By Bill Short
The Millington School Board has approved on first reading proposed revisions to its policy that required it to develop comprehensive long-range plans for the district.
Board members took the action during their Sept. 3 meeting on a motion offered by Roger Christopher and seconded by Mark Coulter.
The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Chris Denson absent.
The proposed revisions are scheduled for final reading at the board’s Oct. 7 meeting. The policy was first approved in March 2014.
It required the board to develop long-range plans based on the following:
(1) identifying and analyzing the major factors that affect what and how students learn;
(2) developing and implementing a written five-year plan to be updated every two years that includes a mission statement, goals, objectives and strategies and also addresses the Tennessee Board of Education Master Plan;
(3) establishing annual program improvement objectives, including major activities, expected outcomes, timelines, responsible persons and required resources; and
(4) basing major budget decisions on long-range plans.
The policy required the principal or designee of each school to work with his or her team of stakeholders and the superintendent or his designee to develop and implement a school improvement plan.
That plan must be updated at least every two years and include such areas as curriculum, instruction, professional development and community partnerships, while also addressing the long-range strategic plan of the school system.
The policy required the board to plan an annual retreat with the superintendent and appropriate staff to:
(1) review the progress made on the implementation of priorities, initiatives and long-range plans;
(2) determine which goals have been achieved and whether any new efforts are needed; and
(3) review major issues that may affect the school system in the future.
The superintendent is required to develop necessary procedures, forms or other measures to implement the policy’s goals.
The policy allows the superintendent to designate a planning coordinator to:
(1) help coordinate systemwide planning efforts;
(2) establish and coordinate an issues management process;
(3) assist the district staff in developing specific plans; and
(4) monitor implementation schedules.
