Superintendent’s Corner
A wish for the greatest of holiday seasons to you all from Maple Valley Schools! As we wrap up 2024 and look forward to 2025, I wanted to share our plans going forward for our Strategic Planning efforts which will involve a great many perspectives and work from all segments of our district this spring.
We have gathered input from our community, our staff and our students to begin developing an understanding of what matters to all of our stakeholders. I spent the past week digging into the results to develop a big picture idea of what matters to us all. These conclusions will be shared with our board committees and full board as well as our greater community. Then, we will gather together in an effort to distill these values and needs into our road map for the next five years.
Our process this time will look different than our last 5-year plan. Rather than set a series of goals developed from our standing with other peer institutions, this time we will follow a process of starting with the end in mind. What do we want our Maple Valley graduates to look like at the 12th grade level, the 6th grade level and the 2nd grade level? Once we know those values and expectations that helps us to develop everything that is required to make those visions become our students’ reality. The types of coursework, learning options, and how we structure our district will all be done with the portrait of our graduates to guide us. The professional development for our staff, financial priorities and how we enrich our students’ lives will be aligned to our graduate outcomes. This plan is what will make the experiences of our kids unique and special as Maple Valley students.
In a time when the needs of a comprehensive education are extensive and the resources to fulfill those needs are often limited, it is more crucial than ever that we remain laser focused on why and how we do what we do. Preliminary examination of the survey input I have received thus far indicated people are universally invested in providing life skills that extend well beyond the classroom, a sense of belonging, and a need to give back. These values are showing up strongly in all 3 groups, as well as the ability to work together, and be kind. It is also clear that folks want for students to treasure the experiences of school because they are meaningful, valuable and high impact ways for a student to spend their days. There is more analysis for us to do and I invite you to stay tuned for when we bring our community together to help us distill our plans into actions. There is a great deal of work and excitement coming to the Valley this spring.
Until then, I hope this season gives you the opportunity to be reflective and grateful for the many benefits we have in being members of this very special community. Knowing and caring for our neighbors, recognizing the value of our children as the future leaders of our world and providing them a strong sense of place and positive values to be good citizens are some of the many things I am so thankful for as I celebrate this blessed season with my family and friends. May you have joy, great food and memorable times within your own families this season.
In good cheer and gratitude,
Dr. B
