THE SOMERSET HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Strategic PlanSummary Report – Year 1 - 2008-2009

Implementation Overview – Year 2 – 2009-2010

Strategic Plan Process October 2007- A 30 member Planning Team attended a three-day

retreat to develop the district’s: Mission Statement Objectives Beliefs Strategies

Winter/Spring 2007-2008 – Approximately 200 community members and staff served on action team sub-committees to develop 47 Action Plans for the seven strategies.

March 2008 – Planning Team reconvened to review specific results and action plans; revisions requested.

April 2008 – Action Teams reconvened to review Planning Team’s input.

May 2008 – Final seven strategies, specific results and action plans presented to Planning Team.

June 25, 2008 – Strategies and specific results presented to BOE at public meeting.

Strategic Plan Process (cont.) Summer 2008 - Administrative Team completed a

cost analysis feasibility study of each strategy implementation matrix

September 2008-June 2009 – Administrators began to implement specific results.

Implementation matrix reviewed by Finance Committee during 2009/10 budget development.

Summer 2009 – Administrators report progress to Superintendent.

October 20, 2009 – Planning Team meets for annual update (progress on 2008-2009 initiatives and presentation of 2009-2010 specific results).

November 18, 2009 – Full BOE public presentation

Strategy 1:We will implement a process enabling each student to develop and pursue a personalized learning plan.

2008-2009 No action plans assigned for implementation The Department of Education is currently working on an initiative for Personalized

Learning Plans for pilot districts. More to follow as information becomes available.

2009-2010 District technology driven, customized, differentiated

learning experiences for all SHSD students.

Strategy 2:We will reconceptualize teaching and learning.2008-2009 An integrated K-12 environmental education curriculum Environmental activities to enrich and extend environmental

concepts within established curriculum to promote Earth Day. New AP Environmental Studies course in 2009-10.

Effective communication skills. Writing lab added at BHS fully equipped with 15 computers. SHEF grant for another lab equipped with 25 additional computers. In future can offer virtual courses not currently offered at BHS.

2009-2010 No action plans assigned for implementation.

Strategy 3:We will expand our students’ understanding of the global community and their role within it.

2008-2009 Establishment of a district Earth Day. Bedwell: Sold reusable shopping bags; Energy Efficiency Squad;

Capri Sun package recycling program; Earth Hour-all lights turned off; Encourage lunches packed in reusable bags and containers; SHEF grant for Pedal-A-Watt.

BMS: Calculated carbon footprints; “paperless” Earth Day; presentation on energy conservation and a wolf conservation presentation

BHS: Power and paper reduction; concert with proceeds to school’s recycling program; carpooling parking lot challenge

Strategy 3 (cont):We will expand our students’ understanding of the global community and their role within it.

2009-2010 Coordinated environmental awareness/recycling program

throughout the district. Direct involvement in community service related to caring

for our global environment. Internships and/or field experiences for after-school

and/or summer work opportunities that expose students to global issues.

Strategy 4:We will recruit, retain, and support exemplary staff.2008-2009 Best practices for recruitment and retention. Job fairs, college faculty connections, district contacts

Expanded professional development opportunities. Professional affiliations with The College of NJ and Princeton

University.

User-friendly website. New SHSD website provides teacher pages, current information,

Friday Folders.

2009-2010 An administrative intern program.

Strategy 5:We will develop mutually beneficial relationships with our community.

2008-2009 No action plans assigned for implementation.

2009-2010 Establishment of a Community Forum to promote

information exchange and strengthen ties between the school and communities.

Establishment of a consistent model of communication for all constituents throughout the school community.

Strategy 6:We will position and structure the district to achieve optimal effectiveness for our students (building and athletic facilities).2008-2009 Regionalization, consolidation, and/or shared services between

SHSD and surrounding districts Shared professional development opportunities; SEE Energy Program;

county-wide Health Insurance Feasibility Study; Morris-Union Jointure Commission; property/liability insurance through shared services

Maximize use of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities Since turf field installed, no cancellations due to weather.

Long-range facilities plan to accommodate instructional needs. Space at Bedwell created to accommodate disabled class to reduce out-

of-district placements; district administration utilized demographer’s projections, which have been consistently accurate when planning for future needs.

Strategy 6 (cont):We will position and structure the district to achieve optimal effectiveness for our students (building and athletic facilities).2008-2009 (cont) Reduced SHSD operating costs. Scheduling efficiencies, changes to co-curricular programs; fees

assessed for student parking, AP tests and activities.

A comprehensive green initiative promoting high performance, green, sustainable facilities.

Energy savings plan developed; SEE (Schools for Energy Efficiency) program selected.

2009-2010No action plans assigned for implementation

Strategy 7:We will obtain and allocate our physical, human, and monetary resources to accomplish our mission and objectives.

2008-2009 A series of cultural and performing arts event fundraisers (not completed;

moved to 2009-10)

Funded grants for the SHSD District working with grant consulting firm, Millenium Strategies, to seek funds. To

date in 2009, almost $750,000 in received in grants.

An energy management plan to achieve measurable savings in electric and gas expenses on a multi-year basis.

ESCO and SEE program selected; four extended days for summer hours thereby reducing energy costs.

Strategy 7 (cont):We will obtain and allocate our physical, human, and monetary resources to accomplish our mission and objectives.

2009-2010 Establishment of a BHS Alumni Association (BHSAA) A series of cultural and performing arts event fundraisers.

Summary 2008 – 2009Initiatives will continue to be reviewed annually and modifications made as needed.

Implementation 2009 – 2010Administrators and staff will work to implement the selected 2009-10 Action Plans throughout the year.