City schools continue planning


Thursday, April 24, 2008
Community \| Obits \| Editorial & Columnists \| Society \| Sports \| Education \| Classified Ads \| Calendar of Events \| Features \| Newsbriefs \| Legals \| Archives \| Subscriptions \| Photo Gallery

City schools continue planning

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

Discussing education
Artis Walton of Holly Springs visits with consultant Dr. Ilean Richards.

The Holly Springs School District met for a second session to draw up a set of goals to work toward for five years, once the document is completed.

The vision and mission statements for the plan are not nailed down yet, but some goals were discussed Tuesday evening of last week at the high school library with school board members, administrators, and members of the community.

Photo by Sue Watson

Five-year strategic plan
Superintendent Irene Walton talks about the planning process.

Attendance and participation in planning is by invitation, according to superintendent Irene Walton.

Consultant Dr. Ilean Richards, of the Leland School District, wants to streamline the planning so every goal fits within the vision and mission statements before the process is over.

Reviewing, Richards said the vision should reflect what the community as a whole wants for the future of the district.

She said the purpose for the district must be defined.

“Until you know what the purpose for the district is, the purpose will be at odds with what is on a day-to-day basis,” she said. “You have to decide the vision based on what will be day-to-day.”

The vision must be backed up with programs and resources to prepare students for the selected objectives set to meet the goals, Richards said.

Several goals suggested by those present at the planning session last week included:

reaching a 90 percent graduation rate as a minimum goal.
increasing parental involvement and participation in the strategic planning.
“Unless we get the people here, it is going to be hard to pull off,” one person said.
motivating students to learn so they will be able to go to college without any remediation required.
coordinating development of the school in step with and including everyday culture and the business and church community.
increasing the motivation of teachers and staff.
hiring more highly qualified staff and teachers who exhibit professionalism. Involve employers and ask for their ideas and financial resources to reach goals.
preparing graduates for the workforce by teaching specific skills to include work ethic, cooperation, collaboration as well as subject content. Goals would serve a dual purpose to prepare students academically for college or for work upon graduation.

Richards asked the planning group to narrow down its list of goals to four or five but six were kept on the list for further consideration.

School board member Dr. Paul Lampley asked Richards how many goals were met in the Leland School District.

Richards said the schools are Level 5 but the goals were outdated for the present and future career opportunities in the Mississippi Delta. The economy is changing with fewer agricultural and industrial jobs, she said.

Holly Springs alderman Tim Liddy asked if the school district thinks it is adequately funded.

Richards answered that when seeking grants, funding must match and relate to the goals outlined by the district.

Dr. Marian Tally asked for Advanced Placement classes that challenge students to reach above and beyond what is required at grade level as well as to those students who are not struggling with course work.

She wanted students to aim higher.

“If it is not a goal, it won’t happen,” she said.

She said schools have a list of activities to offer beyond what is required in the classroom.

During the session, six goals, some of which may overlap or fit within another were selected for further consideration:

increase parental involvement in their child’s education.
hire and retain highly qualified teachers.
increase the graduation rate to 90 percent.
increase emphasis on technology to prepare students for work.
develop a culture of excellence.
provide challenging academic work for students at every grade level.

Report News: (662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Questions, comments, corrections: south@dixie-net.com
©2004, The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.

Web Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter

Back | Top of Page