Education is a treasure of our community.  Each learner is a gem to be discovered, polished and cherished.

 

 

Report of the

 

Maine School Administrative District 9

Community Catalyst

 

 

 

March 30-31 and April 7, 2001

St. Joseph=s Parish Hall

Farmington, Maine

 

 

 

 

 

Convened by
 

Maine School Administrative District 9

Dr. Michael Cormier, Superintendent

 

 

 

 

 

Version of  February 2005

 

 

Facilitation and Report by
 

Center for Consensual Democracy


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------- 3

What is a Community Catalyst? -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3

Strategic Vision for the Year 2011----------------------------- 4

MSAD 9 Diagnostic Matrix _____________________ 5

About the Location of MSAD 9 Objectives _________ 6

In the WHAT Quadrant                            6

In the HOW Quadrant                             6

In the IF Quadrant                                 6

In the WHY Quadrant                             6

 

 

Action Plan

        Prime Objective: Acquire and Retain Human Resources __________________________________ 7

Objective II: Improve Student Programs ______________________________________________ 9

Objective III: Acquire Monetary and Material Resources _________________________________ 11

Objective IV: Invest in Infrastructure ________________________________________________ 13

Objective V: Support Student Preparedness ___________________________________________ 15

Objective VI: Expand Professional Development ______________________________________  17

Objective VII: Develop Quality Assurance ____________________________________________ 19

Objective VIII: Communicate Our Vision and Progress __________________________________ 20

 

Appendices    

A. Eliminated Options with Number of Votes                                                  15

B. Community Catalyst Stages of Accomplishment                                              15

C. Recommendations for Making Progress                                                     15

D. More About the Community Catalyst Action Matrix                                           28

E. Participant List                                                                          35

F. Community Catalyst Facilitation Team                                                      37

G. How to Achieve Your Community Vision                                                   38

H.  Completed Projects

 

 


 

 

Introduction

 

This report presents the results of your Community Catalyst workshop. It describes what your community intends to achieve by specific date in the future, identifies its number one bottleneck to achieving the vision, and indicates how to allocate your civic resources in order to achieve the vision most efficiently and effectively.

What is a Community Catalyst?

 

The Community Catalyst workshop develops broad-based citizen support for renewing and reviving a community. It enables local citizens to think creatively and to act on their commitments.

 

The Community Catalyst software enables a group of local citizens (Civic Assembly) to:

 

  • Create a new vision of their community

  • Brainstorm options for achieving the vision

  • Choose the best initiatives

  • Develop civic objectives

  • Establish priorities

  • Identify bottlenecks to progress

  • Establish goals and milestones

  • Organize civic projects

  • Identify volunteer teams and project leaders.

 

The overall result is to focus and organize the volunteer energy of local citizens in order to take your community from where it is now to where it wants to be in the future.


 

 

MSAD 9 Strategic Vision for the Year 2011

 

Created March 30, 2001

 

 

 

Maine School Administrative District 9 is a community center for educational excellence. We develop clear and effective communicators, integrative and informed thinkers, creative and practical problem solvers, caring, responsible and involved citizens, collaborative and quality workers, and self-directed lifelong learners.

 

MSAD 9 fosters healthy relationships.  We collaborate to raise aspirations in the community.  We participate in partnerships to promote educational, social and emotional growth. We partner with families, agencies and the community so students arrive prepared and eager to learn.

 

We have a dynamic educational system that is a safe, nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment for students, staff, family and community.  Individuals learn who they are and what their passions are.  We provide them with the tools to express and nurture their authentic selves in responsible and productive ways.  We embrace diversity. 

 

MSAD 9 facilities are warm and welcoming.  They provide appropriate and comfortable learning and working environments for all.  Our facilities are clean, safe and efficient, and meet the needs of our community.  Our buses are an extension of our facilities.  We promote the incorporation of environmentally friendly technologies.

 

The community values, appreciates and celebrates the work of all MSAD 9 staff and volunteers.  The District employs and retains exceptionally qualified, friendly and competent personnel.  We sustain a culture that results in staff and community pride.

 

Education is a treasure of our community.  Each learner is a gem to be discovered, polished and cherished.

 

 

 


 

 


 

 

 

1. Acquire and Retain Human Resources

2. Improve Student Programs

3. Acquire Monetary and Material Resources

4. Invest in Infrastructure

5. Support Student Preparedness

6. Expand Professional Development

7. Develop Quality Assurance

8. Communicate Our Vision and Progress

 


 

About the Location of MSAD 9 Objectives

 

 

 

 
In the WHAT Quadrant

 

Objectives on the optimum path: your community has adequate information and high expectations of these objectives. Focus on developing plans to move these objectives forward.  Ask: WHAT must we do to advance these objectives to higher stages of accomplishment?

 

Objectives off the optimum path: these objectives put your community at risk.  You have high expectations of their value, but lack knowledge about what it will take to implement them. Get the information you need quickly, then take appropriate action to move ahead.

 

 

 
In the HOW Quadrant

 

Objectives on the path: your community has hands-on experience that indicates that you are making progress.  Focus on HOW to advance these objectives more efficiently.  Refine your methods in order to work better, faster, or more efficiently.

 

Objectives above the path indicate a possible emergency.  Act quickly now, to bring these objectives back on the optimum path.

 

Objectives below the path may have advanced further than necessary. Minimize the amount of civic resources you allocate to advancing these objectives.

 

 

 

 
In the IF Quadrant

 

Objectives on the optimum path: your community has limited information and is unsure of their value in helping to achieve your vision. Ask: IF we pursue this objective, what will be the impact, good or bad, on achieving our civic vision?  

 

Objectives behind the path need more under-standing of their feasibility before deciding to advance them.

 

Objectives ahead of the path: make sure these objectives are not absorbing resources that are needed for higher priority objectives.

 

 

 
In the WHY Quadrant

 

Objectives on the optimum path: although their priority is low, these objectives are strategically important for achieving your vision. Develop a plan to sustain them with the minimum possible resources.

 

Objectives behind the path: your community may have lost confidence in their importance or in its ability to accomplish these objectives.  Take a fresh look at their value compared to higher priority objectives.  Ask: WHY should we put any more resources into advancing these objectives?

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

OBJECTIVE I

Acquire and Retain Human Resources    

 

 

Expected Results

We have a pool of qualified applicants for every vacancy.  Staff indicates that they have adequate support and resources to do their job.  We have a lower rate of non-retirement vacancies.

 

 

Lead

 

 

 

Team

 

 

 

 

 

Project 1:     Hire the Necessary People  -  Greg Potter and Paul Gooch

Expected result:

216            Provide social workers in schools to provide links between schools and homes

 

 

Project 2:        Support Current Staff  -  

Expected result:

300            Hire well qualified substitutes

 

Project 3:        Have Competitive Salaries Throughout the System -  Neil Stinneford

Expected result:

      168          Have well paid substitutes

      164            Hire ed techs as full time employees

 

Project 4:        Use the press to make our school system attractive and accessible to future employees –

Expected result:

       

169          Work with local press to let community know what=s happening in the

                schools (PR)

 

Project 5:        Communicate the District Vision by 8/2001

 

Expected Result:

     156      Communicate the vision through a variety of ways

 

Deferred Initiatives:  None


 

 

OBJECTIVE II:

 

Improve Student Programs

 

Expected Result:

 

There is a full range of programs and resources to continually challenge and support each learner.

 

 

Lead

 

 

 

Team

 

 

 

Project 2:     Expand Opportunities –  Ed Ferreira

 

Expected result:

 

106            Require parenting classes for all HS students

118            Make making schedules and getting into classes that you want easier


 

139            Make Civics a required course for all HS students

 

Project 4:     Develop Personalized Learning Plan for everybody – Holly Price

Expected result:

  12                        Develop more programs for different learners

  39                        Expand school to work opportunities for all students

  41                        Expand the differentiated programs  (G+T)

170                    Integrate the G+T program into standard school program (don't end up

                doing redundant level work)

  62            Create an individual education plan for each student

      203            Make it easier to students to test out previously mastered parts of curriculum

 

Project 5:        Enhance Self Esteem and Preparedness – Glenn Kapiloff

Expected result:

  40            Provide a safe place for children that don't have one to do homework

166            Celebrate student achievements (academic, and, other,) more than sports

208            Provide more intramural recreational programs and expand extracurricular participation at all levels. (230)

220            Develop new ways to do outreach to new students and students in transition

225            Bring in inspirational and motivational speakers to address students

 

Project 6:        Promote Diversity – Brian Foster

Expected result:

113            Incorporate more multi-culturalism and gender equity in classrooms

 

Deferred Initiatives: None


 

OBJECTIVE III:

 

Acquire Monetary and Material Resources

 

Expected Results:

 

We have adequate resources to achieve our vision's objectives.  We have reduced dependence on local property taxes for school funding. We continue to be responsible expending funds.

 

 

Lead

 

 

 

Team

 

 

 

 

Project 2:        Investigate Partnerships –

Expected result:

  16                        Create connections with agencies

  11                        Investigate what partnerships are available

  29                        Expand the training and the utilization of volunteers

  56                        Utilize and invite seniors and elders into education

 

 

OBJECTIVE IV:

 

Invest in Infrastructure

 

Expected Result:

 

Infrastructure is well maintained, inviting, safe and supports the learning process.

 

 

Lead

 

 

 

Team

 

 

 

 

 

Project 1:     Accelerate the Construction Program – Greg Webber

133            A new track

 


 

Project 5:        Replace Equipment – Glenn Kapiloff

Expected result:

102            State-of-the-art equipment for the tech center

 

 

Deferred Initiatives:


 

 

OBJECTIVE V:

 

Support Student Preparedness

 

Expected Results:

 

Achieve an adequate system in the community to support parents and children.  Students are attentive, eager to participate, self-confident, and curious.  The students feel their school environments are safe.

 

 

Lead

 

 

Team

 

 

 

 

Project 2:     Improve Mentoring – Vacant

Expected result:

      Inventory all current MSAD #9 mentoring initiatives.   

      Review literature on effective mentoring initiatives.   

      Arrange for training by Big Brothers/Big Sisters.     

      Use Title IV grant to expand materials about resiliency.   

 

  32                        Expand mentoring programs for all learners

 


 

Project 4:     Facilitate Counseling (Safety Nets)-  

 

Expected result:

 

  53                        Coordinate efforts that provide safety nets for at risk students

 

Project 5:     Strengthen Early Childhood – Mary Frank

 

Expected result:

 33           Provide early childhood education for all 3-4 year olds whose parents want it

110          Promote developmentally appropriate practices for young children (up to age 7) to support learning preparedness

211          Require and strengthen preschool education

34           Collaborate with the community to expand developmentally appropriate child care for any child who needs it

 

Deferred Initiatives: None


 

 

OBJECTIVE VI:

 

Expand Professional Development

 

Expected Result:

 

Teachers will have a variety of strategies and materials.

 

Lead

 

 

Team

 

 

 

Project 1:     Professional Advancement – Marilyn Hylan

 

Expected result:

  28                        Provide opportunities for professional advancement within the district

  48                        Promote and sustain teacher leadership opportunities

54            Provide programs to support and nurture staff

 

Project 2:     Improve teaching and learning practice – Steve Heath

Expected result:   To build professional communities-cultures of interaction through dialogue and inquiry at different levels.  These levels will include: a) within and between schools of MSAD #9,  b) within a between colleges and departments of UMF,  and c) between UMF and MSAD #9 and the broader community.

 

  45                        Make better use of the University programs and faculty

  63                        Link SAD 9 teachers and UMF staff

 

Project 4:     Professional Wellness – Bonnie Levesque & David Leavitt

 

Expected result:

 


 

206            Bring in inspirational and motivational speakers to address staff

 

Deferred Initiatives:


 

 

OBJECTIVE VII:

 

Develop Quality Assurance

 

Expected Results:

 

Every teacher implements an assessment plan using multiple measures to assess student progress.  There will be an increase in the number of students who meet district curriculum standards.  The System and its component programs will meet a series of quality standards yet to be developed.

 

 

Lead

Susan Pratt

 

 

Team

 

 

 

Project 1:     Student Assessment –

 

Expected result:     Publish a plan showing ways to measure student achievement and to communicate those accomplishments.

 

  20           Expand safe models for feedback and continuous improvement throughout the system and community

229            Become proficient at monitoring and evaluating to improve our performance

 

Project 2:     System Evaluation – Ray Glass

 

Expected result: Community will relate an increased level of satisfaction. 

 

123            Expand opportunities for parents and teachers to give feedback to schools

172            Raise student achievement so that 90% of students achieve at a level of proficiency or higher

 

Deferred Initiatives: None


 

 


 

OBJECTIVE VIII:

 

Communicate Our Vision and Progress

 

Expected Results:

 

Community will have a better understanding of the needs identified in objectives 1-7.  Community will provide the resources necessary to implement objectives 1-7.

 

 

Lead

 

 

 

 

Team

 

 

 

 

Project:           Increase the base of community support through accessibility of the use of school  facilities by the community.

 

Expected result:

 

   7       Extend the use or our facilities to wider community

74          Work with local press to let community know what=s happening in the schools (PR)

 

 

Deferred Initiatives: None


 

 

Appendices

 

 

A.     Eliminated Options with Number of Votes YYYYYYYYYYYYY.Y.. Page 22

 

B.     Community Catalyst Stages of Accomplishment YYYYYYYYYYYYYY.. 25

 

C.     Recommendations for Making Progress YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. 26

 

D.     More About the Community Catalyst Action Matrix YYYYYYYYYYYY..  28

 

E.      Participant List YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 35

 

F.      Community Catalyst Facilitation Team YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY... 37

 

G.    How to Achieve Your Strategic Vision YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 38

 

 

H.    Completed Projects……………………………………………………..39

 

I.    Partially Completed Projects


 

 

Appendix A

Eliminated Options with Number of Votes

 

 

Init. #      Votes      Initiative

71            18            deleted

 

6              17            Get the most bang for the buck

60            17            Establish a community volunteer initiative

138          17            Put in a radio and cable station at HS to run by students

210          17            Fund raising specialist paid with incentive pay

 

8              16            Explore year round schooling

47            16            Have weighted grades