STRATEGICPLAN 2015 -2020
SUPERINTENDENT
and
WALTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Carlene H. AndersonSuperintendent of Schools / Gail Smith
District 1
Kim Kirby
Vice Chair
District 2
Bill Eddins, Jr.
District 3
Mark Davis
District 4
Jason Catalano
Chairman
District 5
Mission
The Mission of Walton County School District is to educate the mind to think and reflect, the heart to feel and respond, and the body to act and provide service to others.
Vision
The Vision is to be recognized among the top school districts in the state of Florida.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Strategic Plan Goals
Strategies
Observable Indicators
Performance Indicators
Educational Acronyms
Introduction
A Roadmap for Education in Walton County, Florida
Education is a priority in Florida, and certainly in Walton County. Our county’s students and families deserve an education system that creates a culture of high expectations for present and future generations. Our district has spent more than a decade working with the Florida Department of Education on cutting-edge accountability systems and quality assessments, while collecting valuable education data that prove our students’ incredible progress. In 2014-2015, the newFlorida Standards(FS) demand more from our students and they must be prepared to tackle the new material and tougher assessments that will measure how well they learn.
Advancing high-quality education for the next generation of students is the primary responsibility of the Florida State Board of Education and under their direction, the Walton County School Board. This Strategic Plan offers a roadmap for Walton County’s education community that shows where we are, where we want to be, and how we will get there. The best interest of our children is at stake, and we must challenge them to reach higher and realize their full potential. Walton County students must know that they can graduate from high school and be prepared to compete for jobs, join a global workforce, make their dreams a reality – and become the strong leaders that we know they can be.
Setting objectives that will ensure the best access and opportunities for our diverse student population, while increasing educator effectiveness, raising standards, and deepening the level of school curriculum, are at the forefront of the State’s ambitious education agenda. Ultimately, the success of this Strategic Plan will be determined by the collective action of all Walton County School District (WCSD) stakeholders to: (1) prioritize the budget to provide adequate funding to meet the instructional needs of all students, (2) provide resources to support system-wide, systematic implementation of instructional programs, and (3) provide systematic needs based professional development to all personnel.
This Strategic Plan outlines a five-year vision, in accordance with the State Board of Education’s (SBE) Strategic Plan to support students from PreKindergarten to college so they may achieve success in their careers and life. Input was sought from all stakeholder groups to ensure the interests of all were addressed in this comprehensive plan.
WCSD currently ranked 9th out of 67 districts (2013-2014 data) in the state on student achievement. We are ranked 2nd in the Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC) out of 14 districts in the Florida Panhandle in Student Achievement. We have been selected as one of only five districts statewide to show significant student gains for special needs students. We are proud to be among the top school districts and are continuing to rise in the ranks as we were designated by the State Board of Education as an Academically High-Performing School District for 7 consecutive years.
At a Glance
Who We Are
Walton County is a sparsely populated district located in the western part of the Florida panhandle, and it is well known for its historic communities and its beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
The northern region of the district is rural in nature and is composed primarily of family farms, planted forests, and country homesteads. Historical DeFuniak Springs is the county seat of Walton County and home of the school district office. It is also home to one of only two naturally round spring-fed lakes in the world. Historical Victorian homes line Lake DeFuniak along with the Chautauqua Building, outdoor amphitheater, and the second oldest library in the state of Florida. DeFuniak Springs is served with West DeFuniak Elementary, Maude Saunders Elementary, Walton Middle School, Walton High School, Walton Initiative for Student Education, Emerald Coast Technical College, (formerly Walton Career Development Center), Walton Learning Center, and Walton Academy. Paxton School serves PreK-12 students providing a hometown atmosphere where everyone is part of the community. The school is the hub of the community where southern charm and hometown pride abounds. The City of Paxton offers a southern country lifestyle among magnolia and live oak trees lining rolling green acres of rich land.Located west of DeFuniak Springs and close to the Okaloosa County line, Mossy Head provides convenient access for families working in either Walton or Okaloosa County and continues to grow with an industrial park, new homes and businesses.
The southern portion of the district is divided into two distinct communities – the city of Freeport and the Emerald Coast which boasts a 26 mile stretch of sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and is home to world-renowned resort communities. The City of Freeport is also rich with history. Freeport was first known as “Genoa” and later “Four Mile Landing” but during the Civil War, Four Mile Landing began to be referred to as “Freeport”, literally because there was no charge to dock at the port. The community borders the Choctawhatchee Bay and is infused with many bayous and waterways. The Freeport Community is committed to school spirit holding a homecoming parade through the middle of town and cheering our youth on to victory. Freeport Elementary School, Freeport Middle School, and Freeport High School serve the area. South of the Choctawhatchee Bay is the beautiful Emerald Coast along the Gulf of Mexico with cultural and performing arts and new urbanism lifestyle. Bay Elementary School is the oldest school in Walton County. The historic school is on the historical state registry and is surrounded by large, draping live oak trees with Spanish moss and neighbors the historic Eden State Gardens. Along with Bay Elementary, Van R. Butler Elementary, Emerald Coast Middle School, South Walton High School, Seaside Neighborhood School, and Seacoast Collegiate High School serve the students who live along the beautiful beaches of south Walton County.
Walton County is the 11th largest district in Florida encompassing 1,135 square miles with a population density of 53 persons per square mile. The total population is 60,687 of which 85.6% are non-Hispanic white, 6.5% non-Hispanic black, and 6.3% Hispanic.* Only in schools in the north-central area do you find a sub-group ethnic population according to the state accountability guidelines.
As a rural and sparse district, Walton County experiences a higher than normal expenditure-per-student due to the costs associated for the replication of services in its small schools. With the district’s four separate and distinct regions; north, north-central, south-central and south, the district has constructed and maintained multiple small schools required to equitably serve each region. This results in the duplication of many services (ex., ESE, administration, library media, and food services).
Walton County’s student enrollment is slightly more than9,300 students. Bus routes extend from the Alabama state line to the Gulf of Mexico, and to the Holmes, Bay and Okaloosa County boundary lines. School buses transport approximately 5,200 students to and from school, and travel over 7,561 miles per day - the equivalent of traveling just south of Juneau, Alaska and back each day. Annual costs for transportation exceeds the annual calculation designated by Florida Statute and must be supplemented with additional general operating funds.
Despite the sparsity barriers, WCSD has been rated by the Florida Department of Education’s Accountability System as an honor roll school district.For seven consecutive years the District maintained its State Board designation as an Academically High Performing School District and earned an “A” designation. With the new state assessment, new accountability system and increased rigor of standards and assessments, the district is currently rated as a “B”. Embracing the new challenges, Walton County School District is striving to reach their former “A” status.In 2015-2016WCSD was ranked 10th in the state in student performance. WCSD is committed to student achievement believing all children can learn and achieve. In order for students to achieve, every aspect of the school district’s operations must be highly effective. Administrators, faculty and staff work together to create an effective team for student success.
Education is the cornerstone of our communities. It produces our most precious resource, employable manpower. Education in Walton County is continually evolving to meet the demands of the workforce as we prepare the youth of today to be college and career ready and to become tomorrow’s leaders.
*1,135 square miles source: Walton County website
*Population data source University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research
District Departments
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Walton County School District
Strategic Plan Goals
Strategic Plan Goals
1. Highest Student Achievement – Increase achievement for each child by ensuring access to
rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, and providing access to
technology and digital curriculum
2. Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction – Implement a comprehensive curriculum driven by Florida Standards and other standards established by the Florida Department of Education and implemented through research-based instructional best practices.
3. Effective Communication – Communicate with all stakeholders through various media to
promote collaboration, parent involvement, and community partnership
4. Quality, Equitable,Efficient Services – Maintain high levels of effectiveness, efficiency, and
equity in our operations to support student achievement
5. Safe and Secure Schools – Maintain safe and secure schools to enhance the learning
environment for students and staff.
The first two goals will be supported by the priorities approved by the State Board of Education that arealigned with VPK students, K-12 students in the public school system, teachers and leaders, school choice, and postsecondary students. The third goal, Effective Communication, and the fourth goal, Quality, Equitable, and Efficient Services respond to AdvancED recommendations and are also district-identified needs which will support each priority and create an environment of high expectations for all students.Goal 5, Safe and Secure Schools, includes strategies to enhance school security and support student safety.
Walton County School District
Strategies
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Goal 1 Highest Student Achievement –Increase achievement for each student by ensuring access to rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, and providing access to technology.
For evaluation purposes each strategy will be reviewed using the following rubric: / Completed = C
Substantially Completed = SC
In Progress = IP
On Going = OG
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
- **Align the Supplemental Academic Instruction (SAI)Planand federal and local grant applications to increase achievement for ALL students at all levels (including Students with Disabilities (SWD), English Language Learners (ELL), Gifted and Talented, and the Economically Disadvantaged (ED)) by ensuring access to rigorous programs, addressing diverse educational needs, equity for all students and providing access to technology
FS 1003.56
AvancED Recommendation / C SC IP OG Comments:
- Fully implement a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) that provides interventions and support for academic and behavioral success for all students PreK-12
- Promote participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses by increasing the use of SpringBoard curriculum and targeting students for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classrooms in secondary schools
- Support development of grades 6-12 AVID programs in all feeder patterns
- Support development of the AVID program or use of AVID-like approaches in intermediate classrooms (grades 4-5)
- Provide support for implementation and promotion of Career Academies at all high schools increasing the number of program completers earning industry certification
- Create opportunities for all high school students to complete the virtual graduation requirements in school if necessary by providing extensive choices and opportunities
- **Provide opportunities for rigorous and accelerated learning through virtual opportunities.
AvancED Recommendation / C SC IP OG Comments:
- Advertise through multiple media outlets and promote participation in the District’s Voluntary PreKindergarten Program (VPK)
- Ensure alignment of VPK curriculum to state standards
- Monitor student progress at all levels using formative (formal and informal) and summative assessments
- Monitor individual school data, professional learning and its alignment with student achievement data and trends
- Provide opportunities for students to participate in college-level courses through partnership with Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College Collegiate High School
- **Continually study data ( including attendance, behavior and academic) to examine performance by schools and student subgroups to determine the extent of program implementation and effectiveness to make decisions about resource allocation and program continuation
AvancED Recommendation / C SC IP OG Comments:
- Support schools in participation of career days to promote interest in teaching profession
Completed = C Substantially Completed = SC In Progress = IP On Going = OG
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION, FACILITIES & TRANSPORTATION, TECHNOLOGY & STUDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; HUMAN RESOURCES, FINANCE
- All departments will participate in processes involving collaboration, cooperation, and problem solving in the design and development of facilities, technology, and the instructional environment
FACILITIES & TRANSPORTATION
- Ensure safe and reliable transportation is provided to all students to support their educational needs
- **Develop a Facilities/Capital Outlay Planning Committee with Educational Stakeholders providing input into the school design and planning process
- Update all facilities to meet recommendations of the District Schools Security Task Force
FINANCE
- Create a budget development protocol that allows meaningful input from all departments regarding funding priorities and budget allocations
- **Collaborate with Curriculum & Instruction to align Supplemental Academic Instruction funds, federal and grant fundsto increase achievement for students at all levels
- Develop a fiscal year budget close-out process that does not interrupt or delay purchases directly related to student achievement
- Fund academic enhancement programs in alignment with Florida Statutes and School Board policy
- Financially support the district Local Instructional Improvement System (LIIS) to enable data mining capabilities
HUMAN RESOURCES
- **Implement a systemized process for the hiring of teachers and administrators
Completed = C Substantially Completed = SC In Progress = IP On Going = OG
- Human Resources personnel will attend and participate in job fairs to promote Walton County School District to recruit teachers and support personnel
- Review and revise as necessary the Walton County Leadership Development Program to align with and utilize the Florida Educational Leadership Standards to guide prospective instructional leaders through the development process
- Collaborate in the problem solving process with colleges and universities and school district administrators in the recruitment of instructional personnel, including but not limited to, internships and student teaching programs
- Collaborate with colleges and universities to develop intern/student teaching agreements to ensure WCSD is a competitive employer of instructional personnel
- Explore paid internships to attract identified WCSD critical shortage personnel
HUMAN RESOURCES, FINANCE, AND CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
- Collaborate to attract WCSD identified critical shortage personnel through paid internships
HUMAN RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY & STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
- Develop an online process for accepting and reviewing employment applications
TECHNOLOGY & STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
- Assign staff to generate reports for all departments needed for decision making and problem solving
- Assign staff to provide support for implementing technology based educational initiatives
- **Provide a digital learning environment for every teacher and student, including implementing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Office 365 (Cloud Storage and Online Office Suite), and Digital Learning tools for each classroomwith additional staff when funding is available
Completed = C Substantially Completed = SC In Progress = IP On Going = OG
- Align Technology and Management Information Systems to enhance curriculum based initiatives
- Collaborate with the Curriculum and Instruction department to ensure the Digital Learning Environment meets diverse educational needs and provides access to appropriate technology
Completed = C Substantially Completed = SC In Progress = IP On Going = OG
Goal 2Standards-Based Curriculum and Instruction – Implement a comprehensive curriculum driven by Florida Standards and other standards established by the Florida Department of Education and implemented through research-based instructional best practices.
STRATEGIESFor evaluation purposes each strategy will be reviewed using the following rubric: / Completed = C
Substantially Completed = SC
In Progress = IP
On Going = OG
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
- Align classroom instruction with the Florida Standards in all English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies courses at all grade levels
- **Provide high-quality, current, research-based professional learning opportunities for all teachers and administrators related to instructional strategies aligned with Florida Standards, Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) test item specifications and monitor the implementation of these strategies