Strategic Plan - Next Steps and Community Meeting Dates
Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D. is leading development of a strategic plan for the future of Seattle Public Schools. On May 7, the School Board held a workshop at which the Superintendent presented a Strategic Plan update, and a presentation was also provided on Stakeholder Engagement. Community meetings are planned for May 14, 15 and 20. The final report from McKinsey & Company, along with detailed appendices, are posted on the District's Strategic Planning Web site. Peer reviews and Board presentations are also posted on our Web site. Staff and community members are encouraged to share impressions and feedback with the Superintendent and strategic planning team at strategicplan@seattleschools.org.
Seattle Center/Memorial Stadium - Plan overview on display May 23-26 at Center House food court
Prior to the March 12 School Board meeting, City of Seattle officials presented the draft Century 21 Master Plan for Seattle Center. The plan includes proposed changes to the District?s property at Memorial Stadium. The public is invited to see an overview of the plan on display May 23 - 26, in the north end of Center House food court.
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Washington State Bullying Prevention Conference to be held May 22-23
The Third Annual Washington State Bullying Prevention Conference - a joint effort of Seattle Public Schools, the Puget Sound ESD and the Northwest ESD 189 - is scheduled for May 22-23 at the Everett Events Center.
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Program and Services Reviews - Highlights and full report available online
Seattle Public Schools continues to review what is working and what needs to be improved across our system. As part of that process, the District commissioned a series of external program and services reviews, including our Alternative Education Programs, Accelerated Progress Program and Communications, Curriculum, Special Education, Academics and Operations departments. Full reports and overviews are available on our District Web site.
For the latest news from around the District and schools, read School Beat, our District e-newsletter
School Beat, an electronic newsletter covering District and school-based news, is published twice a month for the staff and community of Seattle Public Schools. School Beat includes news and information on School Board meetings, student and staff accomplishments, school and community news, and upcoming events. The Public Affairs Office is always looking for stories on interesting classroom projects, inspirational people, or events in our schools to share with the greater Seattle community. If you have a unique story to share, please send your ideas to goodnews@seattleschools.org.
BEX III Projects - Construction on Denny/Sealth, Hamilton, Nathan Hale, Ingraham begins this summer
Building Excellence III (BEX III), a capital bond, was approved by voters in February 2007. The bond funds renovation or replacement of four high schools, two middle schools and one K-8 school; and provides for other capital improvements. For more information on BEX III Projects, visit the BEX Web site.
Illustration on right shows an artist's rendering of the Denny/Sealth campus. |
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Dr. Maria Goodloe-Johnson: Entry Plan and Focus on the Future
Dr. Goodloe-Johnson continues to follow the entry plan that she introduced in July. The Superintendent's orientation to Seattle included a bus tour of schools in each District accompanied by community leaders and the School Board Director from that District. In addition to providing a geographic orientation, the bus tours were an opportunity to learn about the community: its history, points of pride and current challenges for families in each District. The bus tours were followed by informal community gatherings over lunch where the Superintendent met and talked with people from the District. For more information and copies of Superintendent presentations, visit the Superintendent's Web site.
District Improvement Plan Update
Seattle Public Schools "District Improvement Plan" (DIP) is a blueprint for implementation of specific systemic changes needed to bring about improvements in achievement for all student groups in all of our schools. Developing and publishing a DIP is a state requirement.
Student Assignment Plan Review
The School Board approved a framework, based on input from community meetings, that establishes parameters for revising the student assignment plan. The framework is organized around five components: elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, school choice and the Southeast Education Initiative. Staff are working to more fully develop each component. Extensive community engagement will be a key part of the process. No major changes are planned for 2008/2009. It is expected that a new plan will be approved by the Board in time to implement beginning in 2009/2010. For updates visit Student Assignment Plan revisions.
School Board adopts "Weighted Staffing Standards" model to fund schools
Over the past two years, Seattle Public Schools staff and the School Board have considered a change in the method of funding schools. On October 17, the Board voted to make this change. The Board motion that describes the change is available on the School Board Web site, and additional background information is available on the Weighted Staffing Standards Web site.
