Strategic Plan Session 2 Meeting Notes

 

 

On the evening of October 26, 2021, Commissioners of the Board of Education, students, parents, community members and leaders, school district administrators and educational professionals, came together to continue strategic planning for the District. The evening’s topic was our unfettered aspirations for the Manchester Regional High School and its students. 

 

After warm welcoming remarks from Board President Valdo Panzera and Superintendent Lubisco, Kathleen Helewa of NJSBA recapped for the group the purpose and methodology of creating a new Strategic Plan for the District.   We then were asked to imagine—what if, in five years’ time, at the maturation of the strategic plan we are creating, Manchester Regional was a nationally-recognized high school district for providing an outstanding education for its students?   What if the national media was writing about Manchester so public school districts nationwide could emulate what happens here?    

We discussed the literacies of 21st-century learning (financial literacy, social-emotional wellness, civics, technology, et al.), and the “4Cs” – Critical thinking (problem solving), Communication (understanding and communicating ideas), Collaboration (working effectively with others), and Creating (producing high-quality work). We also looked to the District’s Vision Statement to note the values and aspirations that inform what underlies 21st-century learning in Manchester Regional. 

 

We then gathered in four small groups to “write” a news article that would detail our hypothetical success. The groups were asked to come up with a title for the article and determine key points for the article. In this exercise, we were asked to disregard any real-life restrictions that could be barriers to achieving our visions for MRHS. Groups used a consent process, and were randomly assigned and adjusted for a balance of stakeholder viewpoints.

 

The information that follows is the work of the small groups. As discussed with the meeting participants, all meeting outcomes are listed in this memo and will be posted on the District website for the wider community.

 

 

 

 

 

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After the small groups shared their work with the large group of all participants, robust discussion ensued about shared visions and the common themes that were emerging in conjunction with the work from meeting #1.   We agreed that the following themes would be appropriate goal areas for Manchester Regional High School District’s new five-year strategic plan:  

 

 

All present were thanked for the excellent work and courageous conversations, which will serve to push MRHS and its students into a successful future.  

 

Our next step is to use the work from our previous two meetings to write draft goal statements and supporting objectives for Manchester Regional’s new strategic plan.  Participants will self-select the group and goal area in which they would like to work. Our third and final meeting will take place on Thursday, November 18, at the Innovation Center.  Pre-registration will not be necessary.  Check in will begin at 6:30pm, and the program will begin at 7pm. Dinner will be available.   
 
The MRHS Board of Education enthusiastically is giving all stakeholders the ability to use a consensus-based process to chart the District’s course for the next five years.  This is an authentic opportunity for all voices connected to our school to be offered and listened to.   Returning and new participants from every facet of the Manchester Regional community are welcome at our final meeting.  Student participation is especially appreciated!  

 

The P.C. Manchester Regional High School District Board of Education and Administration greatly appreciate your participation and good work in this crucial endeavor.  We look forward to seeing you at our final meeting.