Superintendent’s ReportBoard of Education

Entry Plan DataJanuary 16, 2013

7:00 p.m.

Participation in Entry Plan Events has provided invaluable insights and

allowed the Superintendent to quickly gain a broad understanding of the

Laurel School District. John D. EwaldSuperintendent of Schools

Laurel School DistrictSuperintendent’s Retreat with the Board of Education

Entry Plan Data

Superintendent’s Entry Plan Events Student Town Hall Meetings

Laurel MS Laurel HS

Listen & Learn Events Parent Listen & Learns Student Listen & Learns Department Listen & Learns

Community Leader Interviews Elected Officials Community Leaders as Determined by

Stakeholders

Superintendent’s Entry Plan Events (cont’d.)

Neighborhood Chat Laurel Public Library

District Staff Interviews

Department Interviews

Principal Interviews

Board of Education Member Interviews

Superintendent’s Entry Plan Events

Two Questions Were Asked What are the best things in the Laurel School

District, what are our celebrations? What are the challenges in the Laurel School

District, what do we need to work on?

Celebrations:

Exceeding DE AYP on State Assessments Laurel HS Academic Achievement Aware Appreciative Students Dedication and Collaboration of Staff Students stayed because of Advanced Placement

(AP) Sense of Family Community is Strong Red Ribbon Week Good Classes; Algebra, Methods, Problem Solving Good Sports

Celebrations (cont’d.):

Project Based Learning Band, Band, Band iPads through Grants Cohesive Staff Focused on Students Sense of Community Enthusiasm in Schools Exceptional Staff Collaborative Planning Exchange of Instructional Practice

Celebrations (cont’d.):

Classes are not interrupted. Significant Improvement and Change There is opportunity and challenge. Tremendous teachers and caring staff. All new custodial equipment. New Superintendent. Open door policy. DCAS scores are up. Successfully made it through substantial

challenges. Great communication through Connect ED. Always on time.

Celebrations (cont’d.):

Groundbreaking ceremony is near. Kids are great! We all know each other. Laurel HS Achievement Award Great staff Building New Schools Great Tech Team Very Driven and Successful School District The Financial Recovery Team (FRT) has Left

Town Community Support

Celebrations (cont’d.):

District Office Staff’s Ability to Multi Task Good, bright students. Integrated PreK Program Including special education students back into the

District. Support for Kindergarten students at risk. Sports Community Principals Red Ribbon Week Honor Roll Teachers never giving up on us! Courses Commitment of Staff We all want to go to college!

Only recognizing athletes, not scholars. What do I do after Spanish III? DCAS Uniforms Not ready for DCAS Not enough time in classroom or content,

all DCAS. Money/Finances Technology Parent Engagement Translation Services Tech support in each building

Challenges

Reductions in Staff Inclement Weather Bus Needed Professional Development for Support Staff Children Have Many Needs Culture of Respect Consistent Implementation of Policy and

Regulations Hard to Keep a Superintendent School Choice Parent Attendance Communication Perception About District is Not the Best

Challenges (cont’d.):

Challenges (cont’d.):

Faculty and staff spread too thin. Transparency and Communication Professional Days for Specialists Grants – Businesses – Utilization DPAS Component V Too Much Paperwork PLC’s are Huge Disruption for Families Technology We need a PR Director to “sell our schools.” Continuing need for AP Classes Parents are making choices outside the District for 7-

12. Need for a Parents’ Academy

Challenges (cont’d.):

Starting School Year without a Budget Parental Involvement Home Access Not Used in All Schools Hungry Students Poverty Students Frustrated by Discipline of Others School Board Needs a Representative Body Technology Old and Outdated Parent Involvement with Conferences Need for Vertical Alignment & Discussion Accountability Tools

Challenges (cont’d.):

Mistrust of the District SMART Boards in Every Classroom that

Work Programs for Kids Who May Fall Behind Financial Transparency/Trust Issue Information – Communication – Connect

ED Superintendent Should be in Buildings &

Classrooms Huge Budget Issues Poverty Level Not Enough Electives for Students

Input for the Superintendent Greet Students More Student Town Halls with More Grade

Levels Medical Programs Look & Listen Meet the People Open Lines Visibility Classrooms Transparency Walk the Talk

Board of Education’s Analysis of Entry Plan Data

Theme 1

Theme 2

Theme 3

Theme 4

Theme 5

Superintendent’s Analysis of Entry Plan Data

Student Achievement

Learning Opportunities

Trust

Transparency

Technology

Communication

Board of Education’s Draft Strategic Goals

Goal 1

Goal 2

Goal 3

Goal 4

Goal 5

Superintendent’s Draft Strategic Goals Provide rigor, relevance and relationships to

each of our students.

Graduate students who are college and career ready.

Create a self-sustaining workforce.

Engage our community in meaningful ways.

Provide each student a 21st Century Education.

Engaging Our Stakeholders

Superintendent’s Day in the District; 1-9-13, North Laurel ES Laurel Lions Club Meeting; 1-10-13

Superintendent’s Leadership Story, Vision for the Laurel School District & Updates on Construction

Superintendent’s Town Hall Meeting; 12th Grade Students, Laurel HS, 1-22-13 Superintendent’s Town Hall Meeting; 8th Grade Students, Laurel MS, 1-22-13 Laurel Odd Fellows Club Meeting; 1-24-13

Superintendent’s Leadership Story, Vision for the Laurel School District & Updates on Construction

Superintendent’s Day in the District; 1-25-13, Laurel MS Superintendent’s Day in the District; 1-31-13, Laurel IS Neighborhood Chat; Laurel Public Library, 1-31-13

Superintendent’s Leadership Story, Vision for the Laurel School District & Updates on Construction

Superintendent’s Day in the District; 2-1-13, Laurel HS Laurel Chamber of Commerce Meeting; 2-6-13