Prior to initiating a search for our next Superintendent, we must have a clear vision for NPS. We must back this vision with examples of how it will be measured. We must ensure that we limit the vision to the “vital few” and that they be specific, logical, measurable and focused.
This is a difficult task and one which the entire community should involve itself in. To start the conversation and to put my money where my mouth is, here is my proposal.
Vision/Goal #1 – NPS returns to the top ten nationally recognized public school systems
Outcome Measurements:
o Graduation rates, college matriculations
o Advanced Placement test participation, scores
o MCAS, other standardized test results
o STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career metrics
o Extra curricular participation (both breadth and depth), including success in competitive events
o Effective School Councils in place at every school
o School Improvement Plans in place and tracked regularly at every school
o Parent satisfaction surveys
o Student satisfaction surveys
o Teacher satisfaction surveys
o Administration satisfaction surveys
o National rankings (lagging indicator)
Vision/Goal #2 – NPS operates in a fiscally sound/sustainable manner
Outcome Measurements:
o Multiyear financial plan is in place and reviewed at least annually that supports ongoing operations within constraints of reliable funding assumptions
o Multiyear facility plan is in place (accounted for in financial plan) and reviewed at least annually that supports restoration of all facilities to minimally acceptable standards and then maintains or improves from that basis
Vision/Goal #3 – NPS has a special education program that meets the needs of all students
Outcome Measurements:
o IEPs are in place and agreed with all stakeholders promptly
o Success against IEPs (in aggregate) is reported monthly with corrective action proposed for gaps
o Focus and reporting on success in moving students closer to “graduating” from special education with emphasis on early and aggressive intervention
o Non-confrontational and privacy protected process in place for all constituents (special and general education stakeholders) to express concerns
Vision/Goal #4 - NPS returns focus to Neighborhood Schools
Outcome Measurements:
o Long range facilities plan is in place that supports Neighborhood School vision
o Enrollment at each elementary school is capped at 400 students (or medium-term plan is in place to reduce enrollment to cap)
o Median and mean distance from homes in each school district is actively reviewed and managed with a goal of reverting to 1978 levels over time
o Percentage of students walking to school is tracked and schools are rewarded for reducing vehicular transportation (bus and car)
o Parent participation in elementary school communities is tracked and schools are rewarded for higher participation rates
Vision/Goal #5 – NPS encourages and nurtures innovation
Outcome Measurements:
o Formal processes in place to identify innovations and opportunities for innovations
o Formal processes to evaluate and fund innovation pilots
o Regular assessment of pilots and publication of results (both positive and negative)
o Regular review of progress of institutionalization of successful innovations
o Annual “Innovation Report” describing the results of innovation for the year (including what was learned from unsuccessful innovations)
Potential Innovations:
o Expanded Learning Time
o “Charter” schools or classrooms
o Differentiated instruction/tracking by learning style instead of ability level
o Aggressive use of technology to leverage instructional staff resources
o Digital classroom
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