Cass School District 63 Strategic Plan Still a Work in Progress

Parents and teachers will have to wait a little bit longer before learning more about the updated  strategic plan.

“I had high hopes we’d be able to get a little further with goal development over the summer, but we just didn’t get it done to the level we were hoping for,” said Superintendent Dr. Kerry Foderaro at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Last November, the district partnered with School Exec Connect, an educational consulting firm, to develop or enhance the school district’s vision and operational plan.

As part of the project, 10 focus groups were held last winter and spring comprising community members, staff, parents, guardians, community leaders and alumni. 

“The feedback was all really great from the focus groups,” said Board Member Beth Lopez. “From that input we have developed three very clear vision statements to consider, and next the administration is going to be putting together goals.”

When asked by Board Member Timothy Banks if the process seemed to be taking longer than expected, both Lopez and Foderaro assured the board that this was not the case. 

“Actually, we’ve been working in a very condensed timeline for the strategic plan process,” Lopez said. Both Lopez and Foderaro mentioned that in the past, neighboring districts had taken on strategic planning projects that took a few years to complete.

Lopez also noted that her committee wanted to make sure that updated strategic goals were not set without the input of new Principal Christine Marcinkewicz, who was hired in April and assumed the position last month.

More information on the strategic plan will be presented at the September District #63 Board of Education meeting. The vision and goals can be enacted within this school year, according to Lopez. 

“By mid-fall we’ll be sharing more information through presentations to community,” she said. 

In other board news, all members agreed that the Finance Committee should continue an initial investigation it has started to potentially refinance some of its bonds to generate revenue for capital improvements.   

“The last time we significantly looked at our facilities was over a decade ago,” Foderaro said. “This is an idea that the Finance Committee has which could help with upkeep. Our schools need to last 50, 75 or 100 years … we have a level responsibility to make sure our facilities are as conducive as possible for teaching and learning now and for the next generation."

Board President Mike Webster said he is a proponent of the bond refinancing idea.   

“We are in an interest rate environment that is very advantageous to consider this,” he said.    

It is not yet clear what the total amount gained from bond reinvestment might be.  District financial planner William Blair estimated it could be in the $700,000-$1 million range. 

Foderaro explained that refinancing the bonds would not require a referendum vote. He noted that the district would hold a public hearing for community input and questions if the concept is something that the board decides to pursue. More information will be presented to the board by Finance Committee Chair Bill Carpenter in the coming months.

The next Cass School District #63 Board of Education meeting will be held on September 20, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at Cass Junior High.