NEW YORK – The Schenectady City School District is reaching out to the community for input on its upcoming 2024-2030 strategic plan. The district has opened a public survey and scheduled seven focus groups for January to gather feedback from residents, taxpayers, parents, students, and staff members.
Two virtual focus groups will be held on Jan. 8 and 19, with the first of five in-person focus groups set for Jan. 9 at the Keane Elementary School Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The district is eager to hear from the community about its strengths and areas for improvement, with the feedback being incorporated into the strategic plan that will guide the district’s direction for the next several years.
Community Engagement
Board of Education President Bernice Rivera emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “It’s an opportunity to listen and to get constructive feedback from our community. These discussions are critical in helping us plan and identify our vision and goals moving forward. It’s really important to all of us on the board and the superintendent that we get an authentic feel for what the community wants.”
Additional focus groups will be held on Jan. 11, 13, 17, and 18 at various elementary school libraries, all led by Dr. Carlos Cotto, assistant superintendent of innovation, equity, and engagement.
Aligning Goals
Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr. highlighted the importance of aligning the strategic plan with the district’s plans for school building renovations included in the $300 million capital project approved by voters in May. “We don’t want to have different goals or visions that are siloed,” said Rivera. “So, we want to make sure that we have a clear connection between everything that we do for our district.”
Online Survey
In addition to the focus groups, the district has made an online survey available on its website. The survey asks participants to rate categories critical for student success and to provide input on specific services or support programs that should be expanded or enhanced for students.
Board members are encouraged to attend the focus groups and actively participate in the discussions. The school board plans to hold additional conversations at future meetings regarding the strategic plan following the focus groups.
Agree The school district’s decision to seek input through focus groups shows their commitment to involving the community in the strategic planning process, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
Agree Good decision to involve the community in planning process. #communityinvolvement #strategicplanning
Agree Great to see the Schenectady school district valuing community input in their strategic planning process!