School board strategizes for future

It’s good to have goals so you know which direction to go.

The Grand Coulee Dam School District board of directors discussed the district’s “Strategic Plan” Monday night and the goals it contains.

Superintendent Paul Turner described the strategic plan as a “living document” as the group discussed its three goals, the objectives behind each goal, and possible changes to the goals, the order they’re in, and other aspects of the document that the board may feel needs amending, or clarification.

Board Director George LaPlace wants more input from staff and others on the direction and shape the strategic plan takes.

Goal one in the current document is to “provide educational programs and enrichment supporting each student in reaching his/her potential,” with objectives related to providing a diverse array of classes, building community partnerships for internship/mentorship programs, and before- and after-school activities.

Goal two is to “continuously improve the safety, security, and learning environment for students and staff” and breaks down into objectives related to “positive behavior interventions,” family engagement, and more.

Goal three is to “continuously promote student’s engagement in their own learning,” which breaks down into the objects: to “inspire and monitor student accountability in their own learning” and to “focus on customized/personalized instruction.”

The order of these goals and how they should break down came into question during the meeting.

“We’re really focused on the students and getting them to that point where they want to learn and they have that drive to learn,” LaPlace said at one point.

LaPlace also noted that some students can take a more advanced math class, but some don’t know it’s an option. He expressed an interest in the district making those options known and possibly applying that to other subjects.

Turner described opportunities geared toward the school’s Career Technical Education program, including

a home healthcare program in the high school to help students qualify to take care of elderly people,

working on more computer coding programs within the school,

getting a partnership going with a carpenters union for apprenticeships, and more.

Turner also praised the Alternative Learning Environment program, which has about 27-33 students at a given time and is self funded, helping students, who would not otherwise be on track to graduate, to earn their diplomas.

The strategic plan will be brought back to the board at a future meeting for final approval.