Wednesday, August 15, 2012
In her August monthly report, Gross said since taking on the role of superintendent she has began to formulate a foundation for establishing the district’s new mission statement and goals.
“I would go as far as to say it’s about putting us all on the same page as to … the main objectives we are trying to address,” Gross said told board members.
The seven-member school board began considering changing the district’s goals and mission statement at the end of 2011.
Business Manager Tiffany Forester said in a past Tribune article that board members thought it would be a “good idea” to review the statements because the district’s goals may not be the same as they were in the early 1990s.
“What they (the school board) ended up doing was kind of putting that (district goals) on hold until a new superintendent was hired,” Gross said. “So I took the information that was shared with me when I began and began using that as a foundation.”
Gross outlined six goals for the district, in no particular order, that would replace the district’s current objectives, which were adopted in October 1993:
They include:
* Community engagement with the parent/family environment
* Curriculum instruction and assessment
* Recruit, retain and train highly effective staff
* Build capacity for use of technology operation and instruction
* Develop a long-range facilities plan
All of the revised goals include action plans to help the district fulfill its ambitions and explain the value and importance of each.
Gross said she will continue to meet with building administrators to “get some indicators” as to where certain individuals would like to see the direction of the district go.
“I eventually will be working with teams of teachers from each of the buildings to really put the action plan into place so that we are all taking ownership of these goals,” Gross said. “Some discussions will include community leaders and different organizations, as well.”
It’s important that community members understand and “take ownership” of education locally, Gross said.
District goals serve as an “agreement” among staff, that are adopted through the school board.
In other business, the board:
* Heard that the staff opening ceremony will be held at 7:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 20. Gross said it will include several presentations, a performance by the Fort Scott High School drumline and a few words from school board President Janet Braun.
* The district’s reception for new employees will be held at 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, at the Board Office before the school board’s monthly meeting. Board Secretary Connie Billionis said the informal reception provides an opportunity for new employees to meet board members.
* Approved a 5-cent increase in the price of adult lunch fees, according to a news release.
The full price for an adult lunch was $3.15 at the end of July. A full price breakfast was $1.95.
* Approved hiring: Angela Kemmerer, early childhood coordinator in the Early Steps to Success Program; Nancy Geneva, Fort Scott Middle School ticket clerk; Jenna Campbell, Fort Scott High School assistant freshman volleyball coach; Erin Broadbent, Winfield Scott Elementary School counselor; Dustin Wiley, Eugene Ware Elementary School physical education teacher; and Jared Martin, FSMS football coach.
The panel also approved the following employment matters: The resignation of Jeanie Murrow, Eugene Ware paraeducator; the resignation of Julie Mewhinney, Fort Scott Middle School ticket clerk; retirement request of Phyllis Combs, FSHS cook; and a maternity leave of absence request for Amy Hixon, FSMS science teacher.
A special board workshop is scheduled for 5 p.m. today with Doug Moeckel, of the Kansas Association of School Boards at the Board Office. The workshop is meant to assist board members with the transition into the school year with the new superintendent.
Angelique McNaughton 