BVSD seeks strategic planning input

It’s the public’s turn to be part of the Brandon Valley School District’s strategic planning process, and 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 is that time. The meeting will be held in the community room at Brandon Valley High School.

Superintendent Dr. Jarod Larson said the objective of the process is to develop district goals and action strategies to further advance student outcomes. 

“It’s a tool for driving growth and improvement,” he said. “It’s a tool for continual growth. It’s a tool for us to identify opportunities and to get better in those areas, all the while holding onto all of the great things that have led to academic excellence to this point.”

While new strategies may be implemented, Larson said it’s important to continue with programs that have led to the district’s success. 

“There are a strong number of things that we currently do that obviously remain a component of success and of the strategic plan. That is one thing that I was very clear with our teaching staff, our administration, this is not a ‘throw the baby out with the bath water.’ This is really an opportunity to engage in discussion about what we do really well, what are our weaknesses, what are our greatest opportunities for growth, and what do we think would be most impactful to our kids and the success of the District,” he said.

At Thursday’s meeting, patrons will receive an overview of the strategic planning process, a timeline and purpose for the process. The district’s core operating principle, mission and belief statements will also be reviewed.

“They’re really very good,” Larson said. “As I’ve spoken with all of our previous focus groups, it’s really important to respect the work of previous administration and boards for work that has been done. That’s not to say we won’t tweak one or add a focus of collaboration.” 

In addition, Larson will  enlighten the public on discussions other focus groups (teaching staff, administrative liaison and executive counsels, technology and curriculum boards, classified staff, parents and the high school student council) have had.

“Ultimately, it’s a dialogue about strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for growth and then I’ll let them know about the next steps as we continue to move through the strategic planning process,” Larson said.

District patrons will be updated on the process at a follow-up meeting on April 24, 2018. At that meeting, Larson said patrons will be presented with a rough draft of the strategic plan.

“This is where all of the focus groups have landed, and then we will narrow those items down and make them do-able (because) I think it’s really important to keep it as simple as possible all the while it’s going to be impactful and provide good direction for improvement,” he said. “It takes a while but in the end, I believe it will be very positive for our district and help guide us and propel us to improvement at that next level. We’ve had so much academic success and our students have done so well in the areas of achievement. We’ve done a great job of managing our fiscal resources and our facilities, but I just think it’s really important not to be complacent and continue to look to the future and for ways to grow and ultimately provide the very best educational system and opportunities that we can for our kids.”