Since 2001, Joliet Township High School (JTHS) has contracted with an objective external facilitator to develop a Strategic Plan that sets the goals and initiatives of the school district. The plan is sanctioned by the Board of Education and aligned to the budget cycle and job responsibilities of administration and staff. Examples of past success from Strategic Planning includes the separation of athletic teams and construction of the field houses, implementation of one-to-one technology, expansion of course offerings and student support services, the addition of a class period for freshmen, and more.
To continue the path of targeted goal setting and continued progress, JTHS began the process of developing a new Strategic Plan this past June with a volunteer team of parents, students, staff, community members, and Board of Education representatives who labored over three intensive days. The plan, in draft form until final approval by the Board of Education, includes four strategies that will guide the district’s school improvement efforts and resource allocation for the next three to five years.
With the creation of the new strategies, the district is now seeking parents, students, staff, and community members to serve on Action Planning Teams to determine the steps necessary to achieve the strategic intent of each strategy. Action Planning Team meetings begin the week of September 12 and take place weekly in the evenings with dinner provided for participants. Action planning concludes prior to Thanksgiving Break.
“With changes in our educational and societal landscape due to COVID, this planning is particularly important as we face new challenges and opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Karla Guseman. “This is important work, and there is no limit to the number of individuals who can participate on these Action Teams. A broad range of values and perspectives need to be considered in the development of a Strategic Plan that can be supported by the entire community, and I hope our families, staff, and community will consider participating. Thousands of students, and the communities we serve, will benefit from our efforts.”
Community members interested in volunteering can sign up at bit.ly/JTActionTeam2022.
Strategies and meeting times:
Action Team 1
Develops Action Plans To: In partnership with families and community, implement a systemic approach to culturally sustaining experiences and restorative justice to deliver an equitable educational experience while expanding the diversity of our faculty and administration in order to remove systemic educational barriers.
Meets Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Central in the Multipurpose Rooms
Action Team 2
Develops Action Plans To: Establish a culture and organizational structure that will foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and supportive climate that engages all stakeholders.
Meets Tuesdays from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Central
Action Team 3
Develops Action Plans To: Implement a holistic approach to supporting students through family, community, and student engagement, targeted supports, and flexible learning opportunities to improve student attendance and academic performance.
Meets Thursdays from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at West
Action Team 4
Develops Action Plans To: Maximize the district’s resources to update facilities, improve collaborative and functional spaces, and develop creative programming and scheduling to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and community.
Meets Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Administrative Center
