The Waterloo Schools have launched a new, three year strategic plan developed by the Board of Education and district staff. More than 120 proposed projects have been reviewed and prioritized in five "strategic focus areas"--Student Achievement and Development, Human Assets, Financial Sustainability and Operational Excellence, Community Engagement, and Climate for Learning.
Forty-three projects started in the fall of 2009. Each month, the project manager (whose name is displayed after the title of the project) files a report of the status in each area—scope, resources, schedule, quality, and overall. If an area is progressing according to plan, you’ll see a green light; if there are some issues, a yellow light; if there are major issues, a red light. The next field displays a measure of the trends for that aspect of the project. These can be steady, increasing, or decreasing—arrows are displayed to correspond to the trends. A brief explanation of any problems and corrective actions may follow.
This snapshot of the project status is designed to keep you informed of its overall “health.” To learn more, please contact the project manager. An email link is provided by clicking on the manager’s name. If you have questions about the strategic plan and projects coming in the next two years, please contact Sharon Miller.
Forty-three projects started in the fall of 2009. Each month, the project manager (whose name is displayed after the title of the project) files a report of the status in each area—scope, resources, schedule, quality, and overall. If an area is progressing according to plan, you’ll see a green light; if there are some issues, a yellow light; if there are major issues, a red light. The next field displays a measure of the trends for that aspect of the project. These can be steady, increasing, or decreasing—arrows are displayed to correspond to the trends. A brief explanation of any problems and corrective actions may follow.
This snapshot of the project status is designed to keep you informed of its overall “health.” To learn more, please contact the project manager. An email link is provided by clicking on the manager’s name. If you have questions about the strategic plan and projects coming in the next two years, please contact Sharon Miller.
 District Home
 Strategic Focus Areas
|
| Filter Reports by Strategic Focus Area |
|---|
|
Student Achievement and Development (8 Projects) Human Assets (10 Projects) Climate for Learning (4 Projects) Financial Sustainability and Operational Excellence (8 Projects) Community Engagement (6 Projects) All Projects View Closed Projects |
| 36 results found for 'All Projects' |
|---|
| Project Name: 1: High School Continuous Improvement- Smaller Learning Communities 4004 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Mary Meier |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to configure East and West High Schools into Career Interest Academies by the start of 10-11 | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 1: Instructional Decision Making 4001 | |
| Report Title: Feb Status Report | Project Manager: Jane Lindaman |
| Project Objective: Student achievement will increase in reading and math. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
Although we are definitely improving in providing required/necessary resources, teachers still report a lack of time to collaborate. | The ed services team is investigating funding streams to allow teachers additional time to collaborate outside of the school day (ARRA, TQ, curriculum general budget, SINA, etc). Eric Brasch is working directly with principals and teachers to help them implement and upgrade the minutes template. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
We continue to work on fidelity of implementation. | Monitor, monitor, monitor, monitor!! We are working on a way to measure transference from IDM results to results on ITBS/ITED. | ||
|
|
We are definitely improving the quality each month. | Continued monitoring, support, feedback, PD. Continue to monitor actual IDM meetings in building. |
|
|
| Project Name: 1: Iowa Core Curriculum 4007 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Debbie Lee |
| Project Objective: The major goal of this project is to deliver a challenging and meaningful education that prepares all students for success beyond high school and in a global economy through identified essential concepts and skills in literacy, math, science, social studies, and 21st century skills. In addition, this project will ensure that the district meets state requirements in implementing the Iowa Core Curriculum. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
Iowa legislative action, if approved, will most likely impact the Iowa Core plan implementation. | Watch legislative action and move forward from the decisions made. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 1: K-12 Career Technical Education 4008 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Mary Meier |
| Project Objective: During the 10-11 school year examine:1. What is already being done in k-12 in career technical education in the district2. How does what we are doing align with the National CTE standards and Iowa Core3. Identify gaps and create infused career technical education within existing curriculum4. Identify courses that are absent for industry certifications at the HS level | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Progress on this project needs to occur at a quicker pace | Additional time will be given to the project | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 1: Mathematics Model | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Dr. Debbie Lee |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to develop and implement a K-12 mathematical model and framework to support student proficiency on high stakes assessment and to ensure all students are prepared for success for college, career, and citizenship. In addition, the project will provide (1) development of grade-level math standards aligned to Iowa Core Curriculum, Common Core State Standards, NCTM, ITBS, and ITED, (2) an appropriate math approach to support the needs of the 21st century learner, (3) professional development for teachers and administrators, and (4) materials to support the initiative. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
Secondary Math Instructional Coach has not yet been hired. | Post job in Mid April to begin after school is out. | ||
|
|
Completing curriculum documents along with reviewing resources and completing all within expected timelines is challenging. | Follow action steps and timeline to meet expectations. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 1: Reading Model 4002 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Linda Garlinghouse |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to establish and communicate a Comprehensive Reading Model that defines the content, instruction, allocation of resources and assessments by August 15, 2010, K-12. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
All classroom teachers, including special education teachers, have materials to implement the literacy expectations. The pacing guides in the elementary curriculum guide need further clarification. | 1)Curriculum directors and Special Ed Coordinator continue to meet to identify the material and instructional needs for special needs classes. 2)The elementary literacy coaches and curriculum director are revisiting the pacing guide to clearly prioritize units and learning targets. 3) Textbook adoptions for 9th, 10th, and American Lit are now completed. 4)Technology for improving fluency at the elementary and middle school levels is installed and professional development for implementation of the resources is planned. (Quick-Reads & Q-Reads) | ||
|
|
Some issues remain around elementary report card implementation and sharing information with parents. Time for professional development continues to be of concern. Elementary guides need to be revised by July 1. | Report cards - We simplified a parent explanation sheet that is posted on the website and shared at conferences. We continue to work with technology/communications personnel. Professional development- Elementary and MS continue to work with their literacy coaches to plan and collaborate. Literacy focus - informational writing - both secondary and elementary literacy teams have participated in 2 days of professional development. The teams provide monthly PD to their teachers in the area of informational writing. Coaches are reviewing professional development provided to teachers by examining professional development priorities. Elementary coaches worked during the conference days to identify areas in the curriculum guide which need strengthened. | ||
|
|
The quality of the materials, professional development, and coaches' work is exceptional. | |||
|
|
Implementation of new materials requires teachers to change their instructional practice. Since we have implemented this work for less than one year, we need to continue to monitor implementation and understanding of the cognitions required to be strategic readers and writers. | Coaches and administrators are providing feedback based on walk-throughs. Coaches have identified the "look-fors" of the literate environment and are supporting teachers to create these environments. The curriculum directors are meeting with principals and coaches to identify what is working well and where the challenges still exist. |
|
|
| Project Name: 1: Service Delivery Plan for Special Education 4006 | |
| Report Title: Apr Status Report | Project Manager: Larry Martin |
| Project Objective: Increase the percentage of time that special needs students remain in the general education environment and receive general education curriculum. This is part of a 6 year special education plan. We will also develop a system for the identification and placement of students based on the new child Find statewide system. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
When staffing allocations have been made I will communicate with the Principals the teachers that have had AEA training. Some new teachers may have this experience from college. | Send Principals the list of teachers trained. | ||
|
|
We have not identified the list of resources for teachers. We have not developed a sub floating system to allow teachers to collaborate. | Identify print material available for resources. Develop a sub floating system. | ||
|
|
Our intentions are to have the sub floating system in place for the 2010-2011 school year. | Develop the sub floating system. | ||
|
|
Special Needs Corrective Action Plan has been written and is in the implementation stage. | Continue to develop the professional development components of this plan. | ||
|
|
Overall I believe there is steady progress on the plan. | Continue to keep the plan in our expectations for each month. |
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Customer Service--Implement and Evaluate | |
| Report Title: Feb Status Report | Project Manager: Customer Service--Implement and Evaluate--Year 2 |
| Project Objective: Communicate district-wide standards for exceptional customer service and develop staff capacity to meet these standards; measure and hold staff accountable. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
We conducted district wide customer service survey at fall conferences. | Many paper forms were completed and are being tallied. | ||
|
|
Surveys are tallied and distributed to principals | We have reassigned the task to additional staff. | ||
|
|
Low participation makes some buildings' surveys unuseful. secretary training is due later this spring. | The committee will review survey results at its February meeeting | ||
|
|
Good communications are in place through the Flash. | |||
|
|
Although we are behind where we wanted to be at this point in the year, we will continue the project and our commitment to exceptional customer service. |
|
|
| Project Name: 2: DE Equity Visit Review and Preparation | |
| Report Title: Sep Status Report | Project Manager: Bev Smith |
| Project Objective: Successful Equity Review | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
Transition of personnel at DE. Unable to get detail on visit protocol changes. Will participate in DE visit. | Spoke with Tom Anderson on 5/19. Will advise when replacement has been named. Have met with Tom's replacement. She will visit the district prior to the visit. | ||
|
|
Attended first of three update meetings. Attended remaining update meetings. Have met with district-level stakeholders. | Difficulty scheduling group mtg. Will schedule individual mtgs. with stakeholders. | ||
|
|
Need for collaboration. | |||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Evaluation Structures 4013 | |
| Report Title: Sep Status Report | Project Manager: Bev Smith |
| Project Objective: clarify for employees the evaluation process and procedures; to develop process and procedures for employee groups where none are extablished; to develop resources to support employee development | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Narrowed scope of project by focusing on evaluation processes for two employee groups (state-mandated). Collecting and assembling resource packets to support the enhanced implementation of teacher and administrator evaluation systems. This will be the first phase of the project. | |||
|
|
Have adequate resources on both eval processes to support the work. Will require additional training and monitoring. | |||
|
|
Will deliver packets to project committee members for review and feedback opportunities prior to meeting. Having difficulty scheduling meetings. Project co-leader left. Will upadate new co-chari and proceed with project. Have provided basic project information to co-chair. | |||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Job Description/Competency/Pre-employment Assessment alignment 4014 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Mickey Waschkat |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to identify the skills/attributes necessary for employees to successfully fulfill job responsibilities, enabling better alignment of talent and district personnel needs. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Leadership Academy 4016 | |
| Report Title: Oct Status Report | Project Manager: Peg Dokken-Opat |
| Project Objective: A leadership development task force will plan and develop a comprehensive leadership program using components based on Iowa Leadership Standards. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
The project management team has many ideas about what a leadership academies should look like based on other districts model. | We will work with a 12 member committee to determine what our actual needs are going to be. | ||
|
|
Our current model places all of the evaluation responsibility on one person's shoulders. We would like an evaluation tool that is not arbitrary. | We have asked for and received input from Drake University amd the University of Northern Iowa through the recommendation of our advisory committee. | ||
|
|
No problem. | We have set up trainings for the next 8 months. Dr. Robinson from UNI will lead the administrative team through the Balanced Leadership training November-January. In February-May Dr. Walker and Dr. Robinson will lead the administrative team through Leadership Standard trainings. Our cumulating activity will be a common administrative skill set in the Waterloo Community School District. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
We will be able to evaluate the quality better in June |
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Professional Development 4011 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Teri Trask |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive professional development program with detailed "core courses" and reporting mechanisms for instructional staff. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Project Charter/Scope needs to be revised. | In process. Met with Gary and Mary today for clarification and definition. | ||
|
|
Funding sources not clearly defined. | Meet with Jane and Michael to review budget. | ||
|
|
Need to schedule Strategic Plan team meeting - break down parts: WLO Teacher Academy and District PD Plan. | Schedule meeting - start with basic teacher expectations. | ||
|
|
Clear vision of PD design for academy and district needed. | UEN Visits and AEA 267 support. | ||
|
|
Time challenges with pulling people together and keeping project on track. | See above. |
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Redesign of compensation structure | |
| Report Title: Sep Status Report | Project Manager: Bev Smith |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to design a comprehensive compensation structure that enhances the district's ability to attract, hire and retain high-performing employees. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Staff Training and Development 4015 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Juliet Dunn |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive staff training and development program to contribute to the accomplishments of the District's strategic plan and goals. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
Contacted departments to see what type of trainings were already in place. | |||
|
|
Committe has been formed to start developing the actual struture of the program. | |||
|
|
Will continue to meet with the committee to determine what other trainings need to be offered to employees. | |||
|
|
As soon as surveys are sent out to see what trainings employees would like to be trained in we will continue to establish a training manual that will help establish the training and development program that will ensure we have well qualified employees. |
|
|
| Project Name: 2: Structured Interview Process 4017 | |
| Report Title: Sep Status Report | Project Manager: Bev Smith |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to implement an interview process that will provide consistency in hiring the brightest and the best teachers. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
This process will increase objectivity and expedite the teacher hiring process. | |||
|
|
Adequate resources. Agreement completed. Gallup has provided analysis of hiring data. Will review with committee and principals to clarify procedures for utilizing data. | |||
|
|
Project team attended training with CR district. Installation completed. Working with Gallup to schedule onsite administrator training. Applicants being directed to interview site. Waiting for additional data to schedule team meeting for analysis of results. Gallup mtg. scheduled. | |||
|
|
Interview site is live. Receiving daily updates. | |||
|
|
First Phase of project close to completion. Will need to carefully monitor implementation and use of hiring data during the first year. Project will be recommended for closure in April. |
|
|
| Project Name: 3: Integration of Technology into the Classroom | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Ron Morlan |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to create resources and processes for teachers to quickly and easily integrate technology into their classroom. Processes and centralized depository of resources will be created by August, 2011. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 3: Media Center Technology Support 4019 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Ron Morlan |
| Project Objective: Objective of this project is to migrate the roles of the Media Specialist to include a "Technology Integration Coach" function. The Objective includes providing the necessary staff development to increase technology capacity in the Media Specialist position to meet the integration needs of each building. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
The scope of this project is posing some questions. Are we targeting the appropriate group to carry out this project's objectives? Can the media spccialists' schedules be altered enough to allow them to collaborate and coach? Contractually, can teachers have their planning time if we do that? | Discussions will need to take place with district leadership, principals, and media specialists. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
We are nearing the end of year two. Skills are being developed, but there is still much to be done. See Scope concerns. | Continue focus on this project. Continue discussions on the scope issue. | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
Are we targeting the correct group of people to perform the project objectives? | Discussions will continue on best way to move the project forward. |
|
|
| Project Name: 3: Student-HR-Finance Software - 4018 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Matt OBrien |
| Project Objective: 1. Implement new student information system: Infinite Campus (to replace CIMS)2. Implement new finance/hr information systems: Alio (to replace CIMS)3. Implement new version of KRONOS, including work rules4. Implement new employee replacement system: Aesop 5. Convert and import student demographic data from CIMS to Infinite Campus6. Convert and import HR/finance data (including 5 years of history) from CIMS to Alio7. Optimize student management, finance, and HR processes to correspond to capabilities of the new systems.8. Create and implement interfaces between Infinite Campus and other systems (Alio, destiny, edulog, winsnap)9. Create and implement interfaces between Alio and other systems (Aesop, KRONOS)10. Train users in the effective use of the new products.11. Implement a data warehouse (Tableau) for data retrieval and analysis. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
No issues or changes from the last progress report. | |||
|
|
Tackling this huge project, along with other department needs and ongoing support has been a challenge. | The extra work load on HR and technology is decreasing as the project is winding down, though there will be a final surge of needs as we move forward with position control and print shop. | ||
|
|
The core pieces of the implementation were completed on schedule, though we have delayed some smaller modules, such as the print services function of alio. | We are now live with alio Warehouse and fixed assets. Additionally, we are using applicant tracker and ironing out issues there. We are beginning discussions to implement alio human resources position control, which we plan to be live with at the end of the fiscal year. We have also begun discussions and planning for an in-house developed system which will streamline HR processes. | ||
|
|
Most of our quality issues stem from either human error or alio system issues. | We conducted additional teacher trainings for all teachers to increase the consistency of Infinite Campus usage as a communication tool for parents. We have been having periodic conference calls with senior staff from Weidenhammer and MBA to clearly communicate expectations for remaining issues and product quality concerns. They have been very receptive and have moved up several enhancements based on our request. We also are working with HR staff and Weidenhammer to resolve issues with alio applicant tracking. Staff also attended an Infinite Campus event in Des Moines and an alio event in Wisconsin, both of which proved to provide beneficial information. | ||
|
|
Despite challenges with alio, the overall project is proceeding at about 95% completion. We are currently working on position control and process improvement with alio, and have already had thre planning meetings. |
|
|
| Project Name: 3: Technology--Building Equity | |
| Report Title: Jan Status Report | Project Manager: Matt OBrien |
| Project Objective: Develop and implement a plan for equity in technology distribution. Couple this with developing a total cost of operation model for technology support to take support costs into account. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Equity framework was developed last year, which has helped to define the project scope. We identified and addressed the district’s most critical needs. | We expanded the scope of this project to include several innovative tablet pilots, where teachers applied for a classroom set of ipad or android tablets. The board approved this pilot in October. | ||
|
|
No issues at this point. We are using various funding sources for this project. | We are using various funding sources for this project. | ||
|
|
Due to a shortage of technology staff, some delays in rolling out tablets for our pilot have occured. | We rolled out android and ipad tablets in December. Becker technology was also rolled out. | ||
|
|
No issues, I am very happy with the agreements we have made with our vendors. | |||
|
|
The project continues to move forward. Tablets and Becker technology has been rolled out. |
|
|
| Project Name: 4: Alternative Education Programming 4033 | |
| Report Title: Jan Status Report | Project Manager: Cora Turner |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to review all alternative education opportunities offered by the district for students be be successful. Efforts will focus on reducing the drop out rate, improve attendance, sense of connection to school, preparation for post secondary education or the workforce, become a productive member of society, and allow students to be served in one location if possible. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Planning sessions have been held daily to ensure the move cntinue to meet our students needs. | |||
|
|
Student enrollment for all programs has increased. Daily success opportunities are offered to students. | Open communication on the programs planned for the 2011- 2012 school year. | ||
|
|
We continue to explore and answer questions for continued support and education for program improvement. Several meeting have been held during the past month to plan for our move to the new location. | The Alternative Education staff continue to focus on student success and meeting the needs of all students in our programs. |
|
|
| Project Name: 4: Attendance Policy and Procedures 4032 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Julia Eckerman |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to inform parents/students of the importance of daily attendance and how it affects their child's education. We will need to partner with the Black Hawk County Attorney's Office, who is willing to collaborate in this effort. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 4: PBIS 4030 | |
| Report Title: Feb Status Report | Project Manager: Felicia D Hagerstrom |
| Project Objective: Implementation of PBIS through: 1.) Providing appropriate year level training for each building team -every building in the training process by 2009-2010, 2.) Providing supplemental training and support for building coaches, 3.) Holding monthly district leadership team meetings, and 4.) Maintaining lines of communications between building and the district as per celebrations and program information. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 4: Safety/Confidence -4027 | |
| Report Title: Dec Status Report | Project Manager: Sharon Miller |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to increase confidence and pride in the district by improving and communicating crisis planning, prevention/mitigation, response, and recovery capability. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Ongoing training of Raptor operators needed;; technical problems being resolved as they occur. | Frequent face-to-face meetings help identify and solve operational issues with Raptor. | ||
|
|
Plans extending into this fiscal year need careful monitoring for appropriate allocation of funds. | Carryover unspent funds from last FY. | ||
|
|
Facility users guide depends on web-based facility usage software, which is not yet active. | Gang Awareness, Bus Safety, AED, Special Event planning projects underway. Work with Business Office and web programmer to determine schedule for online scheduler. Bus table top has been completed and is distributed to schools for use. | ||
|
|
Incident Command training completed for this year;; highly rated by participants | Extremely committed staff are making good progress. Great collaboration with WPD and others on safety. | ||
|
|
Facility users guide schedule in doubt. | Work with Business Office to determine schedule for online scheduler. |
|
|
| Project Name: 5: Business partnerships that engage community leaders in the educational program | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Crystal Buzza |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to develop and engage businesses and leaders in the Cedar Valley so they are actively working with the Waterloo Community School District Career Academies. We will have businesses work with our career facilitators offering unique career experiences to our students by the end of the 2010-2011 school year. By engaging the business community we will help to focus our students’ career goals in order to prepare them for graduation. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Our career academies have seen some changes since the beginning of 2010. We have had weekly speakers into both high schools and multiple trips scheduled for this first semester. We have already outlines plans for second semester. | Businesses have been very receptive to assist with Career Interest academies. We have asked many speakers to come back and most businesses are fairly familiar with the CIA. | ||
|
|
The curriculum has already seen business input from 2010 and we are continuing to make adjustments as necessary. In addition we have increased the depth of college courses. | We need to make sure any curriculum changes we make fit within our scope and purpose and that we don’t overwhelm students with choices but rather give them choices that will challenge them and help them to learn. | ||
|
|
Generally the scheduling has gone fairly well. The end of September and month of October have been extremely busy for trips. The biggest challenge is to decide who will attend and what we will participate in. | All departments involved in scheduling have been very responsive and teachers have had good positive comments as we identify areas of improve we are making sure we shift to work with busing and school schedules. | ||
|
|
As we have new opportunities available it is important that we continue to survey the teachers and the business professionals so we can improve the process. We also need to make sure our teachers get the full experience of career interest academies. | So far this year we have had two professional development days of trips for teachers to learn about businesses in the communities. Afterwards teachers take what they have learned and try to incorporate it into their lesson plans. | ||
|
|
We have established a core group of individuals to get us started with are Career & Technical Advisory Committees. All of the business professionals that are involved are very excited and eager to help out. | Overall we are continuing to move forward and adding more depth to our academies. |
|
|
| Project Name: 5: Communication Vehicles to Reach all Stakeholders, | |
| Report Title: Dec Status Report | Project Manager: Sharon Miller |
| Project Objective: To engage all stakeholders for maximum student success | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Connect Ed, social media are the focus of our project, along with ELL translations. | |||
|
|
Not yet developed | |||
|
|
Initial steps have been completed, project is on schedule | |||
|
|
Good resources are available with existing tools;; more professional development will raise usage to higher levels. Policy approved by Board. | |||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: 5: Communications Links between Classroom & Home 4028 | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Katrina Hemann |
| Project Objective: The goal of this project is to establish timely and effective communication links between school and home on a monthly basis, communicate grade level and course expectations (no later than August of current school year), and review/expand parent-led and student-led conferences for the 2010-11 school year if time allows. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
None | None | ||
|
|
No budget needed at this time. | SCR department | ||
|
|
Monitoring at this point. | Continue to monitor. | ||
|
|
All schools have been following the standards for their newsletters. All buildings have a website created and updated for the 10-11 school year. | None needed | ||
|
|
Newsletter templates required some individual help but all buildings seem to be following the standards. Websites are updated and running for each building and Connect-ed calls have been made. I do need to stay on top of buidlings to make sure they aren't using the automatic translator as this isn't always accurate. | None needed |
|
|
| Project Name: 5: District Apparel | |
| Report Title: Oct Status Report | Project Manager: Sharon Miller |
| Project Objective: At this time, only school-specific apparel is available. Some alumni groups have expressed desire for district logo apparel. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
We have experienced some significant delays with the vendor that was originally selected. | As of October 19 we decided to move another direction and choose a new vender for the project. The new vendor will be Coverall. | ||
|
|
We will start out with just an order form to begin with. We hope to distribute that form by the first part of November. Coverall is in the process of hiring a new employee who sets up and manages online stores. | Once the online manger begins they will be able to look at creating an online store. Because we didn’t want to delay the project any more we thought we would start with the order form. We have also decided to start with a limited selection of items so when the store is ready to be created it will be easy to put together. | ||
|
|
We are significantly behind in the original timeline of Christmas 2010. | By moving to a new vendor we fill that we will be able to close this project out within a month. | ||
|
|
Basic standards and procedural steps have been identified. | The items have all been identified that we would like to make available. We will be starting on a small selection to begin with. | ||
|
|
Overall the project has been behind schedule. | By moving to a new vendor we have quickly gained momentum and the over the last two days have made significant progress on the project. Coverall also already had our logo on file so we should not have to wait on the stitch. |
|
|
| Project Name: 5: Outstanding Alumni | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Sharon Miller |
| Project Objective: The goal of the project is to identify outstanding alumni, caputre their personal stories, and share these testimonials regarding the benefits gained from attending the Waterloo Schools with our community. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
We are working on building relationships with alumni. Alumni post graduation haven't actively been sought out. | We have been networking with alumni through reunions and contacting those alumni who have recently been featured in the media for example 20 under 40 recipients. | ||
|
|
Managing and identify reunion groups will be something new to this department. In the past we have listed information on our website but that was been it. We are also working on updating our contact information and has been on file through Harris Connect. | We will be using the Harris Connect System to help update our records and we will be keeping track of reunion information that we receive at the ESC. We also plan on actively looking for reunion information through social media as that is the trend for planning. In addition we have discussed using our current student information database to track alumni. | ||
|
|
Most reunions have come to an end and are now in the process of collecting updated alumni information. We have also been using our current employee base of alumni to identify outstanding alums. | We have asked reunion groups for a copy of their reunion books so we can have updated information. In addition as we contact alumni via employees or the 20 under 40 networks we are able to get at least email addresses which help us make a first connection. | ||
|
|
We are establishing a formal request for alumni statements and reunion tour requests. Both of these forms help us to collect information and clearly state our purpose. | We have a formal process of collecting information now and have permission requests included. We will also be posting the forms on the website for alumni statements once we begin to showcase someone. In addition we have started scripts for each building tour. West is completed. | ||
|
|
We have asked building staff for input on identify alumni so know we are making sure we have contact information and are waiting to hear back from some alumni. | We have asked building staff for input on identify alumni so know we are making sure we have contact information and are waiting to hear back from some alumni. |
|
|
| Project Name: 5: Support System for volunteers, mentors and business partners | |
| Report Title: Nov Status Report | Project Manager: Crystal Buzza |
| Project Objective: To establishing an ongoing system to track and support volunteers, mentors and business partners in order to continue to improve our volunteers and students experience. Volunteer background check system will be in place once new volunteer policy is approved. (November 1, 2010). Support program and materials will be completed by Spring so they can be implemented in the next school year. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
We rely on a number of volunteers and mentors to help our students and teachers. We also have a number of organizations that come in and out of our buildings for student teaching or helping with career academies. | We know that is important to welcome volunteers into our buildings. We also want to make sure they are familiar with our schools. Currently we have volunteers sign in and out through Raptor. In addition we have them fill out an application. | ||
|
|
There is always a need for more volunteers and with more volunteers come more management time. | We have about a total of 150 formal mentor matches. We also know that we have some informal mentors that meet and are in the process of setting up guidelines for them. In addition we have worked to update our volunteer forms so we have current information for them. | ||
|
|
Keeping matches going and recruiting is ongoing. Also finding time for matches to meet can be a challenge. | We are doing more direct placement for mentors and volunteers that way we can get them started as soon as possible. | ||
|
|
This is a very important project so we will be taking our time to make sure a volunteer management process is successful and makes sense. | We are continuing to send out information to volunteers on school schedules so volunteers (especially RSVP) are aware of what is going on in the buildings. We are sending information as needed to mentors and trying to keep the same message between both mentoring groups. Some of our matches have started a Strengths program that we hope will increase how matches are strengthened. | ||
|
|
We know that volunteers and mentors are important but also take time so the school and volunteer have a good experience. | As we put a more formal plan in place we want to make sure all our students and volunteers are safe. We also want to make sure we have a better sense of the true hours our volunteers put in. |
|
|
| Project Name: 6: Memorial Stadium Crowd Management | |
| Report Title: Select Month Status Report | Project Manager: Marty Metcalf |
| Project Objective: The original configuration of traffic flow for pedestrians led to congestion, difficulty in supervision. Providing standing and walking spaces that can be better supervised will improve security. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Proposed changes were constructed as designed. | |||
|
|
||||
|
|
Completed on schedule | |||
|
|
Crowd movement and control are vastly improved. | |||
|
|
A good improvement to security for events at the stadium. |
|
|
| Project Name: 6: Surveillance Camera Upgrades | |
| Report Title: Select Month Status Report | Project Manager: Marty Metcalf |
| Project Objective: Enhance surveillance systems at middle and high schools | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Middle and High school have completed the installation of new digital surveillance system. | |||
|
|
A federal matching grant supported this project. | |||
|
|
Project completed, with full knowledge this is an evolving need and more or different technologies may become needed and available. | |||
|
|
Surveillance has vastly improved, both in quality and in area covered. New needs will continually be assessed and resources sought to meet any future needs. | |||
|
|
All installations complete;; ongoing troubleshooting and needs assessment will continue. |
|
|
| Project Name: District Budgeting Process - 4022 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Michael Coughlin |
| Project Objective: Generate Budget models to facilitate options study under strategic plan priorities | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Budget Reduction Resolution providing guidance for 2011 Budget | |||
|
|
Legislature has provided 2011 Funding | |||
|
|
Details of Expenditure Reductions in process | |||
|
|
Areas of priorities have been established to provide guidelines for line-item budget | |||
|
|
Choices not easy, but are focused |
|
|
| Project Name: Enhancing Human Resources Functions Through the District Website | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Jeanne Daggett-Kemp |
| Project Objective: This project proposal will assist Human Resources to:move toward a paperless office environmentcreate an archive of information that will be secure and enable the office personnel to collect and report accurate information in a timely mannerenable employees to access their personal information and maintain that informationallow swift response to building principals/administrators when searhing for qualified employeescontinue to create interactive forms for use throughout the District | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Waiting for completion of district website enhancements. | |||
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| Project Name: Facility Usage Policy - 4020 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Michael Coughlin |
| Project Objective: Review and Update Facility Use Policy. Automate Facillity Rental on District Web Site. Determine use or disposal of all district buildings and land. | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
Website Setup | Work with WebMaster | ||
|
|
||||
|
|
Communication to Users | Upon completion, working with Building Staff |
|
|
| Project Name: Maximize Operational Efficiency - 4043 | |
| Report Title: Mar Status Report | Project Manager: Michael Coughlin |
| Project Objective: Best practice research to improve central services; warehousing, food service, transportation, printing, other contracted services | |
|
|
|
| Status | Trend | Status Comment | Corrective Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
In study of ancillary services | |||
|
|
Establishing components to study and fit into other district functions | |||
|
|
Transportation Consultants are conducting study. Have started study process through remainder of school year for other services. | |||
|
|
||||
|
|
Identification of comprehensive district need |
|
|
 District Home
Strategic Focus Areas
|