MinisinkValleyCentralSchool District
P.O. Box 217, Route 6
Slate Hill, NY10973-0217
Phone: 845-355-5110 Fax: 845-355-5119
Martha Murray, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
The MinisinkValleyCentralSchool District is enthusiastically beginning its Strategic Planning process which will result in a recommendation to the board of education at their June 2, 2008 meeting. This teaching and learning plan will be very comprehensive, involving a core team of over twenty representatives from the district and the community at large. In addition, highly focused task forces will focus on various components of instruction, including curriculum and instruction, special education, staff development, gifted and talented education, technology, and the performing arts.
Dr. Diane Reed, Strategic Partner of PLC Associates, Inc., based in Rochester, will be facilitating the activities of the Strategic Plan and serve as project leader. According to Dr. Reed “This is a very powerful model that is appreciably different from most designs. First, the process will feature significant levels of participation and involvement. Secondly, communication will be ongoing and comprehensive. Nothing is more important for implementation than having our community apprised of our work and progress along the way. Finally, the process will purposely build a strong coalition of positive support. The ultimate test for any Strategic Plan is the difference that it makes in the lives of students.”
“This model has received positive reviews and is endorsed by the New York State School Boards Association as a premier protocol,” added Dr. Martha Murray, superintendent of Minisink Valley Schools.
Currently, the district is considering the design of the core team and the task forces. Any parents, teachers, or community members who would like to take part in this exciting process should call Dr. Murray at 355-5110 or e-mail her at by July 8, 2007. The core team will begin meeting over the summer and the task forces will start their work in September.
The Strategic Plan will serve as a focus for teaching and learning in the district over the next several years. Specific strategic objectives (targets), key initiatives, and action plans will be developed. “Expectations are extraordinarily high,” according to Penny Ciaburri, principal of PLC Associates.
“Strategic planning done well, with measurable outcomes and a clearly documented go forward strategy provides a bright future for the students of the district. As well, it builds a strong foundation of support for education among members of the community.”