It is the time of the year when some of us might be asking, “Where did summer go?” I remember when I was a school-age child and student, I was excited in August — after all, football was starting! I had the same excitement when I was teaching and coaching, and I am still very excited about this time of the year. But…it sure feels like there is much to do, prepare for, and take care of before students arrive. Rest assured, we will be ready for students when school starts in about a month.

For many reasons, the 2017-2018 school year will be busier-than-normal in the Marshall Public School District. I would like to briefly share information about an important upcoming that will be exciting to implement this year — the 2017-2022 Strategic Plan.

On July 17, the school board approved a 2017-2022 Strategic Plan that will be a focal point for us as we start the new school year. The plan includes a new mission (to education, support and prepare all learners for success), vision (be the premier school district where every student is inspired every day) and ten belief statements (shown below).

Marshall Public Schools believes:

• A diverse and inclusive environment enriches the individual, school and community.

• All students can learn at high levels.

• All students should be offered an education developed to meet their individual needs.

• Data-driven processes produce decisions focused on results.

• Education must address the cognitive, physical, emotional and social needs of students.

• In a safe, respectful and trusting learning environment.

• In embracing a collaborative approach to lifelong learning for students, teachers, parents and the community.

• In the Marshall community to support and embrace our educational mission.

• In the value of building and maintaining strong community partnerships.

• In the value of every student and that relationships are the foundations of successful schools.

The plan also consists of ten goals in six different focus areas, along with specific objectives for goals (like “achieve the goals of the World’s Best Workforce for all students” and “students will develop the 21st century skills needed for success”). While all of the goals in the plan are valid and certainly important, it is not realistic to expect that we accomplish all of them in a single school year. Consequently, an important next step is to prioritize the goals and determine which will be the center of attention for 2017-2018. Input from staff, administration, school board members, and members of the Strategic Planning Committee will be used to identify the highest priority goals. I anticipate that the two highest-priority goals will be included and worked on this coming school year.

There are many positive aspects of the Strategic Plan, including that it: was developed with input from students, staff, parents, administration, school board, and community members; makes sense and can be understood; is short and memorable; is not so large or cumbersome that we cannot achieve what we set out to achieve; and is focused on outcomes that will positively impact who is most important…our students, our staff, our parents and families and our community. The 2017-2022 Strategic Plan in its entirety can be found and viewed online at www.marshall.k12.mn.us.

If you have suggestions or ideas, please contact me at scott.monson@marshall.k12.mn.us or at 537-6924. Thank you for taking time to read this and for your support of the Marshall Public School District.