Strategic planning under way for Libby Schools

With the first round of strategic planning complete, the Libby School District can now focus on its future vision.

Superintendent Kirby Maki said the final outcome of the committee recommendations would be a tangible strategic plan that “we all support and provides a good, solid educational program for all students.”

The Tuesday “Carving New Directions” work session allowed school board members to listen and debate recommendations from the Curriculum and Testing Committee.

Though some topics were hotly discussed, Maki said, “We have more in common and all share similar views, some just see different paths to the same goals.”

Board member Tracy Comeau said the strategy is for the next five years and implementation of the plan will allow the district to be adaptable in their approach to education.

Libby High School principal Rik Rewerts said the recommendations must be “feasible” with the ability to “analyze how capable the suggestions are.”

Rewerts said he would contact other schools to see how they are handling similar issues to deepen the pool of ideas.

Jael Prezeau, curriculum coordinator for the district, said planning must be flexible as curriculum targets different educational areas every year.  

Prezeau’s committee proposed four key recommendations:

• Create a curriculum committee for the district.

• Prioritize Libby Education Enrichment Program, LEEP, for the 2009-10 school year.

• Implement and monitor dropout prevention plans in each building.

• Consider running a technology levy.

Discussion on the curriculum committee formulated that their responsibility will be to consistency and open communication between buildings.

Maki said the LEEP program is moving forward and currently running at capacity. However, the board has directed him to put together a program and plan for the following school year.

Board members and administrators shared concern with the district dropout rate.

Rewerts expressed frustration with how the rate is calculated and said the dropout percentages are not an accurate representation within the district.

Jerry Frament, board member, said the key to lowering the dropout rate is through community involvement and the students’ connection to the school like an extracurricular activity.

The district has not run a mil levy for at least six years though budgetary concerns continue to grow. Educator Gene Reckin said technology training is lacking and teachers as well as students will have a hard time keeping up with the rest of the world.

Board member Bruce Sickler said, “Our kids can’t compete on a global level without some curriculum centered around technology.”

However, fellow board member Paula Darko-Hensler said “earmarking” and “specialized levies” are a risk and there needs to be “broad-based support to justify the need.”

Libby Middle School assistant principal Keith Ivers said, “Technology has the ability to impact all curriculum levels. It is difficult for schools to keep up with technology and the lack of technology has Montana students behind other states.”

Maki said the board and administrators are moving in a positive direction for the future of the district and that committee recommendations will continue into the new year before a written plan comes to fruition.