Acknowledgements

The Red Bank Regional School District's Strategic Planning process, completed during the 2015-2016 academic year, could not have occurred without the support, cooperation and dedication of the following people and groups:

Red Bank Regional Board of Education

District Personnel

New Jersey School Boards Association

State of the School Report Committee

State of the Community Report Committee

Planning Council Members

Action Team Members

Strategic Planning Process

Executive Summary

A. Educating the Board to make an informed decision

In June 2014, Mrs. Christina Galvao, School Business Administrator contacted New Jersey School Boards Association Field Service Representative, Kathy Winecoff on regarding the Strategic Planning process available through the Association. Mrs. Winecoff met with the Board of Education at the annual board retreat on August 06, 2014 to review the process.

The following information supplied to the Board of Education included a review of the following information and requirements:

• commitment of time and resources
• school and community level involvement
• strategic planning to meet the needs of the district
• the Board's role in the process
• potential participants to be included in the process

On October 01, 2014 the Board of Education contracted with NJSBA for these services.

B. Planning

On October 23, 2014 the interim superintendent and the business administrator met with the NJSBA Field Service Representative, Mrs. Winecoff to review the pre-process materials including notices, invitations and internal coordinator job description. The Strategic Planning calendar was developed and methods of informing the community and staff of the upcoming meetings were determined.

The Board of Education contacted Mrs. Winecoff in November 2014 to ask that the Strategic Planning initiative be put on hold until such time that the teacher’s contract was settled.

Mrs. Christina Galvao, School Business Administrator again contacted Mrs. Winecoff of New Jersey School Boards Association on March 12, 2015 to let her know that the teacher’s contract was settled and that the board would like to go forward with the strategic plan. Mrs. Winecoff then contacted Mr. Thomas Pagano, Interim Superintendent to proceed with the process.

On March 30, 2015, Mrs. Winecoff met with Mr. Pagano to review the strategic planning process and develop a tentative calendar to begin the strategic planning process at the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. Mrs. Winecoff then met with the full board of education on April 15, 2015 to review the process and answer any questions.

C. Staff Orientation

The staff orientation meetings were held on September 01, 2015 at the beginning of school staff in-service day. All staff members attended the session, including administrators as well as certified and non-certified staff.

As a result of the orientation meeting, the participants had an understanding of the strategic planning process and their opportunities for involvement. Volunteer sign-up forms were distributed.

D. Community Orientation Meeting

The community kickoff session was held at the board of education meeting on October 01, 2015. The community was notified through advertisement of the notices as well as by personal invitation by the Interim Superintendent on behalf of the Board of Education. Volunteer sign-up forms were available on the website and the all school district offices.
(Appendix A: Strategic Planning Process, Notice, Invitation and Calendar)

E. State of the School and State of the Community Information Committees

On October 20, 2015, Kathy Winecoff, NJSBA Field Service Representative provided information and training to the State of the School and State of the Community Information Leaders. The meeting included the distribution of material and a training component for completion of the two required reports. Training included guidance in the following areas:

1. Information needed for the State of the School (internal research)

2. Information needed for the State of the Community (external research)

3. Development of reports for the Planning Council Conference

Committee reports are included in the Strategic Planning notebook (Appendix B: Sample forms from Information Training packet)

F. Planning Council Conference

On February 06, 2016, Theresa Lewis, Gwen Thornton and Mary Gassman, New Jersey School Boards Association Field Service Representatives facilitated the Planning Council Conference. Outcomes of the conference included:

1. the vision of the future

2. development of the system of beliefs

3. review of the district mission statement

4. strengths and challenges

5. goals

6. strategies/objectives to accomplish the goals Outcomes are included in the Strategic Planning notebook.

G. Developing the Action Plans

On March 03, 2016, Kathy Winecoff and Mary Gassman, Field Service Representatives provided information and training to the Action Plan Team Leaders and worked directly with the internal coordinator to assist these teams to do the following:

1. identify the action plans needed to accomplish the strategies/objectives

2. select measures for accountability

3. present action plans to the Planning Council for review

Outcomes are included in the Strategic Planning notebook(Appendix C: Sample forms from Action Plan Leaders Guide

H. Review of the Action Plans

On May 17, 2016, Kathy Winecoff and Mary Gassman, Field Service Representatives facilitated the second Planning Council Conference where action plans were presented for review to do the following:

1. test the plan for validity

2. give feedback to the Action Teams

3. finalize the action plans with full team input

I. Presentation of Strategic Plan to the Board of Education

NJSBA Field Service Representatives Kathy Winecoff worked with the Superintendent and Internal Coordinator to shape the presentation of the plan to the full Board of Education on June 15, 2016.

COMMON THREADS
(Visioning)

Common Threads (Themes):

• Articulation with sending districts
• Facilities
• Technology
• Communications with alumni
• Partnerships
• Academies
• Athletics/Co-curricular Activities
• Leadership
• School Pride -Spirit
• Diversity
• Financial Constraints
• Community Integration
• Student – Life/School Balance

STRENGTHS OF THE DISTRICT

• Range of educational support
• Academic opportunities available
• Commitment of faculty
• SOURCE (Support Services)
• Extracurricular offerings
• Academies(4-year)
• Program Options (IB Diploma Program/AP Accreditation)
• Alumni network
• Diversity/acceptance
• Reputation
• Academics
• Students
• Parent Involvement
• Student Volunteerism
• Faculty/Staff/Leadership
• Block Scheduling
• Safe Secure Environment
• Technology

CHALLENGES FACING THE DISTRICT

• Diversity
• Academic Gaps
• Program options
• Financing
• Contract
• Technology/Facilities/Infrastructure
• Leadership
• Parent Involvement
• Community Involvement
• Sports
• Guidance Involvement
• Students as resources
• Community Gaps
• ELL Population
• Technology Literacy
• Underutilization of community resources
• Facility needs
• Tuition Paying Students
• "Guidance/Advisory" of students
• Communication with Parents/Students
• Rigidity of Academy Structure

RED BANK REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BELIEFS

We believe excellence in education includes a basic foundation, opportunities for all and preparation of each student to meet his or her potential.

We believe our children learn best when engaged by motivated and well-trained teachers in a nurturing and safe environment equipped with all the necessary tools to promote lifelong learning.

We believe the role of the community is to proactively recognize, embrace, support, foster, cultivate and celebrate the diversity that is the greatest strength of Red Bank Regional for preparing every student for the real world.

We believe the role of the parent / guardian is active engagement in the academic, extra-curricular and social/emotional development of the student.

We believe the role of the staff is to build relationships, impart knowledge, be passionate and committed, and model lifelong learning for students.

Red Bank Regional Public School District
Mission Statement

The mission of the Red Bank Regional School District is to ensure the academic success and personal growth of all students while developing a passion for lifelong learning.

GOAL AREA # 1

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Goal 1: Create additional 4-year academy (Allied Health, STEM Education)

Goal 2: Eliminate the 3-block requirements (VPA Vocal Instrumental)

Goal 3: Increase elective offerings and support for all students

Goal 4: Increase diversity of enrollment in high level courses

Goal 5: All students will graduate with completion of at least one dual credit, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate course

Goal 6: Create a Google school

Goal 7: Establish a freshman survey course (curricular exploration)

Goal 8: All students will graduate having participated in the Senior Option (internships, externships, school-based opportunities, Community Service)

GOAL AREA #2

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Goal 1: Drive two-way interactive community engagement through use of the source, BUC Backers and a newly developed community advisory board that is equally representative of the demographics and array of resources available in the three sending districts.

Goal 2: Develop multiple avenues within each academy to facilitate students interacting with the community to share skills and gain perspectives.

Goal 3: Explore opportunities to leverage facilities within the community for extra-curricular programs.

Goal Area #3

School Climate & Culture

Goal: Improve the cultural and climate of the school

Objective 1: Develop a student to student language and cultural sharing opportunity

Objective 2: Professional Development (PD) for teachers and staff to bridge language and cultural gap

Objective 3: Outreach, articulation and communication (leadership alignment) among sending districts

Objective4: Increase all BUC Pride – sharewins!

1. Athletic
2. Co-curricular
3. Academic

Objective 5:RBR-TV

GOAL: To improve cultural and climate

OBJECTIVE:To develop a student language and cultural-sharing opportunity during the school day

GOAL: To improve the cultural and climate of the school

OBJECTIVE: To provide professional development for staff to bridge language and cultural diversity

GOAL: To improve the cultural and climate of the school

OBJECTIVE: To align leadership among sending districts

GOAL: To improve the cultural and climate of the school

OBJECTIVE: To increase BUC Pride with students within the entire school

GOAL: To improve the cultural and climate of the school

OBJECTIVE: To fully integrate RBR-TV as a tool in enhance our climate and culture

GOAL AREA # 4

FACILITIES

Goal 1: Increase physical blueprint to accommodate anticipated enrollment increase.

1. Additional instructionalspace
2. ADAaccommodations
3. Technology

Goal 2: Renovate existing fields to improve curricular and co-curricular activities

1. Artificial surface to stadiumfields
2. Revaluate to realign fields & repurpose for TitleIX
3. Add wirelessaccessibility

Goal 3: Connect and repurpose buildings “G” and “H” to improve accessibility for all
a. Add canopy or weather protection

Goal 4: Build a new concession stand and restrooms

1. Increasesafety
2. Increaserevenue

Goal 5: Increase wireless capability throughout the campus

Goal 6: Improve campus grounds with landscaping and building façade improvements

Appendix A

STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS

1. Educating the Board to make an informed decision

   The strategic planning the renewal process requires a commitment of time and resources on a board, school and community level. NJSBA will meet with the board to provide an overview of the strategic planning renewal process to aid the board in answering critical questions such as:

   1. How does this process meet our needs?
   2. What is the board's role?
   3. Who should be included in the process?
   4. What does this mean in terms of time and resources?
2. Defining the scope of involvement/responsibility(Contracting)

   Who does what and how much, are crucial questions which must be answered early in the process and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Pre-planning meetings with district officials to plan the process. The FSR will meet with a “coordinating committee” (e.g., the board president, superintendent, Business Administrator and other staff members as appropriate) to discuss the scope and details of the process, identify the groups to be represented and ways in which to select them.

3. Planning

   NJSBA will work with the coordinating committee to assure that the process is in place, materials are developed and provided, and that the details for the planning day are clear and organized.

4. Status of existing Strategic Plan, Strengths and Concerns

   In preparation for the strategic plan renewal, administration will prepare a report, delineating district accomplishments from existing strategic plan, strengths and concerns of the district

5. Planning Day

   NJSBA will facilitate the renewal process in line in accordance with the expectations of the coordination committee. Products of the one-day workshop will include the following:

   1. Examine the relevance of the mission statement and beliefs.
   2. Affirm or revise the goal areas.
   3. Generate new goal statements and related strategies.

 

 



6. Executive Summary

   NJSBA will prepare for the board an executive summary that details the outcome the renewal plan.

OUR COMMITMENT
NJSBA brings to the process our proven expertise in strategic planning and our commitment to provide services to local districts combined with our experience in training and working with volunteers as well as professionals, and our knowledge of education throughout the state. Throughout our process we utilize our skills in:

1. Consensus building
2. developing effective communications
3. strengthening engagement and involvement

COMPONENTS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING

The Time to Plan for the Future is NOW Be a Part of the Future of our Schools!
Red Bank Regional School District Invites Community
Members to Participate in Our Strategic Planning Process

Join your neighbors, friends, teachers and administrators to create a shared vision for the future of Red Bank Regional School District. Work with professionals to develop goals and objectives to move the district forward to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
We value your input!

Community Information Meeting Tuesday, September 29, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Red Bank Regional High School Auditorium

¡El Tiempo para Planear para el Futuro es AHORA!
¡Sea parte del Futuro de Nuestras Escuelas!

El Distrito Escolar de Red Bank Regional a los Miembros de la Comunidad a Participar en Nuestro Proceso de Planear Estrategias

Reúnase con sus vecinos, amigos, maestros, y administradores para crear una visión compartida para el futuro del Distrito Escolar de Red Bank Regional. Trabaje con profesionales para desarrollar metas y objetivas para que el distrito puede avanzar para cumplir con los desafíos del Siglo 21.
¡Valoramos su aportación!

Reuinión de Información de la Comunidad Martes, 29 de septiembre de 2015
7:00 p.m.
Red Bank Regional High School Auditorium

Dear Community Leader,

Your thoughts on the future direction of Red Bank Regional High School are important to the Red Bank Regional Board of Education. Beginning next fall we are going to initiate a Strategic Planning Renewal Process for our High School. The participants on this committee will comprise of community and school leaders. We will work together to identify both the strengths of our high school and the critical issues approaching it. The purpose of the planning is to create a vision of the future, develop a mission and identify goals needed to better prepare our students to succeed as they face the challenges of the 21st century. This group will meet for a one day strategic planning renewal day on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 8:30am – 4:00pm.

We are inviting you to join us in this effort. We will be identifying our school’s strengths, the critical issues that we face, and ways that we can address those issues. We are inviting faculty and staff members, students, parents, community leaders and others to offer their thoughts, ideas, and hopes. We will work together in both large and small groups and our interactions and discussions will lead us to a document that will serve as a blueprint for the future of our high school. Moving forward the Board of Education will use this document or Strategic Plan to help in accomplishing our goals.

We are extending invitations to the leaders in our communities as follows (but not limited to): Principals, Supervisors, Teachers, Buc Backers Leadership, Municipal Leaders, Mayors, Borough Council Members, Merchants, Police Departments, Fire and Ambulance Departments, Ministerial and Rabbinical members, and Senior Citizens.

We hope that you will volunteer to participate and encourage others to do so. Please call the superintendent’s office at 732 – 842 – 8000, Ext.1-247 or send us an email at tpagano@rbrhs.org to inform us if you will be able to join us in this effort to assist in forging the future of Red Bank Regional High School.

Sincerely,

Thomas M. Pagano

Interim Superintendent, Red Bank regional High School

Appendix B

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEES

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS COMMITTEE

The committee will present its final report at the Planning Retreat. The committee will produce a report dealing with issues after researching Strengths, Areas of Concern, Helping and Hindering Factors in the schools and in the district’s internal environment The following are suggested areas to be considered:

Educational Program Technology Human Resources Finance
Facilities School / Community Relations

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY COMMITTEE:

The committee will present its final report at the Planning Conference. The committee will produce a report dealing with issues after researching Strengths, Areas of Concern, Helping and Hindering Factors in the schools and in the district’s external environment The following are suggested areas to be considered:

Demographics Community Factors
State Funding Traditions Political Environment - Local, State, Federal

RESEARCH COMMITTES SAMPLE INFORMATION

State of the Schools (as appropriate) Curriculum Reports / Process Articulation Procedures
Personnel / Administrative History Line Chart
Sending / Receiving Information
Negotiations Information- Scattergram, Contract Students: Population Trends, School Success, College
Acceptances
ESPA, GEPA, HSPA, SATs
Drop-Out Rate Audit Report Budget History
Public Relations, Public Perception News Articles
Board Operations — Self-Evaluation Long Range Plan
NJQSAC Report

Appendix C

SECTION I

Action Plan – Leader’s Guide

How We Got Here

• BELIEFS

• MISSIONSTATEMENT

• GOALS

• STRATEGIES ANDOBJECTIVES

What we learned today!
Quotes from Volunteers

• I learned that there used to be a freshman survey course to help students to decide what to study.
• We need more communication between Red Bank Regional, Little Silver, Red Bank and Shrewsbury.
• One “BUC”concept
• That a roomful of stakeholders with different interests and agendas can come together with a unified plan
• Red Bank Regional has “academies” within the school which allow for specialized courses of study
• No idea Red Bank Regional had a TV facility
• Learned about the possibility of creating a EMS/Cadet Program through the existing Red Bank Regional sports academy
• I learned about new sports facility improvements