BCSD Strategic Plan

JOURNEYTO 2028

Blueprint for Excellence

Letter from the Superintendent

Dear Brunswick City School District Community,

The Strategic Plan Design Team is proud to present our Journey to 2028 Strategic Plan. The plan represents a great deal of collaboration, dialogue, and feedback that assisted in its development. With the involvement of hundreds of community members, business leaders, parents, staff members, and the Brunswick Board of Education, the district embarked on a Strategic Planning process in January of 2023. Thank you for your dedication throughout this process.

As our district’s mission states, through a relentless dedication to excellence, we are committed to preparing all students for the future. This strategic plan provides the framework and guidance for our district to fulfill our mission with optimal efficiency and impact. Our plan has five priority areas: Academic Achievement, Student Supports, Communication, Community Engagement, and Finances/Facilities. Specific goals and implementation strategies are connected to each priority area. This plan will serve as our blueprint for future planning, resource allocation, staff development, and decision making over the next five years.

Now that the development of Journey to 2028 has reached its conclusion, we are embarking on a new phase where our collaboration with the community becomes critical. While the initial work is finished, the true effort lies ahead as we continue to collaborate with our entire school community to put the plan into action. I welcome you to take a moment to read Journey to 2028 and consider how you can actively participate and contribute to the betterment of our students, schools, and community. Let's work together to create a positive and lasting influence.

Sincerely,

Jason A. Niedermeyer

Our District - At A Glance

Eight Buildings for Pre-K to High School:

74 Buses in Transportation

Vi i Dedicated to Excellence

The Process

PREPARE ENVISION

UNDERSTAND DESIGN AND DEVELOP

SUCEED

PREPARE

The process for our Strategic Plan actually began in the 2021-2022 school year, as we collaboratively created our Journey of Blue Devil The Journey of a Blue Devil is a collective endeavor that seeks to engage our community in developing a collective vision that articulates the aspirations of every student in the Brunswick City Schools. Once the Journey of a Blue Devil was created, we then began the work of formulating our Strategic Plan, which functions as our blueprint. The process began in December 2022, with the development of the Leadership Team to guide the work. In an effort to include as many voices as possible, we invited all stakeholders to participate in this endeavor.

ENVISION

Next, we created the Strategic Design Team. This team, made up of students, parents, teachers, administrators, board members, community members, area business people, and representatives from higher education, provided valuable insights and perspectives throughout the process. Additionally, we administered a system self-assessment as well as community and staff surveys to solicit additional feedback on the performance of our district. Over 900 people participated in these self-assessments and surveys.

UNDERSTAND

In February, 2023, we hosted our Kick-Off meeting. 76 members of the Strategic Design Team met to begin constructing the Strategic Plan. At this meeting, we reviewed our Journey of a Blue Devil. Additionally, we learned more about the strategic planning process and bridged the gap between the Journey of a Blue Devil and the Strategic Plan. The team participated in a SWOT analysis, where we identified strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as a system. We took part in a Current State Analysis and then analyzed the results from the selfassessments and surveys.

DESIGN AND DEVELOP

In March, 2023, the team reconvened to vet the emerging priority areas: academic achievement, student support, communication, family and community engagement, and finances and facilities The team shared their thoughts and provided valuable feedback on these priority areas. Table Teams were tasked with writing goals and measures of success for each priority area to share with the Writing Teams. In March and April, 2023, Writing Teams assigned to each priority area met several times to write goals and implementation strategies. Finally, in May, 2023, the work of the Writing Teams was shared with the Strategic Design Team. The Strategic Design Team had the opportunity to provide feedback.

IMPLEMENT/SUCCEED

As an organization we are committed to open, honest, and transparent communication As we work through this five year plan, we will be providing timely updates to our community on the progress made towards achieving the goals on this plan

Strategic Plan Priority Overview

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

The Brunswick City School District will prepare all students to communicate effectively, think critically, show empathy, demonstrate adaptability, and live responsibly by developing meaningful relationships while providing engaging and impactful instruction so that all students can pursue their dreams and achieve their aspirations.

STUDENT SUPPORTS

The Brunswick City School District will enhance our system of academic and behavioral supports aimed at addressing the whole child by recognizing and addressing barriers to learning while encouraging student agency. As a result, each student will be prepared to independently direct and engage in their future pursuits.

COMMUNICATION

The Brunswick City School District will cultivate trust through proactive, timely, transparent, and reciprocal communication that empowers and informs while seeking to understand stakeholder insights, opinions, and perspectives to foster mutual respect

FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Brunswick City School District will cultivate mutually supportive partnerships among families, schools, the district, alumni, businesses, military, faith-based, civic and city agencies to support student well-being, enhance realworld learning, and share in the realization of the Journey of our Blue Devils.

FINANCES & FACILITIES

The Brunswick City School District will maintain a sustainable and transparent financial framework to ensure district resources align with the Brunswick City Schools’ mission and vision.

Academic Achievement

The Brunswick City School District will prepare all students to communicate effectively, think critically, show empathy, demonstrate adaptability, and live responsibly by developing meaningful relationships while providing engaging and impactful instruction so that all students can pursue their dreams and achieve their aspirations.

Goal #1:

Develop, implement, and continue to refine a proactive and preventive instructional and behavioral framework grounded in equity to maximize the achievement of all students.

Implementation Strategies:

Align the scope and sequence, assessments, and resources for every course/grade level.

Prioritize and support data-driven, evidence-based, and highly differentiated (Tier 1) instruction in every classroom. Create a structure grounded in evidence-based practices which effectively support the behavior needs of all students in order to establish a positive culture resulting in a safe and effective learning environment.

Reimagine our Teacher Based Teams, Building Leadership Teams, and District Leadership Team process to better align with our instructional practices. Convene a Grading Practices Committee in order to continually review and potentially revise current grading practices, including report cards and class rank.

Goal #2:

Align all content areas with our Journey of a Blue Devil in order to provide our students with the skills needed to be successful in life.

Implementation Strategies:

Increase the number of engaging, real-world, problem-based learning opportunities, both in current classes and in the designing of new classes for all students.

Vertically and horizontally align the Journey of a Blue Devil competencies by explicitly teaching them to all students.

Investigate pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship opportunities for students as an additional way for students to apply the competencies in real-world scenarios.

Goal #3:

Implement innovative, high-quality professional learning practices to build the capacity of faculty and staff to improve student learning experiences and outcomes.

Implementation Strategies:

Continue to invest in providing teachers with updated resources and training aligned to the curriculum adoption cycle. Provide opportunities for all staff members to participate in high-quality professional development centered on the Journey of a Blue Devil, instructional design, student achievement, and student behavior.

Continue to empower the district’s Professional Development Committee to solicit feedback to develop meaningful professional learning opportunities for our staff.

Goal #4:

Provide diverse career and college pathways that allow students to personalize their learning experiences.

Implementation Strategies:

Create community and stakeholder partnerships in order to implement career and educational connections.

Align curriculum to provide opportunities to explore various careers and college options based on individualized interest. Provide evidence-based inventories for students to help guide career and life goals.

Student Supports

The Brunswick City School District will enhance our system of academic and behavioral supports aimed at addressing the whole child by recognizing and addressing barriers to learning while encouraging student agency. As a result, each student will be prepared to independently direct and engage in their future pursuits.

Goal #1:

Strengthen our comprehensive plan of whole-child supports to promote each student’s availability, adaptability, and responsibility for learning.

Implementation Strategies:

Develop a framework beyond academics to provide consistent whole child. supports and resources to increase independence in physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Provide staff and students with resources and training required to demonstrate the competencies of the Journey of a Blue Devil. Identify and form partnerships with community stakeholders to create connections and provide opportunities for all students.

Goal #2:

Ensure that every student feels supported, has a voice, and has an influence on their learning in order for them to use critical thinking skills to engage in their school and community.

Implementation Strategies:

Provide avenues for student-centered feedback to improve student leadership opportunities.

Increase student ownership that will impact school climate and culture so that every student is connected and represented within the school environment. Support students from various and diverse demographics by helping students feel connected and supported in the school community.

Provide relevant programming to address the safety and well-being of all stakeholders.

Goal #3:

Implement innovative, high-quality professional learning practices to build the capacity of faculty and staff to improve student learning experiences and outcomes.

Implementation Strategies:

Continue to invest in providing teachers with updated resources and training aligned to the curriculum adoption cycle.

Provide opportunities for all staff members to participate in high-quality professional development centered on the Journey of a Blue Devil, instructional design, student achievement, and student behavior.

Continue to empower the district’s Professional Development Committee to solicit feedback to develop meaningful professional learning opportunities for our staff.

Goal #4:

Provide diverse career and college pathways that allow students to personalize their learning experiences.

Implementation Strategies:

Create community and stakeholder partnerships in order to implement career and educational connections.

Align curriculum to provide opportunities to explore various careers and college options based on individualized interest. Provide evidence-based inventories for students to help guide career and life goals.

Communication

The Brunswick City School District will cultivate trust through proactive, timely, transparent and reciprocal communication that empowers and informs while seeking to understand stakeholder insights, opinions, and perspectives to foster mutual respect.

Goal #1:

Implement and refine a streamlined communication framework to ensure all stakeholders receive timely, accurate, and predictable information.

Implementation Strategies:

Commit to a communication strategy that engages and shares district information with BCSD parents/guardians, students, internal stakeholders, alumni, and our community. This strategy will be designed to relay timely information, meet the changing pace of technology, and evolve with emerging communication platforms. Develop a communication strategy that amplifies the student voice as a storyteller for our district.

Commit to regular updates to the district website so it serves as a central point for information sharing. Develop a communication strategy that makes information available to families in their native language.

Goal #2: Implement and refine a framework that allows stakeholders to engage in reciprocal communication.

Implementation Strategies:

Refine a communication strategy that prioritizes stakeholders’ feedback and provides a variety of formats and opportunities for stakeholders to share their thoughts, insights, and opinions. Create stakeholder focus groups to provide regular and consistent insight into communication practices and increase engagement.

Goal #3:

Implement and refine a framework to cultivate positive relationships with external partners and ensure accurate information about our school district is shared across the community.

Implementation Strategies:

Promote a positive working relationship with local media and provide a framework for the timely dissemination of news and information.

Create a strategy that identifies information-sharing opportunities within the community and creates appropriate content for those platforms.

Family & Community

The Brunswick City School District will cultivate mutually supportive partnerships among families, schools, the district, alumni, businesses, military, faith-based, civic and city agencies to support student well-being, enhance real-world learning, and share in the realization of the Journey of our Blue Devils.

Goal #1: Develop effective methods to ensure that all families are included as collaborative partners through two way communication with their school.

Implementation Strategies:

Establish a Family and Community Engagement Advisory Council that would be charged with determining the needs of the Brunswick community and develop recommendations to improve family engagement. Provide relevant and meaningful staff professional development opportunities on engagement strategies and shared best practices. Identify and utilize technology-based strategies to gather ongoing input and feedback from students, parents, community, and staff. Expand the use of family engagement strategies on topics that are relevant to the success of our students and of interest to our parents. Align robust and active parent teacher organizations across all school communities.

Goal #2: Find new opportunities for our students to develop their leadership skills and serve our community, helping students to understand the value of volunteering and to appreciate the city in which they live.

Implementation Strategies:

Establish a Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council to foster student leadership and input in decision-making. Establish a Community Service & Volunteerism Committee to develop community service and student leadership pathways across the district.

Engagement

Goal #3:

Provide meaningful public engagement strategies that include all stakeholders as vital partners for improved student outcomes.

Implementation Strategies:

Collaborate with local businesses to provide job shadowing opportunities, internships, and mentorship programs to students. Develop and expand partnerships with local governments and community-based organizations to identify mutually beneficial opportunities to address the needs and priorities of our communities.

Increase engagement opportunities for all members of our community to share and participate in our efforts to prepare each student for success. Create opportunities for alumni to engage with the district, each other, and the Brunswick City School District community.

Finances & Facilities

The Brunswick City School District will maintain a sustainable and transparent financial framework to ensure district resources align with the Brunswick City Schools’ mission and vision.

Goal #1: Periodically update our comprehensive Master Facilities & Capital Plan to address all district facilities and all major capital needs both short and long term.

Implementation Strategies:

Update the existing maintenance plan and provide periodic updates to the Board of Education.

Provide opportunities for stakeholders to learn and understand our facility and capital plan.

Align Master Facilities and Capital Plan with budget and available resources. Fully utilize the work order system to ensure maintenance needs are addressed in a timely manner.

Goal #2:

Continue to evaluate and prioritize the long- and short-term operational needs of the district within the constraints of a sustainable financial plan.

Implementation Strategies:

Collaborate during the annual budget process to balance the operational needs and provide stability across the district. Have a sustainable financial plan and maintain an adequate cash balance. Continue to educate our stakeholders by periodically including financial information or updates in district publications.

Goal #3:

Provide competitive and collaborative learning environments, instructional tools, and technology to support students and staff to prepare them for future success.

Implementation Strategies:

Analyze and evaluate learning environments, instructional tools, and technological needs to ensure balance and consistency throughout the district.

Collaborate and collect input from stakeholders when making decisions regarding purchases to ensure a competitive and consistent learning environment.

Goal #4:

Continuously evaluate and improve district-wide safety measures to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff.

Implementation Strategies:

All students will experience enhanced safety, wellness, and learning through the completion of annual facilities and technological improvements.

Annually budget to account for cyber security and technology infrastructure needs.

Annually continue to improve safety and modernization of our facilities. Protect district electronic assets and student and employee information by continuously evolving and enhancing technology infrastructure and resources.

STRATEGICPLANDESIGNTEAM

In the second semester of the 2022-2023 academic year, our school community embarked on a process to refine and reimagine the Brunswick City School District Strategic Plan. The overarching objective was to develop an actionable plan that Ensures the success of every student through a rigorous curriculum, relevant experiences, and meaningful relationships, all while nurturing their love of learning. This approach was all-encompassing and involved the entire school community to ensure a transformative impact in our district. The Strategic Plan Design Team comprised a diverse group of stakeholders, including students, parents, business leaders, community leaders, faith leaders, higher education professionals, teachers, school counselors, building principals, and central office administrators. The committee was charged with identifying the school district's priorities and goals. We are immensely grateful for their invaluable time, energy, insight, passion, and unwavering commitment.

Albright, Adam

Allar, Dawn

Armentrout, Heidi

Bickley, Kelly

Boehmke, Debbie

D'agostino, Beth

Davidson, Mindy

Dotson, Mary

Erdman, Sarah

Foster, Ellen

Foster, Julianne

Geschke, Patrick

Gibbons, Jen

Goessler, Kim

Gurtsak, Maridi

Gurtsak, Teddy

Hanudel, Alison

Hind, Laura

Hoehn, Jamilyn

Horn, James

Ivory, Jason

Jakub, Kevin

Jaworske, Jessica

Jeffi, Joshua

Jones, Leslie

Kelly, Robert

Kemmann, Matt

Koval, Jen

Kovi, Jim

Mann, Kati

Marconi, Joanna

McIntosh, Jennifer

Merrill, Keith

Morgan, Stephanie

Mullen, Laura

Musto, Kelly

Niedermeyer, Jason

Nowak, Rich

Offill, Paul

Palchesko, Susan

Palumbo, Angela

Peffer, Cathy Lee

Pepera, Mark

Perry, Andrew

Petry, Lee Ann

Piper, Kristy

Poland, Trista

Scarcella, Chris

Schmidt, Halle

Schulke, Jamie

Sharosky, Brian

Shaughnessy, Patrick

Solonyna, Leah

Spencer, Donna

Sponseller, Mike

Stanovcak, Christina

Thomason, Lori

Thompson, Megan

Tilbert, Monica

Trexler, Shannon

Valichnac, Heidi

Van Drei, Laura

Varga, Jamie

Verhest, Kathleen

Weinhauer, Luke

Weinhauer, Mary

Werner, Samantha

Wiles, Jeff

Wiles, Jennifer

Wilson, Patty

Wolf, Christina

Worsencroft, Kelly

Yorko, Alysia

Young, Emily

Zelei, Nancy

Zenczak, Sarah

BRUNSWICKCITYSCHOOLDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVETEAM

Jason A. Niedermeyer, Superintendent

Mark Pepera, Treasurer

Kathleen A. Verhest, Assistant Superintendent

Patrick Geschke, Director of Educational Programs and Innovation

Donna Spencer, Assistant Director of Education

Claire Trujillo, Assistant Director of Instruction & Intervention

Ellen Foster, Instructional Coordinator

Heidi Armentrout, Director of Personnel

Dr. Stephanie Morgan, Director of Student Services

Leann Alferio, Special Education Coordinator

Jenn Young, Special Education Coordinator

Peggy Wolfe, Management Information Specialist

Salvatore Grida, Director of Business Affairs

Lori Sinick, Transportation Coordinator

Robert Kelly, Facilities Operations Manager

Robert Verhest, Assistant Facilities Operations Manager

Roger West, Assistant Tech Director

Dawn Allar, Community Relations Coordinator

BRUNSWICKCITYSCHOOLDISTRICT BOARDOFEDUCATION

Mary Weinhauer, Board of Education President

Rich Nowak, Board of Education Vice President

Glenn Gilley, Board Member

Kim Goessler, Board Member

Nancy Zeiei, Board Member

Let’s Connect

Twitter/X: @BrunswickCSD

Facebook: @BrunswickCitySchools

Instagram: @brunswickcityschools

YouTube: @BrunswickCitySchools

BCSD Website: bcsoh.org