Goals hope to bolster accountability
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
The Lakewood School Board hopes a new plan emphasizing accountability and transparency leads to better student performance and more community engagement.
In a presentation unveiled at its Sept. 21 regular meeting, the board outlined how it will be setting goals and communicating them.
Lakewood School – in process of building a reading and math curriculum – started developing the pillars of excellence model last summer through workshops, teacher in services, and reinforcing the climate and culture of the school.
“This is the first we have had a goal that we have been communicating to anyone that we are driving towards,” said Board President Amanda Hahn.
The goal is to identify and establish specific long-term student performance goals using data from other districts as a comparison, therefore, targeting key areas in academic proficiency.
While the goals are broad, Hahn said, the hope is to establish a springboard for the community in the coming years.
The community includes staff, parental and resident involvement.
“We want to make sure that staff is involved, that our parents and our community members are engaged,” Hahn stated. “That we are getting feedback and that we are setting a baseline as a catalyst for us to move forward.”
The process includes growth in curriculum and instruction, improvement of culture and climate along with open lines of communication and proper use of school resources.
Goals include measuring the performances of District Administrator Joe Price, Business Manager Jan Maricle and Curriculum and Instruction Director Sara Markee.
School administration objectives consist of instructional expectations – ensuring they are carried out within the district and enhance growth of school culture and climate – and the development of a comprehensive plans for community engagement.
“We want to be very transparent, we want everyone to know about the good work, but we also want them to know that there are obstacles,” Hahn stated, noting all board agendas and presentations are available at the district website for anyone unable to attend regular meetings.
Twin Lakes resident Steve Turner, who was skeptical of district plans at previous meetings, came away impressed with the new vision.
“You guys did a fantastic job, it’s great to see,” Turner said. “I am very thankful that you put in the work. I have two kids here.”
The school has scheduled an Oct. 12 Parent Information Night from 6-7 p.m. in the library, where officials plan to detail plans and goals for the upcoming school year.
Other notes
In addition to a new communication plan, the School Board announced a new program, known as Raider Recognition.
The Recognition program involves students, staff and people in the community, including parents.
Award recipients will receive an invite to a school board meeting, where they can collect a plaque and recognition.
To receive more information on the school board presentation, or to nominate a member for Raider Recognition, visit twinlakes.k12.wi.us.