Strategic Plan

Mission Statement and Governing Principles
(Adopted by the Board June 13, 2005)

Mission Statement

As a progressive, suburban school district, the Elkhorn Public Schools unites students, families, educators and community to develop responsible, lifelong learners through educational excellence.

Governing Principles

The Elkhorn Public Schools believes:

  • Each student is a unique learner.

  • The value of human diversity is recognized and respected.

  • High quality educators and staff members are the foundation of the fulfillment of our mission.

  • Respect of self and others is essential.

  • Quality education provides the foundation for life-long learning.

  • Education is a shared responsibility of the Elkhorn Learning Community, which consists of students, family, school district personnel and the community.

  • The Elkhorn Learning Community provides a safe environment that nurtures, challenges and encourages each student to reach full potential.

  • The Elkhorn Learning Community is committed to the development of each student's personal, social, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.

  • The Elkhorn Learning Community equips each student with the necessary skills to become a productive and responsible citizen.

  • The Elkhorn Learning Community is committed to continuous improvement for the benefit of each student.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
Adopted May 2006

Continuing Objective

1. The Elkhorn Public Schools will develop and maintain a facilities master plan for ongoing examination of and reaction to enrollment growth.

  • District growth strategic objective remains as it has since 1991
  • Open a new high school by 2010

2006-09 Objectives

2. The Elkhorn Public Schools will, through a systematic determination of needs, develop a plan for expanding its human resources capacity to attract, retain, and maintain a team of quality educators.

  • Create incentives and provide professional growth opportunities for staff within priorities/needs
  • Consider a Director of Human Resources to focus on hiring/retention of a team of high quality teachers and support staff, and to coordinate professional development
  • Continue mentorships and assessment facilitators
  • Set, implement priorities for professional development within learning community format
  • Externship program for teachers
  • Develop written plan for future district staffing needs

3. The Elkhorn Public Schools will expand instructional and professional development programs to increase opportunities for all learners.

  • Non-college bound students, voc tech training
  • Policies and procedures of Accelerated Reader
  • Improve and implement more ELL and 'at risk' student programming
  • Focus instructional programs to include teacher dialogue/collaboration
  • Explore curriculum expansion
  • Provide additional staffing/resources for Director of Curriculum & Assessment

4. The Elkhorn Public Schools will enhance existing communication efforts in order to create a strong learning community that engages staff, students, parents, and patrons.

  • Improve/increase relationships with business community (principal for a day)
  • Foster the sense of community through the relationships of the Elkhorn Learning Community. Use technology to facilitate communication
  • Communicate, communicate, communicate, with stakeholders
  • Continue communication goal

5. The Elkhorn Public Schools will provide a safe and secure learning environment for each student.

  • Provide a safe secure learning environment, with periodic reviews, upgrades of facilities, practice of scenarios, support counselors and full-time nurses at each school.

6. The Elkhorn Public Schools will, through a systematic review, continue to strengthen its Comprehensive Technology Plan for the purpose of using technology to enhance student learning.

  • Have students use technology to facilitate their educational growth and to prepare them for the future.