Entry Plan

2024-25

Superintendent Erika Bare

Introduction

Unlocking the potential in every student. When I read this, I knew instantly that South Umpqua and I are an ideal match. My educational mission statement for over 20 years has been, “Provide each student with the individualized support needed to reach their unlimited potential.” To serve in a place that believes our work is to unlock the unique genius in every child is inspiring. The key word in my mission is unlimited. Our students are capable of amazing things. Things we can’t even begin to imagine. Together, I know we can, and will, unlock the unlimited potential of our students, schools, and community.

In preparation, I have been meeting with individuals, getting settled in the community, and learning all I can about South Umpqua’s tremendous strengths and areas to grow. There is still much to learn as I begin to lay the groundwork for us to co-create a strategic plan designed to focus our efforts on the academic, social, and emotional success of every student.

Goals

Goal 1:
Build relationships of trust with the Board of Directors, District Staff, and the Community.

Goal 2:
Identify the key priorities of the district moving into the next five years.

Goal 3:
Discover the gifts of South Umpqua that can be used to unlock students’ unlimited potential.

Just the Beginning

This is just the beginning! Together, we will build a future where the students and

educators of South Umpqua thrive. We have everything we need to do great things – talented educators, a supportive community, and amazing students.

There is nothing we cannot do.

I am so excited to collaborate with you all on creating a plan that will provide the keys to unlocking the unlimited potential in every student.

Action Steps

Build a relationship of trust with the Board of Directors, District Staff, and the community.

·       Meet individually with each board member

·       Establish communication protocols, roles, and operating agreements with the board

·       Maintain consistent communication with the Board

·       Meet individually with site administrators to understand the unique strengths and challenges of each site

·       Meet individually with directors to understand the unique strengths and the challenges of each department/area of oversight

·       Conduct June retreat with site administrators and two directors

·       Conduct July retreat with Cabinet

·       Conduct a two-day August retreat with site administrators and cabinet

·       Establish a regular meeting schedule with individual directors and cabinet

·       Establish a regular meeting schedule with building principals at each school

·       Establish a regular meeting schedule for the Teaching and Learning Leadership Team with established meeting agreements and working agreements

·       Meet individually with key community partners

·       Meet with union group leaders, district office staff, SRO, and other key constituents within the schools

·       Schedule listening sessions at each site for the staff at that site

·       Schedule community listening sessions, coupled with school events

·       Share who I am as a leader, and my hopes for the district in start of the year communications

·       Establish regular and transparent communication with all district staff

·       Be consistently present in schools, at events, and in the community

·       Meet with students in focus groups to better understand their experience

Goal 2: Identify the key priorities of the district moving into the next five years.

·       Conduct S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis during June administrative retreat

·       Gather information about the strengths and weaknesses from various perspectives in one-on-one interviews

·       Examine student achievement data, district data points, survey data, and historical data

·       Conduct needs assessment through listening sessions

·       Review district curriculum, professional development plan, and assessment plan

·       Build a process to build a comprehensive district strategic plan

Goal 3: Discover the gifts of South Umpqua that can be used to unlock students’ unlimited potential.

·       Establish residency within South Umpqua

·       Frequent the many businesses and natural attractions in this community

·       Interview long term residents about the history, local customs, and culture

·       Attend community events and join community organizations

·       Study existing contracts, handbooks, and operating procedures

·       Meet with the Business Manager and review the general fund budget as well as how grant and federal funds are dispersed and managed

·       Review the district safety and emergency plan

·       Conduct a facilities tour with the director of maintenance

·       Ask questions in all one-on-one interviews about what is important to know as I get to know the community

·       Attend back to school events, assemblies, and other school events in the fall and throughout the year

·       Conduct focused listening sessions with staff, community, and students