But those are certainly not the goals that over 100 community members helped outline in the district's new strategic plan. In this plan, the community speaks of developing the whole child, of all students achieving their full potential, of students who will be engaged, independent learners, critical and creative thinkers, and courageous citizens. (See www.wdsdvt.org/ for the full plan.) That's a whole different issue than dollars and cents, and it might require a whole different way of thinking about staffing, student time, programs, instruction and staff development.
We should insist that before talking about cutting teacher positions because of declining enrollment, we first discuss creative ways to continuously improve student learning and accomplish the goals set out in the strategic plan -- and then discuss what resources are needed to achieve that. Is it best achieved by adding to a position here, or reducing a position there? Are there other options and priorities? Do they require money or can we find creative teaching strategies or community partnerships to help us achieve our goals?
I firmly believe this needs to be the starting point and where the truly hard conversations and decisions need to happen. We made a great start last year when so many people came together with their thoughts for our strategic plan. It was clear that our community wants to keep our schools strong to ensure that every child develops to his or her potential and is prepared to succeed in the world. Let's continue to move forward in that direction.
Sherry Ziemke is a member of the Waterbury-Duxbury School Board and is not up for re-election this year. She has written this article as a personal opinion and is not representing the school board as a whole.
