Unit 40 Board Approves Taking Next Step in Strategic Planning Process

Effingham Unit 40 school board members Monday voted to take the next step toward developing a strategic plan for the district.

(UNIT 40 TEACHERS JIM HAMMER AND ABRA WOOMER AND EHS STUDENT TAYLOR GREENE SHARE ABOUT THE STRATEGIC PLAN)

The Board contracted with Educational Leadership Solutions for $8,100 toward Living the Strategic Plan. Teachers Jim Hammer and Abra Woomer were joined by student Taylor Greene in presenting highlights of the four three-hour planning sessions that involved students, teachers, administrators, support staff members, parents and other members of the general public. 30 to 35 people attended each of the sessions. 

The presenters said the difference in this project is that it is an ongoing one, where mission, vision, beliefs and goals are all part of the process. 

Unit 40 Superintendent Andy Johnson said of the effort, "We're not done; we're just getting started." The plan is to move ahead toward implementation. That part of the process will begin right after the first of the year, and Educational Leadership Solutions will guide the group on the path toward implementation.

The information will be shared publicly so people can follow the process. 

We will keep you up-to-date on the process.

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Also Monday, the Unit 40 Board approved a modified fee structure for students taking dual credit courses. The change would see the district taking on the vast majority of the cost, and reducing the cost to students and their parents. The cost to parents and students will now be $25/semester.

EHS Principal Kurt Roberts and counselor Tara Raddatz researched the issue before making the presentation last night. They shared that the previous cost of the program might have deterred some students from taking dual credit, or from taking the number of courses they could have.

The Board also recognized several individuals and groups. The Masonic Lodge of Watson was commended for allocating up to $10,000 for covering unpaid lunch accounts. Students commended were those who qualified for State doubles tennis play, the girls cross country team who reached sectionals as a team for the first time, the girls golf squad that reached the state tournament, and boys golf sectional qualifier Colby Haynes. All recognized were high school teacher and coach Obie Farmer for being included in the Chamber of Commerce Top Leaders Under 40 and high school student Rosie Markham as a Chamber of Commerce Up and Coming Leader. 

The Board also heard a presentation from EHS students and CEO Class students Taylor Greene and Emily Vincent on the CEO special event, "The Magic of CEO", as this year's class project. 

Board members also voted to spend $214,000 for technology purchases, utilizing Federal ESSER III funds to cover much of the cost.