West Babylon School DistrictStrategic Plan

Community PresentationWork in process

January 2010

Facilitated By: PLC Associates, Inc. Affiliate of New York State School Boards Association/Advisory Solutions

Vision

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We dedicate the resources of our school system to develop the capacity of our students to take personal responsibility for their learning and well-being

in order that they may become productive members of society. Trustee, employee, parent and student cooperation is vital to these efforts. Thus, we

encourage respectful dialogue among all those concerned.

We promote high academic achievement for all students.

We commit our energies to enable students to understand and appreciate the Constitution of the United States, Bill of Rights and the civic virtues

necessary to sustain a democracy.

We promote among students respect for oneself and for others, a sense of personal integrity and commitment to community service, as well as a sense

of fairness and honesty.

We provide protective care for our students in response to their needs for security, support and encouragement.

Mission

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We, the West Babylon School Community, declare our commitment toprovide educational experiences of quality which enable all students to

learn, share, lead and compete in the global community. Our commitment is to provide a school system dedicated to the proposition

that all students will become lifelong learners who take pride in their work and in their service to others.

We, therefore, endeavor to continually improve the quality of our work.

Beliefs

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We believe that all stakeholders share a common goal to provide a safe, nurturing, student-centered environment in order to produce future generations

of responsible citizens and lifelong learners.

We believe that education is a cooperative and collaborative endeavor among all stakeholders.

We believe that effective, honest communication is essential to mutual understanding.

We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to achieve his/her potential.

We believe that flexibility and open-mindedness are necessary for growth and change.

We believe that transparency is necessary for organizational integrity.

We believe that all stakeholders are accountable for their decisions, words, and actions.

Parameters

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Our work will be guided by the district’s Mission and Vision statements.

We will consider innovative ideas beyond the stated Mission, Vision, and Beliefs of the district.

When possible, decision-making will include a review of evidence and data.

When possible, decisions will include the stakeholders involved.

We will revise/add/eliminate programs or services only after careful evaluation and assessment of stakeholders’ needs and consideration

of necessary support (training, budget, materials, personnel).

We will maximize the use of our resources.

We will engage in continuous improvement using reflective practices.

West Babylon School District

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Yiendhy FarrellyRay GrazianoLinda PennJoanne Rudis Emma ChasenChristine Iaquinto

William Hill Ralph RienzoLinda KronenbitterJoAnn ScottEllie Levy Christine Esposito

William Doran Paul BryanLaverne Marri-PerezJessica LaFeminaEllice VassalloChris Losito

Wendy DeGaetanoPatty AcocellaKrista GranieriJennifer PastoreElizabeth ThielChip Larson

Walter ShinnersPatricia ShannonKim KearonJennifer Longo Elissa MostranskyCharles Germano

Vicky HarinskiPatricia CaffeyKevin DelaneyJennifer DeMariaElise HeatonCassandra Mensch

Tony CacciolaPat SquicciariniKevin BrowerJennifer BergmannDonna McGrathCarolyn Brett

Tom LeonbrunoPaige O'ConnorKelly ConnollyJen CarereDominic PalmaCarol Varsalona

Tim KahlerNicole ScalaKathy SteinJeffrey CarsonDom SquicciariniCarla Kramer

Therese ColemanNicole MarcikKathleen GibbsJeanne FitzgeraldDiane ThielBridgette Borland

Tara LimperatosNatalia BillingsKathleen Flynn-BissonJane ChiapponeDiane MenkeBrandon Plinto

Steve O'Leary Nancy Walsh-Smolenski

Karol CraigJamie VogelDiane DeBlasioBob Ingenito

Stacy GingMichele Feryo ReadKaren SchmidJames LynchDiane ChristieBernadette Gisonda

Shawn HanleyMichael MackJune ShepardIan RodgersDiane CarrozzoAnthony Spinelli

Sharon WolkiewiczMark Flower Julie PowersHillary FazioDebra HenthorneAnthony Decissio

Scott PayneMarissa HymowitzJoseph HickeyHenry BiancoDebra Christansen

Amanda Poulos

Scott BauerMargaret DeGraffJoseph DeGaetanoHeidi BirrDeborah GoodwinAllison Giorgianni

Robin JensenMarc LevensonJoe Serigano Harry TheoDeanne CasaleAlice Peters

Robert NevilleLuis LoachaminJoe RussoGregg CunninghamDan HomanAdrienne Ruggieri

Richard O'MalleyLiz GarlandJoanne ThorschmidtFrank GentilescaChristine TonaAdrianne Goldenbaum

Strategic Planning Task Force Members

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Task ForcesStrategic Direction & Leadership

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Fiscal Responsibility & Value in Education

Facilities & Operations

District Culture & Human Resources

Student Success

Technology & Innovation

Task Force #1: Strategic Direction & Leadership

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Strategic Intent #1: Strategic Direction & LeadershipBy 2014, 75% or more of the individuals within the organization will learn to think strategically.Key Initiatives1. Continuous professional development to educate all workforce groups in the process of strategic

planning and its implementation.2. At regular intervals, all members of the workforce will participate in a statistically valid survey to assess

their progress toward the goal of thinking strategically.3. At all meetings of existing district committees (SQT, SMT, SQRC, etc.), strategic planning will be an

agenda item.

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Task Force #1: Strategic Direction & Leadership

Strategic Intent #2: Strategic Direction & LeadershipBy 2014, 75% or more of the individuals within the organization will clearly understand their roles and their contribution to the strategic planning process.Key Initiatives1. Job descriptions will be evaluated and brought up to date.2. The board of education will attend professional development programs in order to remain current in the

governance of the district.3. At regular intervals, all members of the workforce will participate in a statistically valid survey to assess

progress toward clearly understanding their roles.4. All student organizations will evaluate the roles and responsibilities of members and clearly define their

purpose.

Strategic Intent #3: Strategic Direction & LeadershipEstablish a district wide process for evaluating progress toward successful completion of system wide goals.Key Initiatives1. Creation of a governance board to oversee continuation of the strategic planning process.2. Ongoing, open, honest, timely communication between all task force groups.

Task Force #2: Community Engagement & Partnerships

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Strategic Intent #1: Community Engagement & PartnershipsBy 2014, we will develop communication methods to enhance relationships between the school district and the communityKey Initiatives1. Determine methods to promote better communication and partnerships with the community.2. Determine methods for reaching out to non-English speaking parents.3. Encourage faculty to utilize available technology for developing their own websites4. Determine ways to educate parents to utilize technology.5. Determine ways to utilize existing parental involvement to create an interactive network among parents,

the district and community.

Strategic Intent #2: Community Engagement & Partnerships By 2014, community involvement and participation at school and district events will increase by 20%.Key Initiatives1. Determine events and activities for which an increase in participation and involvement are needed.2. Identify methods by which to measure participation and involvement already occurring.3. Identify reasons for lack of participation.4. Identify methods to enable parents/community members to take part in functions of the district.5. Identify methods that can be used through technology to increase community communication.6. Identify events that can be combined in order to increase participation.

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Task Force #2: Community Engagement & Partnerships

Strategic Intent #3: Community Engagement & Partnerships By 2014, we will have initiated partnerships with 20% of businesses and other organizations in the community.Key Initiatives1. Determine the number of businesses and organizations within the community.2. Determine the businesses and organizations with which we already have established relationships.3. Determine how we can work with businesses and organizations to contribute to the quality of education.4. Determine how the district can show its appreciation to businesses and organizations working with us.5. Investigate the formation of a Chamber of Commerce for West Babylon.6. Determine the role of West Babylon graduates in the business community.7. Determine the role businesses can play in preparing our students for the 21st Century.

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Task Force #3: Fiscal Responsibility & Value in Education

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Strategic Intent #1:Tax Rate and TransparencyWe will propose a responsible annual tax rate.

Key Initiatives1. We will make budget information more user-friendly and readily accessible to the community.2. We will examine the utilization of district budget reserves.3. We will examine the prioritization of non-mandated and non-contractual spending.4. We will examine the impact of declining enrollment.Strategic Intent #2: Future Needs & Alternative ResourcesBeginning with the 2009-2010 school year, data will demonstrate that (a) the district is conducting ongoing assessment of future needs, (b) prioritizing related expenditures, and (c) seeking alternative funding sources.Key Initiatives1. We will seek out opportunities to partner with local companies and municipal government agencies

for bulk purchases. (c)2. We will assess current business contracts and alternative sources in order to identify and utilize the

most cost-effective vendors. (b, c) 3. We will prepare a three (3) year capital improvement projection. The projection will be maintained as

a working document and updated annually. (a, b)4. We will prepare a three (3) year general fund budget projection. (a)5. We will investigate the employment or retention of a full-time grant writer. (c)

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Task Force #3: Fiscal Responsibility & Value in Education

Strategic Intent #3: Perceived Value of a West Babylon EducationBy the 2013-2014 school year, the community’s perceived value of a West Babylon education will increase by 10%. (Based upon survey data. Survey will be administered 1X per year, beginning in 2009-2010.)Key Initiatives1. We will conduct a district wide survey of West Babylon residents, community-based businesses, and

community-based organizations to determine the level of satisfaction with the value of a West Babylon education.

2. Based upon the survey results, action plans will be created to address areas that this task force deems necessary to increase the community’s perceived value of a West Babylon education.

Strategic Intent #4: Allocation and EquityBy the 2013-2014 school year, district spending data will demonstrate a shift in the allocation of some resources in support of equity vs. equality.Key Initiative1. We will identify categories to be used in distinguishing equal vs. equitable distribution of resources.2. We will examine each of these categories to determine the efficacy of distributing resources equitably

vs. equally.3. Based upon this examination, we will make a determination as to whether resources should be

distributed equally or equitably.

Task Force #4: Facilities & Operations

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Strategic Intent #1: Facilities & OperationsBy 2013-14, we will increase the overall safety of the school district and develop future strategies for continual improvement.Key Initiatives1. To Improve Employee Safety2. To Improve Student Safety3. To Improve Building Safety

Strategic Intent #2: Facilities & OperationsBy 2013-14, we will improve our facilities providing an environment conducive to learning and allowing our students to maximize their education.Key Initiatives1. Compare curriculum to available space.2. Upgrading existing facilities in order to compete in the 21st century

Strategic Intent #3: Facilities & OperationsBy 2013-14, we will increase the district’s environmental sensitivity and develop plans for future improvements. We will lower the district’s (carbon footprint) and increase the overall energy efficiency of the facilities by 10%.Key Initiatives1. Reduction of Waste2. Reduction of Energy3. Improve Building Health

Task Force #5: District Culture & Human Resources

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Strategic Intent # 1: District Culture & Human ResourcesBy 2013 – 2014, all staff members will participate in relevant staff development which will improve job performance.Key Initiatives1. Identify a tracking tool for individual employee’s staff development.2. Survey staff to determine areas of interest and perceived need.3. Identify appropriate levels of staff development relevant to each employee’s job function.4. Design a web-based calendar with filter options for staff development events.5. Design a measurement to determine effectiveness of staff development.6. Consistently utilize Superintendent’s Conference Day to provide relevant staff development for all

employees.7. Identify a variety of job-embedded models for staff development, such as push-in, pull-out.8. Utilize program evaluation to determine necessary staff development.

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Task Force #5: District Culture & Human Resources

Strategic Intent #2 : District Culture & Human ResourcesBy 2013 – 2014, a minimum of twelve district forums will exist so all stakeholders (parents, students, residents, business leaders, community groups) will have opportunities to have their voices heard.Key Initiatives1. Invite additional community stakeholders to district forums, like SQRC, PTA, SQT, PTA Council,

Wellness Council, Character Education Committee, and BOE Meetings.2. Invite staff members to attend existing district and community forums, such as PTA meetings, Knights

of Columbus, Leo Club, and Lions Club.3. Create a committee with a strong school-to-career focus that engages the West Babylon Schools,

community, and business groups.4. Invite community members, such as veterans, into the schools for presentations.5. During school events, inform community members of district initiatives.6. Involve community members in district grant opportunities.7. Use the district website as a forum to disperse communication about local events.8. Examine our current hiring process.

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Task Force #5: District Culture & Human Resources

Strategic Intent #3 : District Culture & Human ResourcesBy 2013 – 2014, the correlation among the District Performance Scan, Community Engagement Survey, and PD Survey will reach 100% in the shared vision of collegiality, cooperation, and excellence in achievement.Key Initiatives1. Survey instructional and non-instructional staff annually to identify strengths/weaknesses using our

district staff development surveys.2. Survey staff annually to identify strengths/weaknesses using the District Performance Scan.3. Survey community members annually to identify strengths/weaknesses using the Community

Engagement Survey.4. Identify key questions in each survey which focus on collegiality, cooperation, and excellence in

achievement.5. Celebrate employee successes such as receipt of tenure, longevity of employment, procurement of

grants, presentations at conferences, etc.6. Promote sharing amongst staff of information from conferences, professional courses, webinars, etc.

Task Force #6: Student Success

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Strategic Intent #1 Elementary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, our district will encounter an annual increase in the percentage of students scoring a level 4 on the Grade 3-8 New York State ELA Assessment.Key Initiatives1. To implement a staff development initiative with the goal of bringing success to all students;

particularly level 3 & 4 students.2. To utilize local and state assessment data to inform instruction and implement effective instructional

strategies that will enhance student achievement.

Strategic Intent #2 Elementary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, we will narrow the gap between our performance and similar schools performance on the Grade 3-8 NYS ELA, Science and Mathematics assessments. Key Initiatives1. To evaluate instructional materials to ensure they correlate with state learning standards and

performance indicators.2. To research best practice instruction in comparable districts.3. To utilize local and state assessment data to inform instruction and implement effective instructional

strategies that will enhance student achievement.

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Task Force #6: Student Success

Strategic Intent #4 Elementary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, at risk students in Grades K-5, who are identified by our Response-To-Intervention program in reading and mathematics, will demonstrate incremental individual growth through our established progress monitoring system.Key Initiatives1. To develop a Response-To-Intervention program (unfunded mandate).2. To educate parents/guardians about the Response-To-Intervention model.

Strategic Intent # 3 Elementary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, each accountability group in Grades 3-8 will exceed Adequate Yearly Progress targetson all state assessments.Key Initiatives1. To identify students in each accountability cell.2. To utilize local and state assessment data to inform instruction and implement effective instructional

strategies that will enhance student achievement.3. To evaluate programmatic supports for students in all accountability groups.4. To improve staff communication to address students’ needs in at risk accountability groups.

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Task Force #6: Student Success

Strategic Intent #6 Secondary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, our district will have seen an annual increase in the percentage of students who achieve a level 3 or higher on all AP exams.Key Initiatives1. District will increase communication to faculty, students and parents about AP classes/exams.2. District will provide more opportunities for students to complete AP prep work (after school, weekends,

during the day).3. We will review our current acceleration and enrichment programs.4. District will review and provide a procedure for identifying students for AP course work.5. AP teachers will participate in professional development opportunities and initiate research based best

practice instructional strategies.

Strategic Intent #5 Secondary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, our district will have an annual increase in the percentage of students who earn an advanced Regents diploma.Key Initiatives1. District will provide increased communication to faculty, students and parents in regards to graduation

requirements. (Specifically, the difference between Regents and advanced Regents diplomas.)2. We will ensure that all students will be proficient at grade level benchmark assessments in each content

area.3. Teachers will collaborate and effectively use student data to inform instruction.4. District will review foreign language program to ensure all students have the opportunity to complete

three years of a language and to take a regents exam.5. District will identify potential students for an advanced Regents diploma.

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Task Force #6: Student Success

Strategic Intent #8 Secondary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, our district will be at or above the national average on /ACT examinations. Key Initiatives1. District will increase communication to faculty, students and parents in regards to the /ACT

examinations.2. District will review our current /ACT programs and look to increase participation.3. District will increase opportunities for students to participate in /ACT prep courses (after school,

weekends, during the day).4. Teachers will participate in professional development training.

Strategic Intent #7 Secondary AcademicThrough 2013-2014, our district will have seen an annual increase in the percentage of students who achieve 85% (mastery) on NYS Regents exams; we will also see an annual increase in the percentage of students who achieve 65% (passing) on the NYS Regents exams.Key Initiatives1. To utilize assessment data to inform instruction and implement effective instructional strategies that will

enhance student achievement.2. To develop a plan to communicate and involve parents/guardians in the process of enhancing student

achievement.3. To develop strategies to address at risk students and evaluate programmatic supports for all students.

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Task Force #6: Student Success

Strategic Intent #11 Social/ EmotionalBy 2013-2014, the overall school climate will improve yearly in all seven (7) buildings as measured by student reflection, student attendance, behavior incidents, and student involvement.Key Initiatives1. To research/develop a way to measure school climate (i.e. student survey on school climate).2. To review student involvement in co-curricular areas and clubs/activities.

Strategic Intent #10 Social/ EmotionalBy 2013-2014, all K – 12 students demonstrate an understanding of the social emotional values identified by the West Babylon School District Social Emotional Learning Program (Character Education Program).Key Initiatives1. To investigate different ways to measure this intent 2. To develop strategies to address at risk students.

Strategic Intent #9 Social/EmotionalBy 2013-2014, 100% of students will participate in a district-wide comprehensive Social Emotional Learning Program.Key Initiatives1. To clearly identify components of SEL. (Character Education Program is part of SEL.)2. To involve students in the SEL planning and implementation process in every building.3. To educate parents, faculty and students regarding district wide SEL initiative.4. To evaluate current mentoring programs within the district.

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Task Force #6: Student Success

Strategic Intent #13 PhysicalThrough 2013-14, our district will see an annual increase in the percentage of interscholastic athletic teams that are recognized as scholar athlete teams.Key Initiatives1. To identify the requirements from Section XI athletics for obtaining this award & communicate the

requirements and expectations to the athletes, teachers, coaches and parents/community.

Strategic Intent #14 PhysicalThrough 2013-14, our district will see an annual increase in our sportsmanship rating of our interscholastic teams as determined by Section XI.Key Initiatives1. To educate our students, faculty and parents about acceptable sportsmanship behavior.2. To develop an internal process to evaluate the sportsmanship of our athletic teams and spectators

Strategic Intent #12 Physical Through 2013-14, our district will see an annual increase in healthy life style choices as evidenced by a decrease in the average Body Mass Index (BMI) of our students. Key Initiatives1. To review the current practice of how is recorded and evaluated.2. To implement programs that reduce Body Mass Index (BMI)

Task Force #7: Technology & Innovation

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Strategic Intent #1: Technology & InnovationBy 2013-2014, 100% of Our Staff Will Indicate They Have Access, Support, and Appropriate Training in Using Technology to Communicate Effectively.Key Initiatives1. We will enhance the level of correspondence among all school community stake-holders via the use of

technology.2. We will increase the utilization of available assessment tools and reporting systems to acquire and share

valuable data to inform future instruction.3. We will provide a system for sharing technology-based lesson activities among staff members.

Strategic Intent #2 : Technology & InnovationBy 2013-2014, 100% of Our Staff Will Indicate They Have Access, Support, and Appropriate Technology-Based Training to Perform Their Job Responsibilities Effectively.Key Initiatives 1. We will ensure that the teaching faculty of the West Babylon School District will have the support and

appropriate technology-based training to sustain learning, teaching, and student success at the classroom level.

2. We will ensure that the non-teaching staff members of the will have the support and appropriate technology-based training to perform their job responsibilities effectively.

3. We will use 21st century technology to increase productivity among the entire staff.

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Task Force #7: Technology & InnovationStrategic Intent #3 : Technology & InnovationBy 2013-2014, 100% of Our Staff Will address the Technology-Based 21st Century Learning Needs of the Students in This DistrictKey Initiative1. Teaching teams will develop technology-based curricular objectives Kindergarten through twelfth

grade.

Strategic Intent #4 : Technology & InnovationBy 2009-2010, The District Will Develop and Maintain a Procedure to Review All Aspects of Technology Tools to Ensure Consistency with the District’s Instructional Goals and Budgeting Process.Key Initiatives1. We will appropriately distribute hardware and software on a needs basis.2. We will establish a cyclical procedure to update the network operating system, network servers,

desktops, desktop operating systems, laptops and other district hardware.3. We will establish a repository for shareable hardware and software.

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Congratulations to the West Babylon Community!

We are on a clear, focused, purposeful path.

Good Great

Now Great Extraordinary!