Strategic plan 2014

T H E

C O V E

S C H O O L S T R A T E G I C 2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 9

Moving forward into an age of program integration, enhancement, communication, and sustainability

P L A N

C o m m i ttee

Me m be r s

Alexandra Argentar, Director of Development Jody Berkelhamer, Social Worker Betsy Crosswhite, Parent Jan Diehl, Junior High Teacher Mark Fijor, Technology Coordinator Lisa Flanagan, Parent and Board Member Stacy Franke, Elementary Teacher Dean Gerber, Board Member Maureen Klatt, Parent

Alex Laube, Math Teacher Don Law, Board Member Ruth Miller, Assistive Technology Stacy Post, Director of Finance Sally Sover, Executive Director John Stieper, Director of Education Sue Turner, Speech Language Pathologist Mark Wall, Dean of Students

g TA BL E

OF

CON T E N TS

Mission Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Strategic Focus Area 1: Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Strategic Focus Area 2: Transition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4

TA BL E OF CON T E N TS

Strategic Focus Area 3: Faculty, Staff and Administration . . . 5 Strategic Focus Area 4: School of Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6 Strategic Focus Area 5: Fiscal Integrity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Strategic Focus Area 6: Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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MI S S I O N

S TAT E M E N T

The Cove School provides highly individualized education and life strategies for children with learning disabilities.

g OV E RV I E W

OV E RV I E W

In November, 2013 the Board of Trustees held a retreat that initiated the development of a new five year Strategic Plan for The Cove School. From that retreat, a committee was formed which consisted of a diverse group of stakeholders who participated in three facilitated meetings during the months of January – April, 2014. The following six focus areas have been identified as critically important to the future of our school: Program, Transition, Faculty, School of Choice, Fiscal Integrity, and Governance. Through the rigorous execution of the plan over the next five years, The Cove School will strategically enhance the educational experiences of the students, and will position itself as the clear leader in the educational community. Many thanks to all who participated in this extraordinary planning effort and to those who will make the plan a reality for our future.

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S T R AT E G IC F O C U S A R E A 1 : PR O G R A M Cove’s historical foundation has been built upon its commitment to provide a strong individualized, clinical program. Our students have complex needs that require intensive remediation that is best provided through an integrated service delivery model that is based on comprehensive, in-depth evaluation.

Furthermore, The Cove School believes in the development of the whole child and supports broad-based program development with a life preparatory focus.

Cove’s mission to prepare students for success in life is dependent upon our ability to simultaneously remediate and build on strengths. Providing opportunities for students to achieve in their areas of strength while accelerating their growth in their areas of challenge are critical for their development.

C ove

w i ll :

g

A. E nhance our comprehensive assessment profile and develop a database that will provide opportunities for ongoing individual and group analysis B. Continue the development of a Cove-specific curriculum that identifies specific content, materials, and instructional methodologies to support the diverse learners at the school

1. Enhance the literacy program at the school

2. Enhance the math program at the school C. Implement our current Technology Plan, evaluate the results and revise it at the end of Year 3 D. Assess, analyze and possible increase student enrichment opportunities (i.e. electives, “extracurriculars”) that promote student strengths and leadership skills E. Strengthen the social/emotional program F. Develop goals, establish rubrics, carry out research, provide additional teacher training via professional development opportunities G. Continue with our parent support group as part of a broader Parents as Partners Education Series H. Further develop the ESY (summer school) program

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S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 1 PROGRAM

S T R AT E G IC F O C U S A R E A 2 : T R A N S I T ION Successful transition of students, both internally between levels and externally to a new environment, requires a careful systematic approach. Building skills that lead to independence and success within the broader community is important for our students. The Cove School believes in developing these skills throughout the curriculum while maximizing the resources that are available within the community.

g

C ove

w i ll :

A. D evelop programs, activities, and a vision for post-secondary options which will ensure internal and external transition success and efficacy B. Create a vision for our alumnae program and implement it C. D evelop stronger independence for each student to ensure success in the community

S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 2 TRANSITION

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S T R AT E G IC F O C U S A R E A 3 : F A C U L T Y , S T A F F A N D A D MI N I S T R A T I O N The Cove School knows and understands that the success of its students is dependent upon the strength of its faculty. The Cove School is committed to attracting, supporting, and retaining outstanding educators who share in the belief system of the school, demonstrate expertise in their field, and contribute to a positive culture and overall learning environment.

C ove

g w i ll :

A. R ecruit and retain the most effective faculty, staff, and administration as possible to support the goals of the program B. Enhance professional development opportunities for faculty and staff C. Support the integration of clinical services D. Enhance our salary and benefit package that includes financial incentives for staff retention and non-financial benefits for staff

S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 3 FACULT Y

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STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA SCHOOL OF CHOICE

4:

The Cove School provides a safe, nurturing environment for students and families who are seeking an option to the public school environment. The Cove School also strives to provide an extraordinary education for children whose families choose to seek an educational option that best meets their child’s needs.

g C ove

w i ll :

A. Obtain and sustain an optimum enrollment level of 145 – 150 students with a waiting list B. Double the financial aid pool over the next five years, and regularly evaluate its ability to meet the needs of the families C. Expand our community outreach efforts through the development of a formalized Outreach Plan

S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 4 SCHOOL OF CHOICE

D. Increase local and national awareness of our school E. Provide resources and programs for students with disabilities who are not currently enrolled at the school F. Ensure that our communication with all stakeholders remains highly effective at all times

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STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA F I S C A L I N T E G RI T Y

5:

The Cove School will continue to develop and adopt financial policies and procedures that allow the school to meet its mission and remain fiscally sound. The Development Department will work in conjunction with the Finance Department and the Board of Trustees, to be sure to provide a balance of resources that provide for the present goals and long term stability of the school.

g C ove

w i ll :

A. E nsure that the school’s cash balance is sufficient to sustain all operations of six months B. Develop a broad, diverse and continuing source of funding that includes a major gifts program C. Develop a planned giving program D. Establish new and maintain existing relationships with lawmakers, state board of education and others to ensure equity of resource allocation E. Establish a long term financial plan

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S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 5 FISCAL I N T E G RI T Y

STRATEGIC FOCUS GOVERNANCE

AREA

6:

The Cove School will be directed by an informed, diverse, representative group of trustees committed to leading the school to fulfill its mission by helping to set and oversee strategic priorities. The Board of Trustees is determined to ensure and enhance the level and effectiveness of the school’s governance for the long-term sustainability of the school.

g

C ove

w i ll :

A. Continue to develop and enhance Board membership to further Board effectiveness B. C ontinue the development of our Young Professionals Group.

In 2015, formalize the group and integrate members into the programs of the school.

S T R AT E G IC F O C U S AREA 6 GOVERNANCE

C. Monitor the strategic plan on a quarterly basis and initiate a new plan at least every five years

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350 Lee Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062 PH: (847) 562-2100 FAX: (847) 562-2112 www.coveschool.org