School Board to Vote on Goals for Coming Academic Year

When the Board of Education meets tonight, it will vote on a draft list of goals it came up with at a recent meeting in Old Lyme.

The goals it drafted - and this is only a draft - are:

1. Promote and support a positive and safe school climate for students and staff.

2. Provide necessary resources (time, materials, staff) to support and challenge all students to engage in rigorous, inquiry-based learning experiences.

3. Attract, support and retain high quality professionals who are a good “fit” for Montville.

4. Engage the greater community, town officials, parents and students through multiple communication channels.

5. Maintain positive relationships with our school staff, both unaffiliated and organized labor.

6. Advocate for and consistently communicate the need for an adequate school budget at the federal, state, and local levels.

7. Stay informed of and support innovative technology to enhance inquiry-based learning and relevant instruction.

8. Establish an ad-hoc committee to plan for full-day kindergarten.9. Connect Board of Education goals to Board agenda items.

The board’s goals fit into a larger framework of positive district-wide goals.

For instance, the very first goal the board drafted – Promote and support a positive and safe school climate for students and staff – fits into the district-wide goal of building school safety and a positive climate.

The board’s goals for the academic year that just finished were:

1. Promote the interests of PK-12 education through advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.
2. Conduct a successful search for a new middle and high school principal and select a candidate that is a "good fit" for Montville.
3. Provide the necessary resources (time, personnel, materials) to raise the achievement levels of all students.
4. Monitor student achievement outcomes and support district improvement efforts to make needed change so that students are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
5. Stay apprised through administrative reports of results indicators that demonstrate progress on district and school improvement.
6. Provide a healthy, safe and secure learning environment that ensures success for all students.
7. Maintain positive relationships with municipal officials and collective bargaining groups.
8. Maintain communication with the public on educational needs and the accomplishments of Montville Public Schools.
9. Strengthen Board member knowledge of the latest trends and innovations in education through Board professional development.

The meeting is at 6 p.m. tonight in the library of Montville High School.