Westwood Regional School Board Sets Year's Goals

Westwood Regional Schools will work to build on student achievement while also reorganizing how the school board and administration govern the district, according to a set of goals for the year set by the board of education at their last meeting.

The six goals include: "building upon positive increase of student achievement over the past several years," "focus communication on areas that are in need," "reorganize how the board and administration governs the district," "revise the vision and direction of the district," "acquire and retain personnel of the highest caliber" and "continue improving special services to students and parents."

The list specifies that school officials aim to address negative perceptions and improve the district's image. They also hope to more clearly establish the roles of the board and administration while creating a climate of collaboration.

Officials also plan to improve the morale of district staff and recognize and appreciate staff performance. For those school employees who do leave, there will be a new exit interview process established. 

In special services, officials plan to create a task force to address various issues and reorganize the department.

On top of the administrative and staff-related goals, the board still aims to implement the new Core Curriculum standards and state-mandated teacher evaluation system.

"We're ready for a great school year," school board President Roberta Hanlon said.

The goals reflect the desires of board members and other district stakeholders, according to Hanlon. The creation of the list followed workshops organized by Interim Superintendent James Sheerin with various groups, including the board and administrators.

Next, it will be up to school officials to figure out how to reach the various goals.

Westwood Regional Schools open Monday.

The full list of goals is available from the district's website here on the August 29 meeting agenda.