Critical performance priorities for 2000-2001

receiveD From the desk of. . , Leslie V. Carnine AUG 1 4 OFFICE Or DESEGREGATION MONITORING Date: July 13. 2000 To: Re: Members of the School Board Critical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 The following information is the first draft of the recommendations for the Critical Performance Priorities for 2000-2001. We have shared this with principals and other staff. The cabinet has discussed this several times over the last six weeks, and we will in all probability have edits over the next couple of weeks. You may also want to refine as you review the draft document. Please review the attachment for specific outline. We mentioned the fact that the cabinet had spent considerable time discussing the work plan for the next school year. We all have a concern that, based on past experience, considerable hours will need to be expended on the compliance document and federal court hearing preparation. As best as we could estimate, it would mean a minimum of 10% to 20 % of the Associates time after the first of the year. The estimate is extra time, not necessarily replacement time, for the normal operationally activities. We definitely think we can be more efficient, but a couple of wild cards cannot be totally predicted. The first is the replacement of Vic Anderson and the effect that will have on the effectiveness of operations. We are now receiving inquiries. What we cannot estimate is how quickly we can be up to speed once a recommendation is made to the Board. The second issue is the state accountability system. We have mentioned to you in the past that several of the district schools will have accountability issues. We have been told that among the 100 lowest performing schools in the state, there are 34 in Pulaski County. Based on previous analysis, we suspect that 26-28 will achieve that infamous distinction here in Little /Critical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 July 2000 Page 2 Rock School District. We have made a concerted effort to improve instruction this past year, and we are doing so. But, it will be my contention that we must double our efforts in that arena. The amount of time diverted to this issue is just now being considered. And finally, I know when things appear to be fairly normal it is a temptation to start new things or add substantial initiatives. I think we must be very guarded on how much we can ask of the staff next year. We are finishing one of the most successful years in the history of this school district and I hope that next year can be equally as brilliant. However, I am convinced that to have a repeat of such a year we must hold back our enthusiasm for adding new things. I say this regardless of how good things may sound...and the inducements they may offer. We need to finish what we started. Revised Desegregation and Education Plan The Revised Desegregation and Education Plan calls for the District to submit an evaluation of the Plan and the Districts compliance in March 2001. Based on past experience, this will consume a number of hours from a host of people. We do have a great start and without an Associate being plagued by sickness or accident we should be in great shape. We will need to pick up the loose ends. II. Technology The preliminary plan is for the consultant to work with the work group to update the master plan. We hope the master plan can be completed fairly quickly and then to assist the schools in rewriting and updating their campus technology plans. We see the District starting slowly and then moving very quickly by mid year to have an outstanding plan and program being implemented. III. Campus Leadership We see academic achievement becoming an increasing issue with the publication of the Campus Report Card. Based on what we previously mentioned about the low performing campuses, we see the plan as in place. Now we must execute! We have made very impressive progress AFTCritical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 July 2000 Page 3 and we should be able to enjoy positive support within the community based on the plan and noted improvements. The strategy for moving the campuses to continuous improvement and maintaining the focus will be a primary mission for the school year. Participatory decision making is the way we must learn to work, but what we cant fall prey to is failure to achieve the academic focus needed to be successful. IV. Instruction We are achieving academic focus that has and will continue to achieve results. We must continue to fine-tune the organization through staff development. We already have on the drawing board enough basic implementation issues to keep the staff busy for several years. Instruction has some loose ends that must dealt with, but everything appears to be in good order for the district to achieve a continuous improvement mind set. We also must become serious about program evaluation...and Im not sure where we will find the time or people power, but we must pull together that aspect of building the program. V. Operations The approximately $150 million bond issue is a big job, regardless of the many other areas which must be considered. We mention the $150 million because when you consider the dedicated millage and the interest, you will be responsible for the expenditure of that amount in capital funds over a five-year period. There are two or three other very important issues for which we must develop plans. First, is to have the state accounting conversion accomplished without too many difficulties. The second is the need to have the district on a three to five year budgeting cycle along with easy to understand reports for your review. And finally, we need to maximize the federal dollars wherever possible. We presently estimate we are significantly short on numbers, which is costing us dollars. Respectfully submitted, Leslie V. Carnine Superintendent of Schools T LII. III. Critical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 Revised Desegregation and Education Plan: A. B. C. D. Prepare and submit compliance documentation to the Federal Court Prepare final revisions of School Board Policies and Administrative Regulations Review school zones in preparation for new western elementary school Review ALC / alternative programs Technology: Update District Technology Plan A. B. C. D. E. Review process and software for data collection (Data Warehouse) Develop District Help Desk and plan for additional network support Refine training component Plan for AS400 & District Software Internet Connectivity Campus Leadership & Accountability A. Coordinate Arkansas and LRSD Accountability B. Develop customer survey instruments C. Refine Quality program and training for acquiring third level status D. Assist in the development of the Carnegie Grant Plan E. Assist in the development of the DeWitt Wallace Leadership training GrantCritical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 Page 2 IV. Instruction A. Continue the development of Core Academic Standards B. Continue the development of targeted grants and review of continuing grants c. Implementation of new parent / community component D. Continuation of ESL development E. Program Evaluation F. Continuation of Staff Development Initiatives G. Implementation of Assessment program V. Operations A. Dedicated Millage Plan B. Review process for Work Orders C. Develop master plan for Grounds maintenance D. Review Building Security Plansalarms and surveillance E. Develop master plan for energy utilization F. Develop a plan for capital projects review VI. Finance A. 2000 Bond Issue 1. Sales 2. Project Coordination 3. Project Reporting B. ADE Accounting Conversion C. MGT RecommendationsCritical Performance Priorities 2000-2001 Page 3 D. Budgeting and Reporting Procedures E. Revenue enhancement 1. Free and reduced lunch numbers 2. Medicaid reimbursement F. Staff Travel Procedures
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