Cape school board lays out vision for new year

The Cape Girardeau School Board has set its vision on creating lifelong learners prepared for the future and is now looking at ways to achieve that.

Board members developed a new mission/vision statement and brainstormed goals for the 2004-2005 school year this week. It's an annual process the board goes through to create a direction for the coming year.

From the 20 goals drafted at the meeting, the board hopes to select between six and 10 to approve eventually as its final objectives for next year.

"It's an ongoing process," said board member Laura Sparkman. "We want to create a nurturing environment and do what it takes for every student to strive to reach our goals."

The rough draft of the board goals includes suggestions ranging from "be attentive to the unique needs of all of our students" to "make judgments based on observable and measurable results."

The proposed goals also include abiding by high professional standards, attract and retain the best personnel, be open to the exchange of ideas and work in teams to drive school improvement.

"I'm hoping this isn't something we look at once a year. It's something we need to have in front of us at all time to look at before decisions are made," Sparkman said.

Superintendent Mark Bowles said the board goals will be parallel with goals individual schools establish for themselves later this month.

"Our whole mantra is continuing toward alignment," Bowles said. "We want a standardized goal-setting format."

According to board vice president Sharon Mueller, aligning the board's goals with individual school goals will allow for continuity and let each school focus on its strengths.

"It's really coming together. We're taking more accountability for our responsibilities," Mueller said. "Instead of just setting goals, we're trying to devise key priority areas."

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128