Q: Do you have an update about the district’s strategic plan?
A: A planning committee comprised of teachers, administrators, students and community partners met this summer to develop our strategic plan. This year’s plan, which contains yearly goals as well as three-year and five-year goals, was more focused than usual because it is coming right after our accreditation process. We were able to use data, surveys, interviews, and focus groups from accreditation. The school board will vote on the plan at our September meeting.
Q: What does the strategic plan contain?
A: In addition to their commendation of our school district, the accreditation board identified five areas for improvement, so we knew what to focus on in this year’s strategic plan. All aligned with our mission, vision and beliefs. The five areas are:
- Stakeholder communications and engagement
- Teacher and staff recruitment and retention
- Student voice for self-directed long term learners
- Student academic growth
- Technology
Each of these areas has objectives, critical initiatives, and key measures.
Everything the board approves needs to tie back to our strategic plan. Our business and community partnerships are woven into each area as well as safety and growth of the district. The plan also contains contingency plans for the unknown.
Q: What are the goals for the district this year?
A: Our overarching goals for this year are: All students read at grade level by third grade; all middle and high school students will experience a career and/or academic acceleration opportunity; and all students demonstrate good behavior resulting in a decrease in suspensions and major disciplinary actions.
Q: What can you tell us about the status of classroom libraries this year?
A: All books in our school libraries and classroom libraries have to be listed on our school district’s media system, Destiny. The books that are listed have been reviewed by a certified media specialist within the county as per Florida statutes. Books that have not yet been reviewed by a certified media specialist are being removed until such time that they can be reviewed. Our media specialists worked hard over the summer to get as many books approved and in the system as possible. They continue to work now that school has started. This is a huge process, but in the end it gives parents transparency.
Q: How can our readers contact you?
A: They can email me at kelly.barrera@stjohns.k12.fl.us or call me at (904) 547-7510.
