Board Goals 2010-11 Adopted by the Board of Education on 8/11/10
I. Communication
All Stakeholders will effectively, honestly, and respectfully communicate with all district constituents, to openly address concerns, improve district culture and reach district goals. This will be achieved through open communication and affirmative teamwork that will create a positive culture in which all students will be prepared to succeed in the world.
II. Teamwork
Develop positive and supportive relationships in which all staff can grow professionally and work together. Involve, through the leadership of the district and building level administration, all staff members as critical players who truly work together to exchange ideas and to have a voice in school improvement at all levels. Foster an environment where individuals share best practices with colleagues during scheduled times during the school year.
III. Academics
Improve student performance PreK-12 in all academic areas for all children using a data driven format including but not limited to the following:
- Improve Graduation rates. Graduation rates are currently (2010) in the 68% range. Graduations rates should improve yearly barring unforeseen circumstances (i.e. changes in graduation rate formula calculations).
- Improve the percentage of students reaching minimum standards in the classroom and on all assessments.
- Improve the percentage of students reaching mastery level learning in the classroom and on all assessments.
- Support and implement opportunities for students to think creatively.
All staff development should be as research-based as possible and should be driven by district goals. Staff development should be comprehensive as to include all district staff. Staff development should includetechnology and data analysis training to improve instruction.
IV. Board of Education
Maintain a Board of Education governance team at the highest levels of professional conduct. Follow all three areas of the Sunshine Laws (The New York State Open Meetings Law, the Freedom of Information Law and the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) at all times.
Remember that no single Board member speaks for the Board as a whole, with the exception of the Board President, and only as authorized by the Board.
Bring all questions and concerns to Board meetings to be discussed and, if needed, in Executive Session to foster open and full communication of the Superintendent and Board as a group. If needed, the superintendent will investigate matters, and report back to the board.
V. Buildings and Grounds
Develop a working system of oversight and accountability in maintenance of all buildings and grounds. Achieve timely preventative maintenance throughout the physical plant through careful assessment and planning. Continuously improve appearance of grounds and buildings.
Develop a plan to both upgrade and maintain present facilities in both the short term and long term.
VI. Financial Integrity
Our district’s finances are to be kept secure, and well-administered.
- The Board of Education is to be kept apprized on a timely basis of any important issues or problems.
- The district will continue to comply with current laws and regulations, including, financial training for Board members, claims auditing, internal and external audit.
- The district will continue to support efforts for initiatives to consolidate services with other municipalities to achieve cost savings, as recommended by both the 21st Century Local Government: Report of the New York State Commission on Local Government Efficiency & Competitiveness, and New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief: Final Report to Governor David A. Paterson.
- These savings will be used to provide a quality education to our students while balancing fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
- Seek unconventional sources of funding including, but not limited to, grants from public and private sources. This funding should be, in part, sought to replace lost revenue from New York State.
- Revise and coordinate student fundraising efforts to avoid duplication and proximity.
- Investigate, collaborate and motivate all shareholders, individually and as groups, to initiate resource saving ideas and actions to insure the sustainability of our districts’ educational mission.
VII. Student Safety, Behavior and Wellness
The Board of Education expects the Fallsburg School District to have a safe and healthy environment, both physical and mental, for all students and staff. Implement district-wide initiatives, involving students and staff, to reduce bullying and harassment, improve internet safety, increase tolerance, and build citizenship. Where discipline is required, follow an established policy in a timely and consistent manner. Monitor yearly behavior statistics to target interventions at all levels. Increase the role of all stakeholders with regard to disciplinary concerns.
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