As representatives of the citizens of Ware County, the Board of Education has adopted goals and objectives to bring about desired school system improvement. System employees and the community at large had submitted input on the goals and objectives; an operational plan has been developed to meet each of the goals. Evidence presented at board meetings throughout the year will provide the means of measuring our progress.

The Board of Education and Superintendent will use the goals and objectives to measure the system's performance.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Student Achievement – Continue implementation of the 2020 Vision, an innovative, rigorous, and relevant learning environment that challenges all students to attain high academic growth.

Objective 1: Provide digital resources for English Language Arts/Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies and K-12 instructional resources (Pacing Guides, Unit Plans/Assessments), and implement Georgia Standards of Excellence.

Objective 2: Emphasize individual student achievement in all academic areas as measured by state-adopted assessments, as these directly impact the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI).

Objective 3: Emphasize academic/CTAE curriculum infusion to increase student achievement outcomes and graduation rate, beginning in elementary school.

Objective 4: Continue implementation of specific high-impact instructional strategies, such as standards-based instruction and Learning-Focused Strategies, at each school (PK-12) to reduce the performance gap for identified student subgroups in each grade level.

Objective 5: Reduce the achievement gap between subgroups as measured by an increase in the CCRPI Progress/Achievement Gap score.

Objective 6: Continue to utilize Professional Learning Communities in grades PK-12.

Objective 7: Continue full implementation of the TKES/LKES evaluation system.

Objective 8: Continue credit repair programs to provide an avenue for at-risk students to earn credits as well as after-school tutoring programs to remediate and close achievement gaps.

Objective 9: Track, review, and continue to support strategies, such as PBIS and Wellness initiatives, that will improve student discipline and attendance.

Objective 10: Address technology literacy at all grade levels, with a focus on Digital Citizenship.

Objective 11: Continue to emphasize career awareness and cross-disciplinary studies to prepare students for the future workforce and close achievement gaps.

Objective 12: Prepare Pre-K students for kindergarten by emphasizing the importance of local Pre-K programs that help students develop early reading, math, and writing skills.

GOAL 2: Operations and Finance – Maintain fiscal stability and increase reserves through sound financial practices while providing safe and efficient facilities and maintenance/transportation operations.

Objective 1: Review school and district financial procedures through the annual audit process and follow recommendations for improvement.

Objective 2: Provide current information of interest to stakeholders regarding the financial impact of legislation, legal challenges, and/or state and federal Department of Education requirements.

Objective 3: Provide a monthly update on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax for Education (ESPLOST) projects and monthly detail of ESPLOST revenues received by the school district.

Objective 4: Establish a tentative budget for the following school year by June 30.

Objective 5: Post monthly/annual financial reports for the Board of Education. Post Annual Audit Reports.

Objective 6: Continue the Five-year Facility Plan and designated ESPLOST projects.

Objective 7: Utilize rating scale to evaluate the cleanliness of every school, and hire and train adequate staff to maintain system facilities.

Objective 8: Review and update emergency management plans for all Ware County School System facilities and key personnel.

Objective 9: Maintain the existing Ware County Policy Manual with support as needed from the Georgia School Boards Association and/or Harben, Hartley, and Hawkins.

Objective 10: Continue to implement eco-friendly applications where beneficial.

Goal 3: Human Resources – Recruit, retain, and develop highly skilled personnel to serve the needs of each child in the Ware County School System.

Objective 1: Continue fostering school and teacher feedback via the Superintendent's Teacher Advisory Committee. (Representatives will be the Teacher of the Year from each school site.)

Objective 2: Implement strategies to recruit and retain the best staff and administration and adhere to the Ware County Board of Education policy to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, native language, religion, creed, genetic makeup or handicap in educational programs and activities, admission to facilities, or employment practices.

Objective 3: Partner with various agencies to develop staff leadership skills and maximize potential within the Ware County Schools organization through the Leadership Development Academy.

Goal 4: Community Involvement – Strengthen school, family, and community partnerships.

Objective 1: Continue to foster strong, positive relationships between parents, teachers, administrators, and community in conjunction with GSBA/GSSA's Vision for Public Education in Georgia by involving all stakeholders in the school improvement process, providing school choice where available, and offering access to school data through Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Objective 2: Expand opportunities for career and academic planning in conjunction with South Georgia State College, Coastal Pines Technical College, and similar institutes of higher education through continued emphasis on the BRIDGE Law.

Objective 3: Partner with local industries, employers, and community stakeholders to provide career focus and employability development training to students in grades 6-12 and STEAM exploration in grades PK-12.

Objective 4: Partner with community stakeholders to provide services that may not be otherwise available in the schools, such as mentoring/tutoring programs, teenage pregnancy outreach, dropout prevention, mental health services, and healthcare provider services.

Objective 5: Establish goals and objectives and ensure significant changes are brought to the Board's attention prior to implementation.

Objective 6: Provide reports for the Board of Education and community stakeholders that demonstrate accountability and proof of success towards goals/objectives.

Objective 7: Continue usage of the Ware County School System’s brand.

Objective 8: Place superintendent's annual evaluation instrument on the Ware County School System's website.

Objective 9: Promote Ware County by showcasing student achievement and award-winning recognitions by staff and students.

Objective 10: Continue fostering stakeholder feedback via the Superintendent's Parent Advisory Committee. (Parent representatives from each school site will be required.)