Vision 2009: Fulfilling The Promise

SAISD District Improvement Plan

Board Presentation

Function: School-Community Relations

October 2005

Governmental Relations and

External AffairsSpecial Events

Where have we been?

In the past, the District focused on developing a broad consensus around a vision for teaching and learning, and engaging parents and the community in initiating and sustaining reform efforts.

Our efforts encouraged involvement in our schools by asking parent and community members to actively seek opportunities to increase the academic performance of students.

Where are we now?

The District has an effective and systemic school-community relations plan that involves two-way communication between the school and its community to build morale, goodwill, cooperation, and support for the District in order to promote student academic achievement.

The School-Community Relations function encompasses District partnerships with outside organizations, relationships with local, state and national governmental entities and elected officials, the development and decision-making processes, participation in community activities and District-wide special events.

Where do we want to be?

We want to continue efforts to effectively engage the public and employees in meaningful ways through:

collaboration with parents, community, and business members;

a comprehensive decision-making process for effective governance; and

a comprehensive support and recognition system for all audiences.

Three Major Areas

Special Events

School-Community Partnerships

Internal & ExternalDecision Making

Process

Internal & External Public Relations

School-Community Partnerships

Where we want to be? Strategy 1: Public Engagement

Continue to engage various businesses, educational institutions, community and governmental entities in meaningful relationships.

Strategy 2: Resource Development Develop a strategic plan to establish and maintain the

SAISD Partnership Council to secure private resources from area businesses, alumni, community at-large, and foundations.

Strategy 3: Parent Development Assist schools in building collective relationships with

parents to improve student performance.

School-Community Partnerships

How are we going to get there? 1 Expand the number of volunteers and mentors through

a variety of recruiting efforts including volunteer fairs, media campaign, direct mail, one-on-one business meetings, Texas Scholars, and Career days

Initiate the “Welcome Baby” Project aimed at welcoming newborn children into the District

Maintain a telephone Helpline as a one-stop, 24-hour avenue for soliciting information and expressing concerns

School-Community Partnerships

How are we going to get there? 2 Cultivate relationships with neighborhood and religious

leaders, coalitions, senior citizens and key communicators

Develop the purpose, membership and activities of the SAISD Partnership Council

Design informational materials for effective communication.

School-Community Partnerships

How are we going to get there? 3 Provide on-going professional development for campus

designated representatives

Ensure that every campus has an established and actively engaged parent organization

Conduct annual Parent Summits engaging parents in professional learning sessions on leadership, academics, social issues and parent involvement

Facilitate communication between the District and the SAISD Council of PTAs and support events/activities.

Coordinate special parent events

Internal and External Decision-Making (Governance)

Where we want to be? Strategy 1: Site-Based Decision Making (Integrated Communications

Network) Engage employees, parents and District community members in a

systemic approach for planning and decision-making resulting in an increased understanding of and the support for the District’s mission, goals, and objectives.

Strategy 2: Governmental Relations Effectively communicate District viewpoints with decision-makers

who can provide additional support and assistance to our District Strategy 3: Policies and Procedures

Support the SAISD Board of Education and Administration in its efforts to audit policies and procedures to ensure alignment with District goals

Internal and External Decision-Making Process (Governance)How are we going to get there?

Convene and facilitate monthly Communications Summit with all representatives of the Area Leadership Teams.

Facilitate the District Leadership Team monthly meetings.

Produce monthly publications, NewsFlash and Communicator and ParentNews.

Provide training to SAISD PTA Council, principals, and CLT members to address effective site-based decision-making process practices.

Participate in local, state, and federal level meetings with other educators and elected officials to develop educational policy

Internal and External Decision-Making Process (Governance)

Maintain a statewide communications network with elected officials, governmental entities and educational entities to advocate issues concerning SAISD

Monitor proposed legislation and provide impact statements on the expected outcomes

Develop an audit system for annual review of District policies and procedures

Internal and External Decision-Making Process (Governance)

Develop an effective system to archive District policies and procedures

Modify or create policies and procedures

Provide training and informational modules on policies and procedures to District leaders

Develop communication tools: Parent-Student Handbook, Custody and Consent Information, Know the Code discipline information

Internal and External Public Relations Where we want to be?

Strategy 1: Special Event and Recognitions Develop a comprehensive plan to showcase District programs,

schools, personnel and community members

How are we going to get there?

Plan, coordinate, and implement special events and employee recognition programs

Develop a system for the effective implementation of a customer service program

Encourage the PTA, neighborhood organizations, civic groups, area chambers of commerce and governmental entities to showcase our students and staff

Create a reward system to recognize cooperating businesses and individuals for their contribution to the District

Intended Outcomes

Increased student academic performance

Increased level of confidence in the district by employees, parents and community members

Increased resources to the SAISD.