Ellicottville Schools Planning for the Future

Kindergartners from the ECS Class of 2021

11/11/2008
By Mark J. Ward, Superintendent Ellicottville Central School

On October 21st over 45 people gathered in the High School Library to hear about the District’s Strategic Planning process and what the “journey” will involve. The group was shown a PowerPoint that highlighted the rapid changes that are occurring in our world.

It is more important now than ever that our school and community understand the changing landscape of our world and the dramatic impact technology is having on our lives. We must provide our students with the knowledge, tools and skills they will need to compete in colleges and universities as well as in the work force.

Why are we doing this now? We believe there are many valuable benefits that will come from the strategic planning process. The process will provide the Board and District all the benefits highlighted below:

• Provide a blueprint for action
• Establish a long term focus
• Seek input and gather information
  
• Encourage collaboration
  
• Maximize resources
  
• Build community support
  
• Identify strengths and weaknesses
  
• Assist us in the budget process
  
• Establish priorities

The “process” will give us an opportunity to develop a survey tool that will address issues we are facing and gather input from our community members, parents, staff and Board members. This information will give us a better view from both the “inside” and “outside” as we strive to meet the challenges to provide a quality education that is cost effective to our taxpayers.

The surveys will ask questions that relate to the following twelve areas: Technology, Community Programs, Buildings and Grounds, Communication Flow, Athletics & Extracurricular Activities, Partnership/Community Outreach, Faculty/Staff, Communication, Participation, Environment, Governance, Academics/Results.

• The process will also allow us to:
  
• Identify of our Core Values
  
• Define District Initiatives
  
• Establish Action Plans
  
• Review/modify the District Mission
  
• Articulate a clear Vision for ECS

With your help and participation this will be an exciting journey for our school and community. The next meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20th at 7:00 PM in the High School cafeteria.

I would also suggest that you regularly visit our “new and improved” web site at www.ellicottvillecentral.com for the latest information about this and other information about our school.