KEY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

By Randy Smith

1) FIX THE BOARD - IMPROVE THE PROCESS - WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY We need improved leadership on the School Board. The Board needs to manage the business of education more professionally and efficiently. Focusing on dramatic issues and operating via the media is clearly not the answer. The board needs someone with leadership experience who can bring new ideas and people together to move the business of education ahead. We need to bring creative problem solving to School Board issues which will translate into a higher quality and more efficient school system. We need a board with an interest in the entire Forest Hills School District. Use data-based decision making. - Do appropriate research and "homework" prior to debating issues at a board meeting. Adjust the structure of board meetings to get more accomplished. The School district can use more innovation to be on the leading edge of education, however new ideas or new methods must have a solid and proven rationale. Set up a volunteer advisory board using proven leaders in the community to tap into the high quality thinking that resides in our school district. The Board needs to focus on areas where their energy can deliver major program improvements and new programs.

2) LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING SPENDING # long term planning to keep tax increases to a minimum while maintaining an excellent program and maintaining property values for the tax payers. Long term plan for operating expenses as well as capital and facilities REVENUE # leverage local financial opportunities, seek new revenue opportunities such as corporate participation and district foundation INPUT AT THE STATE LEVEL- historically the FHSD has not had nor needed a presence at the State level, with dramatic changes in school funding on the horizon, FHSD needs to have a presence at the State level. CONTINUE TO FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO STREACH A DOLLAR # For example - the recent long term health care contract that the District signed will save money long term.

3) MAINTAIN THE EXCELLENT EDUCATION RESULTS Support teachers and staff. Continue to recruit faculty that has the highest level of personal commitment to education. Focus on adding academic programs that make a difference. Maintaining the excellent results has a direct impact on taxpayer property values.

4) COMMUNICATION Get better input from citizens, faculty/staff and students & parents

Example use technology to gather input, ideas, reactions and feedback
Leverage the outstanding executive talent that resides in the FHSD for advisory panels

5) ENHANCE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS Make more and better use of the abundance of volunteers available in the FHSD. Set up structures to involve more volunteers. The FHSD is somewhat unique to have highly qualified parent and non parent volunteers who are willing to dedicate the time to the school programs.

6) TAKE MORE INITIATIVE Primary responsibility is to make policy, provide direction for the superintendent and treasurer The Board can do much more as a body to drive improvements in the overall educational program in the Forest Hills School District. By working with outside organizations such as the OMEA, the township trustees, and other state and local elected officials.

7) CURRICULUM The FHSD needs to provide more technology training. We need additional computer training targeted toward general and college prep students e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint or their equivalent should be taught in the early grades. The use of software should be integrated into middle school level and high school level course work.