PURPOSE:

• Finding common ground – representative stakeholders all in the same room
• Defining a preferred future – what we want the organization  to become
• Giving direction to what we do

THE RESULTS:

• A shared vision – what do we want to be in 5-10 years
• Conversations rich in shared meaning about what is valued – a sense of ownership
• A set of themes that provide the basis for a strategic plan – now we know the direction we want to head in, so how do we get there?
• A group of supporters willing to be involved in the future of the organization – an opportunity to “sign on”

THE BENEFITS:

• Everyone heading “generally west”
• Can make tough financial decisions based on the long range direction
• The long range direction can be articulated to stakeholders inside and outside the organization
• Becomes the basis for planning strategically

December 6, 2010

Dear WOCSD Community Members,

On April 29 and 30, 2010 fifty members of the WOCSD community participated in a Future Search exercise.  We reviewed the history of the district, where we are now, and – most important – where we want the district to be in the future.

Next a writing committee synthesized the information and developed a Mission Statement, Vision and major Themes, or goal areas of focus for the district. During September and October of this school year, Actions and Evidence were developed by each building and department as appropriate.

As you will see when you review the document, each theme is followed by a brief explanation, a long and short term district-wide goal then goals and activities to be accomplished by each building level staff as we move toward attaining the goal.

The finalized document was approved by the School Committee at their December 1, 2010 meeting and it is now part of our long range plan, to be reported on semi-annually and revised annually.

Links to the document and presentation of December 1, 2010 are below.  The entire document and information about the process can be viewed at the “Future Search” link to your left.

On behalf of the School Committee I thank everyone who has had a part in bringing the document to life. This includes all 50 of the original Future Search participants, and our WOCSD staff, administrators, and School Committee members who have assisted in creating this document.

We are proud of our students and our schools, and look forward to continuing to provide a high quality education for all students while striving for even greater accomplishments in all areas. Thank you for your interest in the plan. As always, we appreciate any feedback you may wish to share. You may e-mail, call or write.

Sincerely,

Elaine M. Tomaszewski

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