BOARD  GOALS  FOR  2007-2008

Adopted September 18 , 2007

BOARD GOALS FOR 2005 - 2006 and Beyond

1) Board Goal: Succession Planning (Executive Session and Public Session)

• Review and refine, in executive session, proposed succession plans for each of the District’s highest level leadership positions.
• Plan to address succession needs in a five-year projection, nurturing the potential of the District’s present leadership staff, with attention to the prospects of the larger candidate pool.
• Implement plans in the most orderly way consistent with District needs and priorities, appropriately consulting and informing the District’s various constituencies as occasions warrant.

2)Board Goal: Curriculum and Assessments

• Continue annual curriculum reviews on a departmental or program basis, focusing this year on Foreign language, in part to lay a basis for future inquiry into the long-term potential of expanded Foreign Language offerings at both elementary and secondary levels.
• Implement and evaluate a Tri-States Consortium visit and program review focusing on Social Studies.
• Review and reflect on the work of the administration and faculty in beginning to develop high quality Byram Hills performance assessments for our students and schools, as a supplement to other required assessments.
• Provide for public Board discussion with administrators regarding their Five- Year program plans.

3) Board Goal: Environmental Responsibility and Sustainability

• Study and plan for the multi-year development of education programs in environmental responsibility and sustainability.
• Adopt a District policy which articulates our positions on environmental responsibility and sustainability, recycling, reduction, and reuse, as well as encouraging appropriate education programs.
• Implement improvements in the District’s fuel conservation and recycling efforts, with particular emphasis on the latter in each school building. Study options and apply for federal assistance to reduce school bus particulate emissions.
• Study and evaluate, in cooperation with the Town of North Castle, the broad environmental impacts of the District’s operations, with particular attention to carbon emissions.

4) Board Goal: Cultural Proficiency

• Evaluate efforts of the last two years to: a) introduce the principles of cultural proficiency to administrators, parents and faculty; and b) recruit and retain a diverse staff. Review and refine approaches.
• Plan and implement further such efforts in 2007-2008, bringing students and parents further into the effort to practice the principles of cultural proficiency, so that our school community fosters and celebrates behaviors which will help students to live successfully in a multicultural society.

5) Board Goal: Policy Book Completion

• Review and refine the policy work completed in 2006-2007, with particular attention to policies that require the addition of regulations.
• Identify any further areas where new policy is needed. Draft language for review and adoption by the full Board.
• Publish the completed policy manual, with the aid of NYSSBA, including publication in electronic format to provide ease of access and accountability for the School Board, faculty, and staff, and members of the school community.