Envision SPS Holds First Meeting

The Envision SPS team held its first meeting last on Thursday, October 1. The purpose of the meeting was to update new members on past business, as well plan for the upcoming year. Dr. Ridder and Board Member Andy Hosmer walked the committee through the topics suggested by the Board at their September Study Session. Committee member Pam Bodine conducted an exercise with the committee to arrive at the initial area of focus for the committee based on the Board suggestions. The top two areas of concentration were 21st Century Learning and early childhood education.



We will be defining 21st Century Learning for discussion purposes on this page in the next few days so that committee members and the community may weigh in as well.

Following are the minutes from the first meeting.

October 1, 2009
6:30 p.m.
Minutes

Attendees: Josey McPhail, Norm Ridder, Andy Hosmer, Gail Melgren, Glenda Thurkill, Jennifer Epperly, Becky Ziegler, Brendan Griesemer, Ben Hackenwerth, Paul Satterwhite, Marc Maness, Ryan Van Bibber, Pam Bodine

· Overview of committee history and process given by Marc Maness (process flowchart attached).
· Synopsis of topics generated by the BOE given by Dr. Ridder and Andy Hosmer.
· Using a consensogram the group selected their top two topic choices; 21st Century Learner and Preschool Culture. Pam Bodine facilitated the group using the Six Thinking Hats analysis process to make a final selection of the 21st Century Learner.
· The group brainstormed additional key area representation needed on the committee: Major Local Employers, Post Secondary Education Entities, Students, Faith Community, and Transportation Industry.
· Committee members are encouraged to submit research findings to be posted on the web. Book selection(s) will be provided to the committee.
· BOE member, Andy Hosmer, asked the committee to present a balanced view of the issue to the BOE. He also asked part of the findings of the committee include a visual representation.
· Next meeting, November 12th @ 6:30. Location to be determined.
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Topics for Discussion

At the September Study Session a list of potential topics for the Envision SPS Committee was generated by board members. While continued discussion will take place with the board concerning future topics, the following list is provided as a starting point for discussion purposes. Feel free to comment on the existing list and suggest any resources (websites, books, articles, etc.) that you may think will assist our committee during the discussions.

As a reminder to the public, please feel free to comment and make recommendations on this site as well. WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT.

A synopsis of future committee meetings will be provided on this site.

Now the list:

• Innovative expansion of public/private partnerships (ex. Bass Pro Shops and WOW)
• Consideration of the 21st Century learner and the impact on accountability, improved educational approach, future workforce development, etc.
• How to be proactive as a district in the new world of collective bargaining.
• Year-around school (including: legislative issues surrounding, use of facilities, time of instruction)
• Parent accountability and involvement
• Transportation (ways to cooperate with city, county and other public/private entities)
• Achievement gap
• Preserving a socio-economic balance in the district and school sites.

About Envision SPS

In September of 2007 Springfield Public Schools launched SP5, the district's strategic plan. SP5 continues to guide the district driven by the three main district goals as well as key indicators, measures and targets. While SP5 is annually reviewed and is on a five-year cycle for a major review, keeping a sharp and critical eye on the future is key to the success of the district. Envision SPS is the name given to a committee of volunteers made up of parents, teachers, and community members with the desire to look at building on current strengths of our district while fully embracing opportunities for improvement. Discussions including merit pay, the impact of technology, and innovative "choice" programs were just some of the topics discussed in the last year.

In August of 2009 the Springfield Board of Education asked that Envision SPS take a more formal role in working with the board tackling issues the board noted as critical to the future success of Springfield Public Schools. With this more defined role, Envision SPS will need to grow to represent a community engagement process that drives innovative efforts on behalf of the district.

To be successful, Envision SPS will need your help. While the committee work is important, this site will serve as the place for you to provide valuable input on important topics. Please feel free to provide comments to postings or submit a topic for discussion on your own. Contact mmaness@spsmail.org for questions and submissions.