Special Message from the Board of Trustees To Members of the Community and Staff

February 25, 2002

At a workshop held on February 7, 2002, as part of its commitment to developing a clear focus and direction for the District, the Board of Trustees worked with staff and members of the community to identify draft district goals for 2002-2004. Before taking action on these goals at their February 28, 2002 meeting, the Trustees are seeking further input from community and staff regarding your priorities.

District goals have a major impact on the way the district utilizes its resources, both money and staff time. Please take a moment to review the goal statements below, and let us know whether you think we are on target, should shift our emphasis, or perhaps may have missed an important topic.

The district goals will establish a broad framework for direction. Once the goals are adopted we will draft specific objectives for implementation, again with community and staff input. The objectives will provide a more specific plan of action for the upcoming year.

Draft Vision Content:

• The Larkspur School District is committed to providing an extraordinary education for our children. Through a collaborative partnership with parents, educators and our community, we will establish innovative programs and policies designed to support superior academic performance and social success for all of our students.
• The Larkspur School District is viewed as reputable, well managed, prudent, and a local leadership voice on education.
• The Larkspur School District recognizes that teachers and staff play a primary role in formal learning and must be honored, valued and supported in their work.

Draft Goals:
Six potential goals were developed. Recognizing a limit to its resources, the Trustees agreed to focus on five goals, and initially prioritized the first five listed below.

• We will develop a communication plan which promotes the exchange of thoughts among staff, parents, students and the community, fosters community building, and strengthens community participation in district policy making and operations
• We will establish and implement instructional programs, which are aligned with state standards where appropriate, in: Science; Physical Education; Visual and Performing Arts
• We will oversee options for the best use of newly constructed facilities on behalf of students and staff
• We will effectively manage the district’s budget while maximizing available resources
• We will promote a positive and supportive school climate
• We will enhance the use of technology in curriculum integration and for administrative efficiency
• We encourage your input and ask that you help us in our decision-making.

You may contact us by e-mail, by phone or by sending us a note to the attention of the Board of Trustees at the District Office. Together we can ensure that the district’s resources are targeted to provide the best educational program possible for our children as they learn and grow. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Board of Trustees:
Karen Ellingboe
Sally Blatt
Kathy Hartzell
Stacey Weeks
Molly White