steps of the District’s Strategic Plan. All district administrators and building principals were in attendance.
For a complete copy of the Strategic Plan, click here.
To read the Year 1 Review, click here.
The following is a summary of those action steps.
Click below to jump to a category.
Action Steps:
1. Research and evaluate alternative funding sources.
The district has spent time working on community reinvestment agreements - city/developer/school
district - that have more than 50% abatement. These agreements
hold the district harmless for the term of the agreement. The Treasurer’s
Office is working to recapturing funding from developers that we should
have received in recent years ($260,000).
2. Evaluate the necessity of implementing fees for athletic/co/extra - curricular
participation.
(Moved to Year 1)
Several different scenarios were proposed. We have put in place a participation
fee for Gr. 7-12 athletics and extra-curricular activities, beginning
with the 2008-09 school year. There is a family cap of $300. ($100 for
sports; $75 for activities)
3. Explore grant opportunities available and apply for those grants where
appropriate.
Education Grant Alert newsletter is shared with Central Office administrators.
Through the GAR Foundation teachers invited to hear about grants available
and invited to apply for those. This school year, one SMF teacher received
a SmartBoard from University of Akron, district had to pay part; one
teacher won a Martha Holden Jennings grant; one teacher won a music grant
for equipment.
The district also receives federal grants: Title I grant funding is for
at-risk reading and math students at elementary level and Lakeview; Title
IIA is highly qualified teacher funding ($130,000) - part for class
size reduction; math professional development; Title III - immigration
grant ($14,000) for partial salary for Limited English Proficiency tutors
and professional development; Title IV is the Safe and Drug Free grant - pays
for anti-bullying speakers; Title V - innovative programs.
The district wrote and received an Ohio Department of Education grant
for Literacy specialists at Lakeview and Kimpton; CDC grant to improve
health and wellness for students; sent teachers to grant writing seminars/OSBA;
provided opportunity to apply for First Energy grants.
Safe Routes to Schools - grant with City of Stow - will be
implemented over the next year.
Title VI-B/IDEA grant (federal flow through dollars from the state) is
based on the district’s child count with students with disabilities.
The grant pays for part of director’s salary, supervisor salary,
speech/language pathologists and psychologists; tuition for students;
and assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Technology Grants:
1) SchoolNet - state grant given to poorer districts; Stow-Munroe
Falls received $33,000 which purchased 36 desktop PC and 16 laptops,
SmartBoard, printer, projector at Kimpton.
2) eTech professional development - to be used for staff development.
3) eRate - allows communication between school and outside world - telephone,
internet - use as a discount or a reimbursement (Nextel or AT &T).
4) Title II-B - to be used for enhancing technology and professional
development.
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1. Review the delivery of guidance services pre K-12.
The committee looked at counselors at K-6, Kimpton and the high school.
A comparison of student to counselor ratio shows that the counselors
have a large caseload ranging from 450 to 1100 students.
Service Delivery of Guidance services K-4 include classroom, small group
and individual instruction. At Grades 5-6 there are individual, classroom
and group sessions; students may refer themselves, questionnaires are
given to students and to staff for assessment. Lakeview counselors stay
with grade level from Grade 5 to 6. At Grades 7-8 there are individual,
classroom and group sessions; counselors assist with incoming 6thgrade,
schedule 8th graders for high school, transition meetings for special
education, keep records and logs of documents; staff and student referrals;
deal with many social issues at this age level. At the high school, the
guidance department uses the unit concept and follow students all 4 years;
they also split duties, schedule students for the next year. They work
with the in-house mental health worker for assistance with students needs.
RECOMMENDATIONS for 2008-09 - Collect data on number of student referred
and what type of setting - individual, classroom or group is used.
2. Evaluate the feasibility of expanding the all-day kindergarten
program.
We reviewed our schools’ available classroom space, additional
cost for staffing and surveyed Summit County schools as to who offers
all-day kindergarten and who charges tuition.
Voters rejected the expansion of this program at the March levy.
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1. Complete a “Best Practices” study
at the high school level.
Best Practice means that research needs to show that what you are doing
is successful.
The high school began using Ed Options, an online service option for
curriculum. The courses are interactive and academically-rigorous. All
education does not happen within four walls of school. This program is
beneficial because it retains students, rather than lose them to charter
school or online school, which means the district also lose funding when
students leave. Ed Options is also for students who may need extra credits
(credit recovery) to get into a career program or for seniors who need
extra to graduate. The high school purchased 20 seat. Ed Options is not
to be used for credit acceleration for students to graduate early.
The high school offered Ed Options for Summer School in 2008 which allowed
out of district students to come in and take advantage of this. A teacher
of record was also in classroom while students worked on their lessons.
Ed Options could also be an option for Home Instruction or students who
are expelled.
In order to improve the quality of time the high school staff has with
our students, it was recommended that we provide meaningful opportunities
for students to meet with counselors and learn about career programs.
One of the other Best Practices we have at the high school is the 8th
grade Orientation. This program reduces the number of students who get “lost” in
high school. Students and their parents learn about groups/clubs students
would be interested in joining.
The high school gives the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) practice test to
9th graders in a large group setting in March. The staff also ensures
they have met all the essential content areas in advance of the test.
Teachers can assist students with practicing the writing and extended
response. Students should also know key vocabulary that will be used
on the test. The staff uses curriculum mapping, differentiated instruction
and Study Island to prepare 9th graders for the practice test.
2. Review
and make recommendations regarding the current high school graduation
requirements.
We need to add one more math class to what is already required in order
to be compliant with the Ohio Core. 2012-2014 will be the effective
date for the Ohio Core (because of revisions). Stow-Munroe Falls High
School
is on track with this initiative.
3. Review the current field trip policy.
We reviewed procedures and created a Field Trip Handbook - copies
for secretaries, principals, department chairs and Grade Level Chairs.
Included in the handbook: the definition of a “field trip”;
Field Trip checklist; district guidelines and approval process; policy
for extended field trips; Board policy; list of suggested field trips
(High School) and required for Grades K-8; letter from Bus Garage.
We need to replace all old forms in buildings. A review of all field
trips is on the agenda every June for the Grade Level Chairs.
4. Align the curriculum preK-12, utilizing curriculum mapping
and pacing guides.
We reviewed and revised textbook standards, pacing guides, content standards,
common assessments, evaluated course offerings. We reviewed the cycle
of the Course of Study. We worked with Summit County Educational Service
Center on content standards. We have curriculum maps in all areas except
Pre-Calc. There is no health/PE course of study from state yet.
5. Align local common assessments with standardized assessments.
Common assessments are used to assist with classroom instruction. They
keep all teachers teaching and moving along.
6. Review
the status of textbooks to ensure they are current and aligned with
the Ohio Academic Content Standards.
Grade 5 Social Studies textbook was out of alignment and new books were adopted
by the Board of Education in June of 2008. The cycle of textbook adoptions
depends on the district’s budget and our needs.
7. Develop and implement a curriculum review cycle.
Cycle is prepared, but not necessarily in stone- it is based on the state models
and when they are released.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the bell schedule utilized in each
building.
Moved to Year 3
1. Develop and utilize an overall facilities assessment plan.
The Ohio Schools Facility Commission conducted a review of all buildings.
That review will be evaluated by an architect and a five-year plan will
be developed. The ADA study will be added to the 5 year plan along with
the Athletic Study.
2. Identify and correct parking issues at the high school.
Concerns were identified about the back parking lot, car, bus, delivery
trucks, parent traffic and walking traffic. The road in back of high
school is too narrow for “in” and “out” traffic.
There is a need for extra parking on side of building and add on to the
front lot. We are working with city traffic control and assistant planning
director. Lack of funds limit the work on this project.
3. Evaluate heating and cooling in all buildings.
We installed additional HVAC controls at Kimpton under the HB 264 project.
Honeywell completed a district review this year; the report will be added
to the five-year plan. Lack of funds limit the work that can be done
on this project.
4. Improve the light and sound in the high school auditorium.
All house lighting was changed out this year. A new dimmer panel is on
order and should be installed by October 2008. An RFP is being developed
for a bid to replace/upgrade the sound systems this year.
5. Develop a plan to repair, replace or remove building carpet.
Building and Grounds have developed a plan that tracks what has been
done and what needs to be done. Plan is reviewed annually with the Business
Manager based on the budget available.
6. Replace Kimpton bleachers. (Moved up from Year 4)
Providing funds are available the Kimpton bleachers are scheduled to
be replaced in 2008.
7. Review our current plans for building landscaping. (Moved
up from Year 3)
High School landscaping was completed in June 2008. The building
principal will assign service groups to maintain the landscaping from
this point
on.
Goal will be to have building principals get the PTA or parent groups
to “adopt a spot” at their school to maintain the landscaping.
Building and Grounds will supply the materials needed. Riverview and
Kimpton were done in July 2008. Fishcreek, Echo Hills, and Central Office
were done in Aug. 2008.
8. Ensure all buildings are ADA compliant. (Moved up from Year
3)
A district-wide ADA study was completed in 2007-08. Safety issues
have been and will be addressed. This ADA study will be added to the
five-year
plan.
9. Communicate with employees appropriate chemical disposal procedures.
(Moved up from Year 5)
Due to Jerrod’s Law, this action step was completed this year.
We worked with science teachers, art teachers, custodians and maintenance
staff. Eye Wash Stations were ordered district-wide to also comply with
the law. Every year custodial and maintenance staff are given instructions
on chemical and EPA disposal.
1. Upgrade surveillance cameras throughout the
district.
The high school was upgraded in 2007. As funds become available, the
following schools will have cameras installed: Kimpton ($14,602); Lakeview
($9,036); Highland ($13,662); Indian Trail ($13,842); Woodland ($14,654);
Echo Hills ($13,812); Fishcreek ($14,650); and Riverview ($14,654).
2. Develop and implement procedures across the district for visitors
to the schools.
Board of Education Policy 9150 addresses school visitors. The
policy indicates that parents, residents of the community and interested
educators
are encouraged and welcome to visit the district’s buildings. The
policy does address that these visits should not disrupt the schools.
The superintendent or principal has the authority to prohibit the entry
of any person to a school or to expel them when there is a reason to
believe the presence of such person would be detrimental to the good
order of the school.
Access to the buildings is gained through a secure entry system at each
building except the high school main entrance.
Sign-in records are maintained in all offices to record the information
pertaining to visits. The following should be part of the record: date
and time of the visit, visitor’s name, staff member being seen,
and purpose of the meeting. These sign-in record sheets are maintained
until the end of the school year.
Upon signing in, each visitor is given a badge which identifies them
as a Visitor. This badge should be worn as they move about the building.
Permanent Visitors or Volunteer Badges are available from Central Office
for individuals who volunteer at the buildings on a regular basis.
3. Repair facilities that may pose an immediate hazard.
Safety items are always the first things repaired by the Buildings
and Grounds crews. Sidewalks, parking lots, pot holes, trip hazards,
outdoor
lighting are constantly evaluated. We now have three trucks that can
spread salt. We have regular building visits from the health inspector
and the fire marshal.
4. Review our student conduct code and modify where appropriate.
Moved to Year 3
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1. Develop alternative methods to train
all staff in technology usage and instructional integration.
We used the “Train the Trainer” model for Study Island. Everyone
learned it at Inservice Day, Nov. 2007. Specific teachers received additional
training so they would be the resource person for their building. We
continued Atomic Learning an online learning resource. We will start
offering webcast or podcast training for substitute teachers - through
Human Resources.
2. Explore alternative methods to obtain additional technology.
People in the community sometimes donate “very used” technology
which sometimes costs us money to repair or is beyond its lifespan. We
will employ terminal services which means we operate off a server. We
will use grants such as SchoolNet.
3. Explore emerging technologies that can be effectively implemented.
We have implemented web-based technology districtwide. State
software is becoming web based. This year we implemented Study Island.
Teachers
have liked using it with their students. The Emergency Notification phone
system is not just for emergencies. We implemented web-based Help Desk
for staff members. We also implemented Kurzweil for teachers and Lexia - reading
software. Open Source software - download for free (open Office).
New web-based Reflections (financial software) for staff replaces the
old software. This year will implement a web-based requisition program
so staff can see the current balance in accounts while inputting requisitions.
1. Develop and implement methods for individuals to share their
professional development experience with colleagues.
We want to implement “Train the Trainer” but need time
for the Trainer to train other staff. Collegial Appraisal Partners
(CAP)
projects were placed on our website so staff can read what others are
doing. Our Math Specialist develops collaboration time with staff and
there is a time of sharing of workshops attended. Electronic chat rooms
are set up for staff (Lakeview). The district has reduced the number
of professional development workshops. High School and Kimpton have sent
fewer people and brought more people in at staff meetings. There is daily
planning time at elementaries, before school. GLC and Department Chairs
have a standard time of sharing on their monthly agenda.
2. Institute an induction program for substitutes, advisors, coaches
and other individuals holding supplemental contracts.
Moved to Year 3
4. Prepare and implement a training program for all classified staff.
We need to be proactive and not reactive in training. By utilizing the
web, we will be able to reach staff faster. We will utilize common trainings - for
example, if the Entry Year Teachers need sexual harassment training,
we will have others who may not have already received this training attend
as well. There will be bus driver training this fall with the special
services department, to discuss communication and working with students.
There will also be training for preschool aides. Secretaries attended
an inservice in August 2008 where they will learn about the Financial
Handbook and procedures for the Treasurer’s Office.
3. Review best communication practices of other districts.
While the Stow-Munroe Falls schools have many similar communication practices,
such as the emergency phone messaging system, staff and parent newsletters,
e-newsletters, etc., based on our review of Best Practices from other
districts, we have the following recommendations:
•
Providing a weekly school “blurb” in the Stow Sentry - something
from each school.
•
Having “office hours” monthly at a place like Arabica for
an hour. Principals and Central Office administrators could be assigned
a rotation. This would be an open meeting for anyone to come in and talk
informally about the schools.
•
Meeting with senior citizens monthly
•
Sending a Friday email from the superintendent called “School Spirit”.
This would be a few points of good news about staff to boost morale.
•
Use of email - if classified staff does not have a school email,
we should be sending announcements to their home email.
•
Utilizing a cable TV station could open up: board meetings, concerts,
games, student achievement highlights, focus on a classroom of the week,
principal interviews.
1. Review the recommendations submitted regarding the high school athletic
facility study.
The athletic director met with coaches, boosters and architect to discuss
cost of the high school concession stand/restroom/ storage facility.
They will list projects in order of importance. There will be a timetable,
budget and construction plan set.
2. Ensure we are in compliance with Title IX regulations.
Athletics must ensure equal accessibility for all students. The Office
of Civil Rights determines how to measure compliance in Title IX. There
are three criteria and schools must show they are compliant in one of
the three. Those three areas are: the percentage of male/female athletes
is about the same as the population (substantial proportionality); the
school has a history and practice of expanding athletic opportunities;
accommodating student athletes’ interests. Title IX also applies
to equal opportunity for hiring. Human Resources department discusses
the list of questions you can never ask in an interview with those doing
the hiring.
3. Compare our supplemental contracts with those of similar districts.
This committee compared our supplemental contracts with those in Kent,
Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls. Not all contracts were reported or able to
be compared district-to-district.
The total number of supplemental positions reported:
Stow-Munroe Falls - 305
Hudson - 182
Cuyahoga Falls - 199
Kent - 222
Common Position Salaries:
Head Baseball coach:
Stow-Munroe Falls - $4501.77
Hudson - $4177.25
Cuyahoga Falls- $3402.00
Kent - $4990.72
Head Band Director:
Stow-Munroe Falls - $4571.03
Hudson - $6645.63
Cuyahoga Falls - $6545.00
Kent - $4990.72
Yearbook Advisor:
Stow-Munroe Falls - $1731.45
Hudson - $2278.50
Cuyahoga Falls - $2430.00
Kent - $3564.80
Key Club Advisor:
Stow-Munroe Falls - $761.84
Hudson - $2658.25
Cuyahoga Falls - $405.00
Kent - $712.96
Common Positions - Number of Staff
Varsity Football Assistant Coaches:
Stow-Munroe Falls - 5
Hudson - 7
Cuyahoga Falls - 7
Kent - 9
Department Chairs:
Stow-Munroe Falls - 11
Hudson - none reported
Cuyahoga Falls - 10
Kent - 115.
4. Explore the possibility of coordinating the efforts of Booster
groups and clarify expectations of Booster groups and their expectations
of the district.
Our parent groups are valued. They are very active in our district and
there should be some streamlined coordination, especially in regards
to fund-raising.
In order to improve communication, the Athletic Booster Executive Board
meets the Friday before the Wednesday meeting.
5. Determine the impact
of fund-raising activities based on the district’s Wellness policy.
Student and parent groups are still selling candy as fund-raisers and
should not do so. They will be discussing this with new staff members
annually. The Wellness policy applies to all food items being sold at
school, regardless of who is doing the selling. The district’s
food service department quit selling candy two years ago and it resulted
in a $20,000 revenue loss. Food Service will send home a newsletter to
parents three times a year and it will discuss the Wellness policy.
(page posted 8/29/2008)