Perkins Schools adopts strategic plan

PERKINS TWP. — Perkins Schools is taking its future seriously.During a recent public meeting, administrators presented their new strategic plan, or district-wide goals to enhance learning, culture, finances and more within the next few years. More than 100 people showed up to learn about the plan and, later on, board members agreed to adopt it. Community members and former Perkins superintendent Larry Pitts helped present the plan alongside teachers and administrators, with each talking about specific goals."This plan will provide clarity in the direction that we go as we work collaboratively," superintendent Todd Boggs said.Strategic plan breakdownHere are the objectives for each goal and some examples of specifics administrators want to accomplish:Learning — create systems to advance student growth; create a plan for expanding preschool offerings; train teachers to effectively implement small-group instruction to meet all students' needs; provide more real-world experience to all students; increase student engagement and ensure students have the opportunity to be successful after high school.Development — Provide development opportunities that meet the needs and interests of students and increase access to student development opportunities.Culture — Communicate effectively with all stakeholders; adopt a framework that defines and creates "the Pirate way" (who we are, what we do and why we do it;) improve community engagement; cultivate an environment of wellness in the Perkins community.How to meet the goal:• Commit to educating all stakeholders on the state report card's components• Increase two-way communications, so all stakeholders have regular opportunities to share questions, input and concerns with the district• Grow the number of business partners for Perkins High School's Academy Experience• Implement social/emotional standardsFinances — Align operating and permanent improvement funds to meet current and future needsHow to meet the goal:• Educate administration and staff on exploring other revenue sources• Find new opportunities to share five-year financial forecasts with the public• Communicate ongoing facilities improvements and maintenance consistentlyFacilities — Provide the best possible facilities in the most fiscally responsible manner; deliver and maintain physical spaces that enhance student learning; provide a safe learning environment for all students.How to meet the goal:• Create a master facility committee of stakeholders• Present options and recommendations to the community for feedback to inform decisions• Educate the community on safety opportunities and challengesPerkins Schools stakeholders and board members listen to superintendent Todd Boggs speak about the district's new strategic plan Wednesday evening in the high school's cafeteria. Building a map for growthThe strategic plan was devised after Perkins Schools gathered input from district administrators students, teachers, staff, families and community members through public meetings called listening sessions, house visits made by district leaders and more.From the feedback they received, officials decided to concentrate on and form goals around learning, development, facilities, district finances and culture.Perkins Schools utilized Burges and Burges Strategists of Cleveland for help. The firm facilitated the listening sessions and assisted with the district's new mission statement, which is: "The Perkins family strives for unsurpassed educational opportunities so every student may achieve their greatest potential."The school district paid Burges and Burges $21,500 in a contract lasting from October through Dec. 31, 2019. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodPerkins Schools superintendent Todd Boggs talks about the district's new strategic plan, which affects its daily operations, at a special meeting Wednesday evening. Board members later adopted the plan.