Strategic
Implementation Team: Putting CACIEE Recommendations Into
Action
In February
2006 the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committee on
Investing in Educational Excellence (CACIEE) provided
recommendations on establishing short and long-term fiscal
stability in support of academic achievement for Seattle Public
Schools. The recommendations focused on leadership and management;
academic investments; and fiscal viability.
The
committee’s work, and the full report, is available on the
CACIEE website.
A
three-member, strategic implementation team, reporting directly to
Superintendent Manhas, is coordinating implementation of many
of the recommendations. Highlights of action steps taken to date
include:
Leadership
- A new Chief
Academic Officer was appointed; and a comprehensive reorganization
of the learning and teaching function is being implemented to
better align resources, support, and accountability for
schools.
- A
professional development and training plan for central office
program managers and senior leadership is planned for
implementation beginning summer 2006. The focus is on increased
skills in finance, budget, supervision and other areas.
Academic
Investments
- School Board
authorized a minimum of half of the anticipated 2007-2008 savings
from school consolidation and closure be redirected to
classrooms
- School Board
authorized the expenditure of $2 million to implement a six-period
day in all high schools beginning fall 2006
Fiscal
Viability
- School Board
authorized a pilot program to transition high school students to
Metro, with Ballard and Franklin scheduled for fall 2006.
- District leaders are
working with real estate management experts to maximize lease
revenue income.
- For the
first time, in 2006 the District has received safety net funding
for excess special education costs from the State.
- School Board
initiated a process of school consolidation and closure, with a
vote on a final plan scheduled for July 2006. Actions would be
effective in fall 2007.
