Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Columbia School District
Strategic Plan
A Five-year Plan for District Success
January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2017
Adopted December 15, 2011
Plan Manager
Chuck Wyborney, Columbia School District Superintendent
(Version 1, 12/2011)
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Plan Governors and Administrators
Glenda Dashiell
Jim Schrack
Pam King
Hank Etue
Tawhnee Colvin
Chuck Wyborney
Rod Pankey
Dirk Christianson
Board Chair
Board Vice-chair
Board Director
Board Director
Board Director
Columbia Administrator
Columbia Business Manager
Columbia Principal
Community Forum Participants
Kathy Hager
Pat Cox
Kitty Burton
Al Hager
Amber Young
Michael Young
Denise Steele
Joyce Brussard
Dave Lewis
Cathy Cogdell
Scott Stickney
Sharon Kieffer
Glen “Buster” Day
Jim Schrack
Pam King
Roy Lamm
Rhonda Elliott
Trish Moss
Curt Nelson
Michael VanMeer
Tawhnee Colvin
Rod Pankey
Chuck Wyborney
Dirk Christianson
Hank Etue
John Bangert
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Community member
Food Bank board member
Director, Food Bank
Community member
Community member
Community member
Paraprofessional
Community member
Cedonia Community Church
Community member
Community member
Community member
Community member
Columbia School Board member
Columbia School Board member
Community member
Employee and parent
Community member and parent
Teacher and parent
Pastor, Wend End Community Church
Columbia School Board member
Columbia Business Manager
Columbia Administrator
Columbia Principal
Columbia Board Member
Columbia Maintenance Supervisor
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page ................................................................................................... 1
Participants ................................................................................................. 2
Table of Contents ........................................................................................3
About Columbia School District ................................................................ 4
Statement of Commitment ......................................................................... 4
Process ....................................................................................................... 5
Next Steps .................................................................................................. 5
Components ................................................................................................6
Environment ............................................................................................... 7
Values .........................................................................................................8
Vision ..........................................................................................................9
Mission ........................................................................................................9
Goals ........................................................................................................ 10
Goal One: Student Achievement ............................................................... 11
Goal Two: Human Resources ....................................................................12
Goal Three: Finances ................................................................................ 13
Goal Four: Facilities ................................................................................ 14
Goal Five: Communication .......................................................................15
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
The Columbia School District
The Northeast corner of Washington, sometimes called The Forgotten Corner, has fertile valleys
surrounded by forested hills, as well as dozens of lakes and large rivers. The Columbia River is
the dominant feature of the area. Columbia School District #206, located in Hunters, was named
for this Great River of the West.
In the early 1870’s, European settlers began establishing small farms and orchards in the area.
Soon dairying, timber, mining and related industries followed. The vast resources and available
land attracted more people, and small towns sprang up as steamboat trade flourished. As the
population increased, one and two-room schools were built. Farms prospered, businesses thrived
and residents wanted more education for their children. The one and two-room schools were
consolidated into a centrally located district that provided twelve years of education.
The timber industry waned, and mining and dairying have all but disappeared. The population
has decreased and become more transient. Currently, poverty is high and unemployment is above
the state average. These factors create a tremendous challenge for educators.
Supported by the school board and community, Columbia School District has dedicated staff and
administrators, who are determined to meet these challenges. The safety and welfare of children
is paramount, as they continue to seek new ways to help each and every student develop their
knowledge, skills and abilities. Those who work in this district and those who support it are
committed to rising to this challenge.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
To maintain and enrich our obligation to the students, community, parents, and staff, we commit
to this five-year strategic plan.
______________________________
Glenda Dashiell, Board Chair
______________________________
Chuck Wyborney, Superintendent
Columbia School District December 15, 2011
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Process
In August through December, 2011, The Columbia School Board and administrators participated
in a process to develop this plan. First, the School Board and Superintendent’s team established a
new strategic direction. The Board and superintendent participated in a SWOT (strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to assess the current environment and status of
the district. Agreement was found on a streamlined mission statement and an updated vision
statement. Goal areas were identified for guidance in receiving community input.
Next, a community forum was conducted at the Columbia School in Hunters on October 15,
2011. Twenty-six community members gathered in the school cafeteria and contributed input
and perspectives that represent the community values and provide guidance for improvement.
Phil Gore and Colleen Miller, WSSDA Leadership Development staff, guided the process and
recorded ideas on chart paper and photographs.
During the next two months, administrators and staff worked with WSSDA staff to refine the
goals and objectives of the plan and ensure the document is one that will help organize and guide
improved success for the district and students. On December 15, 2011, the Columbia School
Board reviewed and approved the plan in its current form to guide the work of the district and
provide a communications tool to the community. The board is committed to incorporating the
Strategic Plan in its ongoing business and oversight of the school district.
The strategic plan is on the district website at www.columbia206.com.
Next Steps
•
Tasks are being developed into a work plan by the superintendent and administrative
team. These will become action plans that follow a 30-60-90-day process for continuous
cycles of progress and improvement
•
Board agendas will be aligned to goals and objectives of the strategic plan. These steps
include:
o Monthly status reports to the Board on performance of the plan
o Publishing changes as appropriate
o Reviewing and revising the plan annually each summer
Align all district goals and initiatives with the strategic plan
o District Goals/District Improvement Plan
o Board Goals
o Superintendent Goals
•
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Components
Environment
Values
Vision
Mission
Goals
Objectives
Actions
Environment:
Situation within which the strategic plan was developed and is to be
implemented. It includes strengths to be maximized, weaknesses to overcome,
opportunities to take advantage of, and threats to be met.
Values:
Principles and core beliefs that guide the organization.
Vision:
The commitment to create a reality that currently does not exist. An
organizational To-Be that is five years out.
Mission:
A statement describing what the organization does – the services provided.
Goals:
Organizational outcomes that define what is trying to be accomplished both
programmatically and organizationally.
Objectives:
Defines how we will operationalize the Goals. These are focused statements
for how we will fulfill our goals.
Actions:
Specific steps that will be taken to fulfill the objectives, goals, mission and
vision of the strategic plan. These steps are taken in context of the
environment and values of the school district.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Environment
The Columbia School Board and Superintendent participated in a SWOT analysis to identify the
district’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. As is typical with most organizations,
the CSD has items that belong in multiple categories. For example, “small district” can be
viewed as a strength, weakness, opportunity and/or threat.
Strengths
-
Caring adults
Long history
Great kids
Administration, connect with their faculty and community
Close community
This is where I want to raise my child
Class size
Don’t worry about your kids
Strong, positive leadership, working to create a safe environment
Small district
Board works together
Administration works together
Team that encourages and motivates staff
Family here that’s all focused on one thing , the kids
Reaching out to the Native American community
Great teachers, length of service and passion and keep up with changes
Offer great classes
Experienced teaching staff
Weaknesses
• Perceptions about who you are and what name you have
• Newcomers, it’s hard for kids in school
• Not being able to offer some courses
• Not having a lot of students and employment
• Economy
• Funding
• Losing vocational classes
• Don’t do a good job of promoting ourselves
• Lack of turnover of staff
• Board has not in the past had goals or focus
• Limited in resources
• Academic counseling
Opportunities
- Developing appropriate response to community criticism
- Engaging community
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
-
Serving students with higher needs
Offer strong programs that attract students
Higher graduation credit requirement
Reaching out to the Native American community
Invite people to board meetings
Moving location of board meetings
Academic counseling
Threats
- Criticism of the district from community
- Declining enrollment
- Overload and burnout of staff
- Changing demographics, increased poverty
- Threat of consolidation
- Declining voice due to size
- Economy
- Close proximity of district to others, revolving doors for students
- Higher graduation credit requirement
- Kids flip-flopping districts
Values
Values should be viewed in their total context. This list reflects input from students, staff, parents
and community.
Honesty
Respect
Integrity
Fairness
Trust
Responsibility – personal and financial
Hardworking
Innovative
Sobriety
Continuous improvement
Options for students
Enthusiasm for learning
Relationships
Kindness
High morals and ethics
Family
Transparency
Cooperative teamwork
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Vision
The Columbia School District is the heart and soul of a community united to provide the
greatest possible educational foundation to each and every student in the district. The results
are responsible citizens, who are confident in their ability to learn, with every opportunity for
post-secondary/career success.
Mission
Educate and prepare all students for lifelong success.
Critical Success Factors
These ideals are critical for the success of the organization. The factors are listed alphabetically
and need to be considered as a whole unit.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Adequate financial resources
Appropriate facilities
Community support
Cultural competency
Effective School Board
Effective programs
Financial management and controls
Focus on student learning
K-12 aligned curriculum
Long range planning and implementation
Motivated and highly qualified staff
Ongoing quality professional development
Parental engagement
Visionary leadership
Goal Areas
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Student Achievement
Human Resources
Finances
Facilities
Communication
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 1 – Increase the academic achievement of each and every student.
Goal 2 – Attract and retain highly qualified staff that is committed to
professional improvement to best meet the needs of each and
every student.
Goal 3 – Ensure all available financial resources are best spent on efforts
and initiatives to improve the learning of each and every
student.
Goal 4 – Ensure school facilities, furnishings and equipment are
adequately meeting the needs for a learning environment that
provides the greatest possible educational foundation to each
and every student in the district.
Goal 5 – Communicate the successes and needs of our students and
school with all constituents.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 1 – Increase the academic achievement of each and every student.
Objective 1.1 –
Objective 1.2 –
Objective 1.3 –
Objective 1.4 –
Objective 1.5 –
Objective 1.6 –
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Monitor the progress of each student with a goal of 3%
increase in all areas tested.
Incorporate classroom based formative assessments that
help students and teachers check for understanding and
make real time adjustments for improved learning.
Develop enriched and diverse curriculum by expanding
options with appropriate online learning and partnerships
with neighboring districts and colleges.
Engage students in taking responsibility for their own
learning and meeting learning objectives through incentives
and rewards.
Increase the use of technology in the classroom in ways that
are known to improve student engagement and learning.
Provide career preparatory pathways for students.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 2 – Attract and retain highly qualified staff that is committed to
professional improvement to best meet the needs of each and
every student.
Objective 2.1 –
Objective 2.2 –
Objective 2.3 –
Objective 2.4 –
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Develop written hiring policies to employ staff with
backgrounds and skills that represents the diversity of the
district.
Develop and maintain professional development for all staff
that is collegial, job-embedded, goal specific and linked to
targeted improvement of student learning.
Require increased strategies to incorporate the use of
technology in the process of teaching and learning.
Explore opportunities to better serve the needs of all
students through offering alternative learning experiences.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 3 – Ensure all available financial resources are best spent on efforts
and initiatives to improve the learning of each and every
student.
Objective 3.1 –
Objective 3.2 –
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Work with stakeholders and experts to identify a fiscally
responsible annual budget that maximizes learning
opportunities for students and staff.
Identify and consider potential new revenue sources, to
include: local, state, federal, non-profit or corporate grants.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 4 – Ensure school facilities, furnishings and equipment are
adequately meeting the needs for a learning environment that
provides the greatest possible educational foundation to each
and every student in the district.
Objective 4.1 –
Objective 4.2 –
Objective 4.3 –
Objective 4.4 –
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Develop a long-range facilities plan that addresses
anticipated needs for improvement over the next 10-20
years.
Identify ways, with little or no cost, to maximize the quality
of current facilities and make them more attractive to
students, staff and community.
Conduct an energy efficiency audit to identify and address
cost-savings, improvements and explore means to
implement recommendations as soon as possible.
Annually ensure that all facilities and equipment comply
with necessary regulations for handicap accessibility and
the health and safety of students, staff and community.
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Columbia School District Strategic Plan
Goal 5 – Communicate the successes and needs of our students and
school with all constituents.
Objective 5.1 –
Develop a written communications plan for the district.
Objective 5.3 –
Identify and employ multiple methods to recognize staff for
outstanding efforts and accomplishments.
Objective 5.2 –
Objective 5.4 –
Objective 5.5 –
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Initiate a key communicators group that meets monthly
with the superintendent to share input and concerns about
the district.
Employ strategies to highlight unique and significant
accomplishments and actions of students.
Establish a semi-annual community forum that encourages
open exchange of ideas with the public for improvement
and meeting mutual expectations.
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