Leadership
Strong, effective leadership is necessary to create a climate that ensures that all employees can perform in their areas of responsibility while understanding that each contributes to the overall mission of the district. It is important that the leadership team works together to establish a unified school district.
Identified actions:
•Monitor transitions in key administrative positions
•Conduct the Director of Pupil Services search
•Unify the district (One district v. five separate schools)
•Develop a culture of accountability
Communications
A variety of channels will be used to keep district constituencies involved in and aware of our mission, core beliefs and priorities.
Identified actions:
•Provide information to internal (staff) and external (parents, students, community) constituencies
•Continue to improve the quality of district publications
•Expand the use of the district website and other electronic media
•Conduct community forums to obtain feedback
•Enhance efforts to promote district initiatives and accomplishments
Curriculum & Instruction
Effective instructional strategies are essential in ensuring the academic achievement of every student. The district will continue to develop programs and train staff to ensure improved academic performance throughout the district.
Identified actions:
•Review grades K-8 ELA and Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies
•Monitor effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction
•Monitor effectiveness of Co-Teaching Model
•Implement PSAT administration and SAT preparation opportunities
•Monitor distribution of placements for classified students
•Investigate Foreign Language options (offerings and grade level)
•Explore establishing a cycle for ongoing curriculum review
Finances
The district is committed to providing a high quality education to students while seeking cost savings opportunities that help hold the line on taxes. We continue to review and fine tune our policies and business procedures and to fully comply with state auditing standards. We are working to communicate a climate of fiscal responsibility to our staff.
Identified actions:
•Respond to findings of the NYS Comptroller’s Audit
•Monitor district reserves and fund balance
•Implement purchasing procedures
•Establish a self-imposed cap for the coming fiscal year
Facilities & Transportation
The school district buildings are a source of pride to the community. In recent years, with the approval of our voters we have made many improvements that allow the district to provide the best possible environment for learning. We will continue to maintain and improve upon our grounds and facilities and to maximize energy efficiencies.
Identified actions:
•Complete current capital improvement projects and the EXCEL project
•Review of the high school property
•Conduct a field utilization study
•Provide an updated five-year capital plan
•Conduct energy efficiency study
Technology
Recognizing that the use of technology can enhance instruction, provide relevant data regarding our instructional programs and improve district efficiencies, we are committed to the necessary support for a fully integrated Technology Department.
Identified actions:
•Restructure technology department into three areas:
instructional technology, data and technical support
•Complete SMART board installation and provide ongoing training
•Expand working relationship with BOCES Regional Information Center to take advantage of systems efficiencies
•Review our technology network infrastructure
•Expand technology integration in instructional programs
Extra-curricular & Co-curricular Activities
Providing a well-rounded education that includes a variety of non-academic opportunities is a vital component of our educational programming. Carmel students have long enjoyed and will continue to expect outstanding athletic teams, fine arts programs and many clubs and activities that are community focused. Such offerings are consistent with our mission to assist students to become contributing members of our society.
Identified actions:
•Review expansion of athletic program
•Review system for hiring, developing and retaining quality coaches
•Review district fundraising practices
•Review chaperone responsibilities and student code of conduct
Professional Development
On-going professional development activities enhance student instruction. Several district programs have been initiated across the district in recent years including differentiated instruction, the co-teaching model, Preventing Academic Failure and Reading/Writing Workshop. We will continue to provide learning opportunities for our staff for these and others.
Identified actions:
•Review our Professional Development Plan (PDP) to address building upon the capacity of all staff members
•Provide technology training across all levels of district staff
•Develop a “turnkey trainer” model
•Continue to align professional development with instructional initiatives
