It has been one year since we started the process of developing a Strategic Plan for the School District of Prairie Farm. At the beginning of the school year, I sent this document out to all parents and guardians of the district through our email listserv.
In September of 2013, a number of individuals began the process of creating a Strategic Planning Survey to gather valuable input for the School District of Prairie Farm. Throughout last year, we were able to complete the following:
Phase I: Conducting internal and external surveys and defining strategic issues
Phase II: Study issues, formulate strategies, and draft a plan
Phase III: Public review and comment and completion of the final strategic plan
Our overall purpose was to develop a Strategic Plan that outlines a direction for the next five years and beyond. It is ambitious and intends to elevate expectations and performance. This process did challenge us and serve as a catalyst for planning and action.
The School District of Prairie Farm has developed exceptional graduates throughout its history because we have continually responded to the changing needs of our students and the demands of a challenging society. Prairie Farm Schools has brought innovative thinking and imaginative programs into our educational environment. This mindset is rooted in our commitment to serve a broad spectrum of students. This implementation plan will ensure that Prairie Farm Schools can offer college and career readiness skills that will further our students’ academic development and social conscience.
As a TEAM we continue to focus on five essentials of a Strategic Plan which include:
Begin at the top
. For us, it was about preserving a legacy by allowing us to propel forward, thinking bigger but within the context of our unified mission and values. The commitment to “Creating a New Standard” begins with the Board of Education, Administration, and Prairie Farm School Staff who live, breathe, and demonstrate actionable commitment to the planning process.
Be inclusive at all levels
. Everyone’s voice matters. As a collective team, we continue to pull great ideas together and gain valuable insights throughout each planning phase. Through valued discussion we also gain practical knowledge about making the plan a reality. This ensures that the passion of the Prairie Farm Community runs deep for both the place and the people doing the work.
Remember that skill of the hand is important to vision
. A thorough understanding of the expertise needed to accomplish our goals is paramount. Without this, we may not be asking the right questions and then may not get the right answers. Once again each stakeholder’s opinion is valued.
Create the guidebook for decisions of all sizes.
The School District of Prairie Farm Strategic Plan is a guidebook for the decisions we make on a daily basis. Our mission is front and center in all we do. We keep our Strategic Plan at the top of our mind and we refer to it daily. We also review it monthly to reforecast timelines, budgets and goals.
Understand that flexibility is critical
. Things change every day. Our Strategic Plan is a guidebook, but it is also a fluid, ever-evolving document. During our monthly reflection process some items have changed and evolved, just like circumstances changed due to economic fluxes and shifting priorities. But we always kept track of where we were, referring back to the plan and looking ahead. As a stakeholder of Prairie Farm Schools I encourage to look at our comprehensive Strategic Plan. I welcome all input to help make this plan a better one.
At Prairie Farm Schools we are committed to serving the great students and families of this district. Please feel free to contact me anytime with concerns, questions, or comments.
Sincerely,
Michael Thomley
District Administrator
School District of Prairie Farm
715-455-1861 ext. 219
[email protected]