Strategic Planning Update - Canton District 66

First of all, thanks to all who have participated in our school's Strategic Planning initiative so far!

Also thanks in advance to those that will be helping in the coming phases. The initial phase has provided us with valuable insight, and literally hundreds of ideas from the school district's stakeholders. We have now prioritized this collection of ideas and are ready to undertake the challenging task of evaluating each one's "current state". We will determine the current state using facts, data, and the combined experience and expertise of all participating. After doing so, we will then proceed to the next phase of identifying, developing and analyzing potential improvement ideas.  

The burning platform - Why?

We truly live in a rapidly changing world and wishing for change to stop, slow down, or ignoring it will not help. In fact it will only put us at a greater disadvantage. Since my grandfather immigrated to this country at the turn of the century, the U.S. economy has changed from agricultural based, to industrial based, and now has migrated to one dominated by the impact of information and technology. In today's fully integrated global economy, the speed of change has increased exponentially, and distance has now become a non-issue for world trade. Bottom line, these are the cards on the table, and it is our collective responsibility to prepare our existing and future generations so that they can experience the high standard of living of which we have come to enjoy. 

Education is key.

The ability to provide our students with world-class primary and secondary education has been cited by many as a "critical success factor", required in order for us to maintain our position in the world economy. It's not just something we should do; it is really something we must do to prepare our young people for life after school in the new global economy. On this notion, I truly believe that Canton can and should become an "island of educational excellence" in the Midwest. We have the essential ingredients for success and we can overcome challenges and limitations through systematic implementation of continuous improvement tools and techniques.

How can we actually make this happen?

We must take full advantage of what we already have at our disposal and maximize our effectiveness. We must leverage the success of others to overcome challenges and limitations, replicating proven solutions wherever possible. Replication has been proven to be highly effective and highly efficient, so we must avoid the common "not invented here" attitude that commonly plagues improvement efforts. We will also need to maximize our use of local resources by creating a collaborative environment of effective partnerships with public and private organizations throughout the area. 

Uncomfortable yet?  Achieving success with an initiative of this magnitude may demand changes in conventional thinking, require new or changing roles, and may prove to be uncomfortable for some. Such is the nature of change. We cannot let this be a defeating factor going forward. We've made a great start and have a good plan to follow with plenty great ideas to pursue.

Leaders needed. We are in the process of determining champions for each of the topics (listed below) we are pursuing. These individuals will lead the efforts needed to develop these ideas. This will require dedication, passion, and perseverance. If you would like to participate in a leadership role or would like to help as part of one of the topic teams, please contact Janet Werry by email via jwerry@cantonusd.org or telephone us at 647-3400, ext. 1000 and ask how you can help with the Strategic Planning effort.

I hope you'll join us in the journey!

Marion Kuzniar

President - Board of Education

Canton School District 66 

Canton Union School District #66

20 West Walnut Street

Canton, IL 61520

309/647-9411

Strategic Planning Topics List

Educational Foundation

Economic Development

Transition

Student Input

Meeting Needs of All Students

Follow Thru w/District Initiative

Parental Involvement

Advanced Wellness Program for the whole District

Facilities

Producing Well-Rounded Students

Needs of High Achievers

Consistently Re-evaluate Curriculum (vocational-

fine arts-foreign language)

Work/World Courses

Maintain & Improve Technology

Communication & Public Relations

PreKindergarten – Kindergarten Education

Educating Politicians about Education

Community Involvement

Innovative Learning Strategies

Align Curriculum Kindergarten-14

Make Education Relevant to All

Staff Incentives

Increase Partnerships

Security/Health