Planning provides the framework for an organization to make decisions and operate in an efficient and effective manner. More importantly, it provides the focus around which the district’s programs and activities are built.

Any organization must constantly analyze its environment and consider the changes that are occurring which affect the basic mission and purposes of that organization. This need is highly critical in the Kellogg Joint School District at this time. All major decisions, to be effective, must be made on the basis of not only the district’s mission and vision of what school should be, but on fiscal responsibility. This can only take place when there is an understanding of the financial view of the district and a long-range plan.

The essential partner of planning is evaluation. Evaluation of the effectiveness of district programs allows the board and administrators to determine the success of each program. Program evaluation reveals if key objectives and results have been obtained. It can further help chart a course for any program that has not met its goals. Cost/benefit analysis is also a useful tool in the planning and evaluation process.

Observations and Recommendations

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There were some comments that the district needs to closely study the operation uses of its facilities, especially the three elementary facilities. The district is still operating all of the facilities with the current enrollment of 1,450 students, as it did when the enrollment was 1,780 students. With the continuing decline of enrollment and the resulting decrease of state revenue, the district needs to either increase the amount of local taxes or develop a plan to reduce and consolidate the number of facilities being used, therefore reducing expenditures.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the district develop a plan that marries student enrollment with district facilities to reduce costs.

There is no long-range plan for preventative maintenance. Currently maintenance is done after something breaks.

Recommendation

It is recommended that a committee, representing a cross section of individuals, including the maintenance supervisor, custodian representatives, building principals and the superintendent, develop and implement a five-year facility maintenance action plan. Assistance from an outside person with expertise in the maintenance field could facilitate this process.

The make-up of the community, the job market, and the opportunities for graduating students have experienced major change in recent history. Some of the curriculum changes and adjustments have not kept pace.

Recommendation

The district should assess the interests of the students and the opportunities in a worldwide job market and devise an on-going five-year plan to revise curriculum and the course offerings to bring them in line with current and future needs.

1.2.4    Observation

School library services are limited in terms of availability of materials, resources, and staffing

Recommendation

The district should develop a school library and materials plan that includes a standard for adequate full-time staffing as well as books, resources, and technology in each school including Pinehurst Elementary.

1.2.5    Observation

There were concerns expressed about the emphasis on boy’s activities and sports programs compared to those of the girls at the high school.

Recommendation

The district should review and develop a plan to balance the status of activity and athletic offerings for female students as well as the prestige placed on the male and female offerings at the high school. It is further recommended that a Title IX audit of the district would be a step in the right direction.

There is a concern about the presence of a specific K-12 sequential curriculum that is followed by teachers and monitored by principals

Recommendation

The district should develop and follow a 5-6 year matrix plan for review and budgeting of K-12 curriculum development and textbook adoption.

There were concerns expressed that there were not enough textbooks available for all students in some classes.

Recommendation

The district should develop a plan to ensure that every student has access to necessary textbooks.

1.2.8    Observation

There is no evidence that the district does any follow-up on graduates regarding their high school programs.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the district develop a plan to follow-up on graduates to determine their success and provide a basis for curriculum and program assessment, as well as necessary revisions.

There were concerns expressed about the status of technology in terms of updated equipment, utilization, and competencies.

Recommendation

The technology plan needs to be developed and/or revised and implemented to provide focus on curriculum and instructional strategies, the availability of updated equipment, and consistent competencies in using technology.

Some areas and practices observed create potential safety, risk and liability factors for the district.

Recommendation

A safety committee should be formed to assess the district’s safety concerns and develop a plan to correct the problems.

There were concerns expressed about the consistency of student behavior expectations and consequences at Pinehurst Elementary School.

Recommendation

A school-wide student behavior consequence plan should be developed by staff and parents at Pinehurst Elementary School and implemented consistently for everyone.

Safety and health concerns were observed at the transportation facilities.

Recommendation

The district should develop a plan to either relocate the transportation department or improve the current facilities and working conditions.

There is a perception that inservice training for staff development, which should be comprehensive in nature and based upon specific needs that are in harmony with the goals and objectives of the district, are not in place.

Recommendation

Immediate steps should be taken to provide a comprehensive inservice program for all employees in the district that aligns with the district strategic plan.

1.2.14    Observation

Residents of Kellogg Joint School District have been taxed to a maximum capacity. There is concern that in the next M & O and Facilities Levy that opposition to passage may surface. Patrons are becoming more and more concerned about increased assessed valuation when they have a limited or fixed income. Patrons have supported the schools very well in the past and feel they have contributed to the high quality of education in the district, but want these tax dollars spent wisely without sacrificing the quality of education.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the district begin to plan to educate the community in the cost cutting measures that have been employed before setting levy amounts. Committee structures which include representation from all publics should be in place when considering any tax measures.

There appears to be no mention of student performance or student achievement in the vision of the district

Recommendation

It is recommended that as the district reviews its mission, goals, and objectives, it review the vision of the district to include student achievement and performance.